Arvind Kejriwal moves court to get insulin in jail
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has filed a petition in the Rouse Avenue Court for access to insulin in Tihar Jail. Kejriwal, who was arrested last month in the alleged liquor policy scam case, is a Type 2 diabetes patient. On Thursday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleged that he "was not being given insulin despite repeated requests," with AAP leader Atishi claiming a "conspiracy to kill" Kejriwal.
Why does this story matter?
Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 in a money laundering probe linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. He is currently under judicial remand until April 23. According to the AAP, Kejriwal's health has been deteriorating. On April 3, the party said that Kejriwal had lost around 4.5kg weight since his arrest. As a diabetic patient, Kejriwal had reportedly also been experiencing fluctuations in his blood sugar levels since. The authorities in Tihar Jail had denied the claims.
ED rejects claims made by AAP
The ED has rejected the claims made by the AAP, adding that Kejriwal continues to consume sweets and mangoes in custody. On Thursday, the federal agency rejected Kejriwal's request for a video consult with his doctor. "Kejriwal's diet chart has mangoes and sweets on it...it has been placed before the court. (He) is regularly consuming foods not permitted for any diabetic patient," Zuhaib Hussain, ED's legal counsel, said. He even alleged that Kejriwal was doing so to secure bail.
Kejriwal's lawyer counters ED's claims, court awaits report
Kejriwal's legal team has refuted the ED's claims, stating that all food items on his diet chart were approved by his doctor. His attorney accused the ED of trying to halt the provision of home-cooked meals, which was permitted by the court due to Kejriwal's medical condition. "He is only eating what is prescribed by doctors. ED is trying to stop supply of home-cooked food. This concerns the health of the CM," argued Vivek Jain, Kejriwal's lawyer.
Saxena directed director general of prisons to produce factual report
Meanwhile, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena directed the director general of prisons to produce a factual report on the AAP's allegations that Kejriwal was not receiving insulin in Tihar Jail. Furthermore, the Delhi LG stated that any disregard regarding CM Kejriwal's health would not be accepted. "VK Saxena has expressed grave concern over reports based on statements by Ministers & AAP leaders alleging non-provision of insulin to..Kejriwal, who is in jail and purported "conspiracies" against him," the Raj Niwas said.
