Arvind Kejriwal signs second order while in ED custody; Aam Aadmi Party's protest march ends in clash

NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who remains in ED custody in the liquor case, issued another administrative order today. This is the second time he has issued an order in custody.

Kejriwal has given instructions to Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj not to stop free medicines and medical check-ups in Mohalla Clinics, the health scheme of the Aam Aadmi Party government. Saurabh revealed this while calling a press conference. "Kejriwal is concerned about the welfare of the people of Delhi. He wants the people not to suffer because the Chief Minister has been put in jail," he said.

On Sunday, Arvind Kejriwal had directed Minister Atishi to address the drinking water shortage in Delhi. This is the first time in the country's history that a Chief Minister has issued orders while in the custody of an investigating agency. This is being investigated by the ED.

It is also being investigated whether the orders were signed by Kejriwal through visitors or whether the orders were prepared in advance. Kejriwal's custody is till 2 pm tomorrow.

Widespread protest

Aam Aadmi's protest march against Kejriwal's arrest towards the Prime Minister's residence today was stopped by the police, leading to clashes. Punjab Minister Harjot Singh Bains, Somnath Bharti MLA and hundreds of activists were detained kilometres away. The leaders accused that the demonstration was being blocked by erecting barricades in front of the party office. Delhi Minister Gopal Rai accused the police of bringing the city to a state of emergency by declaring a curfew in the entire city. The Aam Aadmi Party's legal cell will hold a protest in front of the district courts in Delhi tomorrow afternoon.

Sunita Kejriwal will participate in the 'INDIA' front mega rally at Ramlila Maidan on March 31. BJP marched to the secretariat demanding Kejriwal's resignation. Police fired water cannons.

Media workers assaulted by the police

Photojournalists Arun Thakur (India Today) and Salman Ali (Hindustan) were manhandled by the police during the Aam Aadmi protest. Salman Ali fractured his left elbow. The Press Club Of India and Delhi Union of Journalists protested the incident.

Tomorrow critical

The Delhi High Court will hear the petition filed by Kejriwal questioning the arrest and ED custody tomorrow. The demand is for the immediate release of Kejriwal as his arrest and detention are illegal.