Officials from Tihar jail, Delhi Police, and Punjab Police on Friday convened to discuss the security arrangements for a forthcoming meeting between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently lodged in the prison, news agency PTI reported. The meeting commenced at 11 am at the office of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in Tihar, according to a jail official.
The objective of the meeting is to finalise security protocols and fulfill necessary formalities outlined in the Delhi Prison Rules for facilitating a meeting between Mann and Kejriwal. CM Mann had requested a meeting with the Delhi chief minister, who is held in Tihar's jail number 2 in connection with a money laundering case related to the now-defunct Delhi excise policy. Kejriwal's judicial custody extends until April 15, following his arrest on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate.
Kejriwal has provided a list of six individuals, including the Punjab chief minister, whom he wishes to meet during his detention.
As per the guidelines of the prison, an inmate is permitted to meet visitors either in person or via video conference twice weekly. However, the inmate must provide the names of such visitors beforehand.
Earlier this month, Kejriwal had a face-to-face meeting with his wife Sunita Kejriwal and personal secretary Bibhav Kumar inside Tihar Jail. It marked his first in-person meeting with them since being placed in the judicial custody on April 1.
The AAP asserted that Arvind Kejriwal's blood sugar level has risen to 160 during his detention in Tihar. However, according to jail officials, he has gained weight while in judicial custody, now weighing 66 kilograms.
The central probe agency has accused him of involvement in the Delhi liquor scam, alleging his participation in the formulation and execution of the policy to benefit from kickbacks and diverting proceeds of crime for election campaigning in Goa.