1. Background
Arvind Kejriwal's arrest on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money-laundering case linked to the Delhi government's now-scrapped excise policy.
2. Allegations and Controversy
- The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the Tihar jail administration of inadequate medical facilities for Kejriwal.
- AAP shared a letter purportedly written by the Director General of Prisons, Sanjay Baniwal, requesting a senior AIIMS doctor for Kejriwal.
- AAP Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj criticized the jail administration, accusing them of a conspiracy for Kejriwal's "slow death" in prison.
3. Response from Tihar Jail Administration
- Tihar administration responded, stating that a senior doctor from AIIMS had been consulted via video conferencing following a request by Kejriwal's wife, Sunita Kejriwal.
- Tihar administration asserted that there was adequate availability of insulin in the jail dispensary and that it could be administered to Kejriwal as needed.
4. Contradicting Claims
- The Tihar administration's statement contradicted claims made by AAP ministers Bharadwaj and Atishi, who alleged that Kejriwal was being denied insulin and consultations with his doctors.
- Atishi questioned the necessity for the prison administration to withhold insulin, highlighting Kejriwal's longstanding use of it.
5. Medical Records and Reviews
- Tihar administration referenced medical records from RML Hospital, stating that Kejriwal was neither advised insulin nor indicated any requirement for it.
- They reported that Kejriwal's health was reviewed by a medicine specialist on multiple occasions in April.
6. Implications and Concerns
- The conflicting narratives have underscored tensions between the AAP and the prison administration, raising questions about transparency and accountability within the prison system.
- Concerns remain about the adequacy of medical care for prisoners and the treatment of high-profile detainees like Kejriwal.