Kejriwal’s release exposed high handedness of investigative agencies: Mehbooba Mufti

Former J&K Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Friday, February 27, 2026, said the release of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise case “reveals how unfit the investigative agencies are”.

Also Read | CBI challenges HC court’s decision to discharge Arvind Kejriwal, others in liquor policy case

“When investigating agencies are used as political swords, the first casualty is justice and the truth comes out only after years of pain and tears. Today’s verdict reveals the arrogance of the investigating agencies by evicting Kejriwal, (AAP leader Manish) Sisodia and Kavitha in the excise policy case,” Ms. Mufti said in a social media post.

Ms. Mufti said that there was no prima facie case, there was no credible evidence and yet he was kept in prison for years. “Nothing is more dangerous than abuse of power and weaponization of institutions. But somehow this continues unabated,” the former J&K chief minister said.

Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) welcomed the Delhi court’s decision. “The verdict reaffirms faith in the judiciary and the principle that truth will prevail in the end,” AIP spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said.

Mr Nabi said the court’s observations on the lack of evidence and shortcomings in the investigation showed how political cases often collapse when tested before an independent judiciary.

“The verdict sends a strong message that justice can be delayed but cannot be denied. We hope that similar justice will also prevail in the case of AIP Supremo and Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid, who despite representing the democratic aspirations of thousands of people was the victim of political vendetta and long-term imprisonment,” Mr. Nabi said.

He said that the people of North Kashmir and the entire region continue to wait in hope of justice and legal aid. “The verdict revives hope among thousands of Kashmiris who have been waiting for justice for decades,” he added.