ED's fourth summons to Kejriwal, called for questioning on January 18

Cm Arvind Kejriwal: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued the fourth summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise scam. The central agency has called for questioning on January 18. ED issued summons to CM Kejriwal for the fourth time when he did not attend the interrogation on January 3. The Delhi Chief Minister had termed the summons issued by ED as illegal and said that the sole purpose of the summons is to arrest him.

Earlier, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Kejriwal had refused to appear before the ED on November 2 and December 21 also. At the same time, the party has been claiming that the Delhi CM can be arrested. However, ED had termed such claim as a rumour. In April last year, the Central Bureau of Investigation had questioned CM Kejriwal in connection with this case, but the agency did not make him an accused.

What was Kejriwal saying when he did not appear before ED?

In a letter addressed to the Assistant Director of ED, Kejriwal had said that the Election Commission has decided to hold elections for Rajya Sabha from National Capital Territory of Delhi. Nominations have started and voting will take place on January 19. Delhi has been allotted three seats in the Rajya Sabha and the tenure of the current office-bearers will end on January 27. Being the Chief Minister of Delhi, he is also very busy in planning and preparing many programs and ceremonies for the Republic Day.

Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are in jail

AAP had claimed that the summons was issued with the intention of arresting Kejriwal. The Chief Minister had accused the ED of not accepting the detailed arguments given earlier in response to his notice. After this it was said that ED can send another notice in this case or can approach the court for a warrant. Currently, Kejriwal also has the option of approaching the court and seeking anticipatory bail to stop any possible arrest by the ED. ED has already arrested former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh in this case.