Abhinit Kumar @ EW News

This development comes in the wake of ongoing investigations into the alleged money laundering activities surrounding the excise policy. The case has already seen the arrest of Kejriwal's former deputy, Manish Sisodia, in February of this year, and more recently, the apprehension of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on October 4.

The ED's decision to summon Kejriwal follows a significant ruling by the Supreme Court earlier today, which dismissed Manish Sisodia's bail plea. The court declared that a tentative money trail of Rs 338 crore had been established in the money laundering case, with Manish Sisodia as the prime accused.

It's worth noting that Kejriwal was previously summoned for questioning by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the same case in April of this year. However, he has not been formally named as an accused in the FIR filed by the CBI in August of the previous year.

During his previous questioning by the CBI, Kejriwal spent over nine hours at their offices. Afterward, he expressed his gratitude to the CBI officers, highlighting their hospitality and courtesy. Kejriwal stated, "I answered all the questions because I did not have anything to hide." His forthcoming appearance before the ED marks another significant development in this ongoing and high-profile investigation.