Delhi LG Seeks Report on Insulin Provision for Jailed CM Kejriwal Amid Health Concerns

Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has sought a comprehensive report from the Director General of Prisons regarding the provision of insulin for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently incarcerated in Tihar Jail. The move comes after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi alleged that Kejriwal's blood sugar levels have risen significantly due to the jail authorities' failure to provide him with insulin despite repeated requests.

Expressing grave concern over the reports, the L-G assured that no laxity with regard to the CM's health will be tolerated. "The L-G has taken a serious view of these reports and has asked the DG (Prisons) to submit a comprehensive report in this regard within 24 hours," a source said.

The development follows claims by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that Kejriwal, who has type 2 diabetes, is deliberately consuming high-carb foods like mangoes and sweets to raise his blood sugar levels and build a case for bail. However, Atishi refuted the ED's assertions, stating, "Kejriwal's sugar level has increased to 300 mg/dL as the Tihar Jail authorities have not been providing him insulin despite his repeated requests."

The AAP has raised concerns over the health and safety of Kejriwal, with Atishi questioning whether there is a conspiracy to endanger his life. "Arvind Kejriwal is a diabetes patient for the last 10 years and takes insulin four times a day. If a diabetic patient doesn't take insulin four times a day, it can be fatal," she said.

The party also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its affiliated organizations of attempting to sabotage the court-granted permission for Kejriwal to receive homemade food due to his health condition. The ED claimed that Kejriwal was consuming foods like mangoes, aloo puri, and sweets regularly, which the AAP refuted as fabricated lies aimed at tarnishing Kejriwal's image.

Kejriwal, who was arrested by the ED on March 21 in connection with the excise policy case, has moved the court seeking permission to consult his regular doctor via video conference due to fluctuating sugar levels. The court has directed the authorities to file a report on the matter and listed the case for further hearing on April 19.

Why this matters: The allegations surrounding the denial of insulin to a jailed Chief Minister with diabetes have raised serious concerns about the health and well-being of high-profile political prisoners. The incident has also highlighted the ongoing power dynamics between the Delhi government and the Lieutenant Governor's office, as they navigate the complexities of ensuring proper medical care for incarcerated officials.

According to jail officials, Kejriwal's fasting sugar level has remained within acceptable parameters and never exceeded 300 mg/dL. However, the AAP maintains that Kejriwal's health is at risk due to the alleged denial of insulin and the disruption of his personalized diet. As the court awaits a detailed report on the matter, the controversy has sparked a heated debate on the treatment of political leaders in custody and the need for transparency in their medical care.

Key Takeaways

• Delhi LG seeks report on insulin provision for jailed CM Kejriwal
• AAP claims Kejriwal's blood sugar spiked due to lack of insulin in jail
• ED alleges Kejriwal consuming high-carb foods to raise sugar levels for bail
• AAP accuses BJP of sabotaging Kejriwal's court-approved homemade food
• Controversy highlights treatment of political prisoners and medical transparency