India moves top opposition leader Kejriwal to high-security prison
Supporters of India's opposition coalition displays a placard with a message on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, New Delhi, India, March 31, 2024. (AFP Photo)


India moved a top opposition politician and chief minister of the capital Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal to a high-security prison on Monday.

The decision, which comes ahead of elections after his arrest last month, has been labeled by his supporters as politically motivated.

Kejriwal, 55, had been held since his arrest on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate, India's main financial crimes agency.

On Monday he was transferred to prison for 14 days as investigations continue, his party said.

"Arvind Kejriwal has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days," Sanjeev Nasiar, legal chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), or Common Man Party, told reporters.

Kejriwal's government is accused of receiving kickbacks while handing out liquor licenses to private companies.

His supporters say Kejriwal's arrest was aimed at sidelining challengers to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Kejriwal, who denies the allegations, is a key leader in an opposition alliance formed to challenge Modi in the marathon six-week national elections beginning April 19.

AAP's Nasiar said this party can now apply for bail for Kejriwal, but it was not immediately clear what will happen once the initial 14 days in prison comes to an end – just days before voting begins.

Many analysts see Modi's re-election as a foregone conclusion.