Arvind Kejriwal has been named in an FIR into alleged irregularities in Delhi Commission for Women, triggering a sharp attack by him on Prime Minister Narendra Modi even as the ACB probing the case said the chief minister will not be questioned.
The mention of Kejriwal's name came to light after he held a press conference and distributed copies of the FIR. The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) had yesterday said only DCW Chief Swati Maliwal was named in FIR.
Reacting strongly, Kejriwal alleged he was named in the FIR at the behest of the PM and that a Special Session of Delhi Assembly will soon be convened to "expose the nefarious design" to destabilise the Delhi Government.
"In the FIR registered by the ACB, my name is also there... But it does not contain any details on my alleged role. One does not put the name of the chief minister in the FIR just like that.
"It cannot happen without the Prime Minister's approval. It is clear that the FIR has the PM's nod. We will soon call a Special Session of the Delhi Assembly where we will expose the conspiracy behind this," the Delhi CM told reporters at his official residence.
When asked why the chief minister has been named in FIR when the inquiry into the case did not find anything against Kejriwal, LG-appointed ACB Chief Mukesh Meena could not give a direct reply, but said he will not be questioned.
"In the FIR, the essence of the complaint is written. If someone gives a complaint, it is written verbatim in the FIR. We don't have any power to manipulate the language of the complaint. This is procedural law," Meena said.
Slamming the ACB and the Centre, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia wondered how an FIR was lodged against the chief minister based on just a complaint.
"A complaint can be filed against anyone. But will an FIR be filed based on a complaint. They must have lodged the FIR after deliberations. But if Meena says that he is unaware, then its clear that the FIR has been lodged at the behest of the Prime Minister's Office.
"Their is nothing in the investigation report. It is the outcome of a deep conspiracy against the chief minister and we will expose it in the special session. Will they lodge an FIR based on a mere complaint? A big conspiracy is afoot to destabilise the Delhi government," he said.
The FIR named Kejriwal along with DCW chief Swati Maliwal as "known/suspected/unknown accused".
The FIR was registered on a complaint by former DCW chief Barkha Shukla Singh.
A case under sections 13(D) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 409 (criminal breach of trust) and 120B (punishment of criminal conspiracy) of IPC was registered against Maliwal for the alleged irregularities in DCW, including in recruiting personnel.
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