Arvind Kejriwal in Tihar: Prior to this, Arvind Kejriwal was arrested twice and sent to Tihar jail.
New Delhi:
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been sent to Tihar Jail till April 15 in the liquor policy case. This is the third time that he is serving time in the high-security jail.
Prior to this, Arvind Kejriwal was arrested twice and sent to Tihar jail. The first time was in 2012 during the anti-corruption drive led by Anna Hazare and the second time in 2014 during a defamation case filed by Nitin Gadkari.
This time, Mr Kejriwal was imprisoned in his capacity as chief minister, prompting prison authorities to tighten security around his cell.
Mr Kejriwal is lodged in Tihar’s second jail, his former deputy Manish Sisodia is lodged in jail one and former health minister Satyendar Jain is lodged in jail seven , Sanjay Singh, a member of the Federal Assembly, was imprisoned in the fifth jail.
Sources said Arvind Kejriwal woke up early this morning and had breakfast – tea and a few slices of bread – around 6.40 am.
In case of emergency, doctors and medical staff are on call 24/7. Kejriwal suffers from diabetes and will undergo regular check-ups during his imprisonment.
Mr Kejriwal was also allowed to carry some toffees in case his blood sugar levels dropped.
Tihar’s sources said: “Arvind Kejriwal sleeps in his own bed, which is different from the regular bed provided by the jail authorities. This puts him at risk given his weak immune system. There was a risk of severe allergic reaction and he used his own bedsheets,” the jail said.
Following the court order, Mr Kejriwal was given copies of Ramayana, Shrimad Bhagvad Gita and “How the Prime Minister Decides” by journalist Neerja Chowdhury.
He was also allowed to keep a chair and table in his cell.
On March 21, the Aam Aadmi Party chief was arrested in a corruption case related to Delhi’s liquor policy. The AAP insists there will be no change in leadership, even if it means Mr Kerjriwal will serve as chief minister from jail.
