A Delhi local court has acquitted former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the Excise Policy case, stating that there is no substantial evidence of any major conspiracy or criminal intent in the Excise Policy. According to Indian media, Special Judge Jitender Singh of Rouse Avenue Court said that there is no prima facie evidence against any of the 23 accused. The court has also raised serious questions about the investigative agency’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) procedures during the probe. The court stated that the CBI relied heavily on the testimonies of government witnesses, which is against the principles of law. The court has also stated that it will take action against the officials responsible for designating Kuldip Singh, a public servant, as the prime accused.
The court’s decision is likely to have significant implications for Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who has been under scrutiny in the Excise Policy case. The case dates back to the 2021 Delhi Excise Policy, which was introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party government, claiming it would increase government revenue. However, the government later rolled back the policy. The CBI registered an FIR in August 2022 based on a complaint by the then Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vijay Kumar Saxena, alleging that some private companies benefited from the policy and kickbacks were received. The court has also questioned the use of the term “South Group” and stated that such terms should not be used.
After the court’s decision, Arvind Kejriwal said in an interview with the media, “The truth always wins. A democratically elected CM was arrested from home and jailed on false charges, but today the truth has come to light.” The video of this historic moment has gone viral on various social media platforms, sending a message of unity.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed concern over the tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. A 6-year-old boy who went missing in the Indian state of Rajasthan was found dead near the Expressway, allegedly killed and buried by his uncle and aunt. A 5.4-magnitude earthquake was recorded in Bangladesh. US President Donald Trump has said that the US should deport Pakistani-American Faisal Hussain, who was killed in a shootout with police in Toronto last year. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has said he is “personally in debt” to India. A 4-year-old girl was killed by her Indian-American father, who then called the police to make it seem like an accident. China has expressed concern over the tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Prince Andrew, Duke of York, has sparked controversy with his BBC interview. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called for an immediate end to attacks by Pakistan and Afghanistan. Iran has started a new round of nuclear talks with the US in Geneva, with the country’s missiles stockpile being a key issue. A new report warns that the rapid development of AI-powered software is increasing cybersecurity threats, while the speed of addressing security vulnerabilities is lagging behind. Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton will testify before a congressional committee on Tuesday, along with the Epstein documents. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has said it is necessary for Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their differences through talks. Social media users are questioning the journalistic standards and accountability of Sky News. Instagram has announced that it will alert parents if their underage child searches for self-harm content. The Taliban regime has confirmed that over 74 of its posts have been completely destroyed, and 18 checkpoints are in Pakistani control: DG ISPR. From March 1, petroleum products are expected to become expensive. Sources say that petrol could become Rs. 4.58 per liter more expensive. The Pakistani government has banned drone flights in the country. The opposition alliance has made its first contact with the government for talks.
