Sole Purpose Of Arrest To Humiliate Me": Arvind Kejriwal's Bail Hearing

Arvind Kejriwal - arrested by the ED last month in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam - was sent Tuesday to Delhi's Tihar Jail till April 15 after spending over 10 days in the agency's custody. New Delhi:  Delhi Chief Minister - lashed out at the Enforcement Directorate Wednesday, declaring "the sole purpose of the arrest is to humiliate me... to incapacitate me". Arguing for interim relief before the Delhi High Court, Mr Kejriwal said the ED had acted without any "inquiry, statement, or material that could be the basis of an arrest". The AAP boss - whose arrest weeks before the Lok Sabha election led to furious protests and claims the ruling BJP is trying to shut down rival parties to ensure a massive victory - accused the agency of preventing him from participating in elections. "Efforts are being made to break the AAP," he said. Appearing for the Chief Minister, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued the ED "does not have any evidence against Arvind Kejriwal". "While arresting Mr Kejriwal, no attempt was made to take his statement at home... ED should have done this before arresting him," he said.       "'Level playing field' (before an election) is not just a phrase. It is part of 'free and fair elections' which is part of a democratic structure. This case reeks of timing issues," Mr Singhvi began. "What is this urgency? I am not talking about politics... I am talking about law," he continued, arguing the arrest was meant to "demolish Aam Aadmi Party before first vote is cast". The AAP is part of the Congress-led INDIA opposition bloc that is bidding to stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP from winning a third consecutive term. Mr Singhvi also questioned the ED over the issue of multiple summons to the Chief Minister, particularly after the AAP leader had moved the court to challenge the agency's call. "...my not responding to summons is a nice point of prejudice... it is a red herring," he said, referring to the nine letters sent by the ED demanding that Mr Kejriwal join the investigation Was there a possibility of Arvind Kejriwal fleeing? Did he try to influence any witness in one-and-a half years? Did he refuse to be questioned?" the senior advocate asked.