Arvind Kejriwal added that his sugar level readings are between 250 and 320 mg/dl while his fasting sugar levels stood at 160-200 mg/dl.Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who suffers from diabetes, has filed a petition in court alleging that Tihar Jail authorities have withheld his insulin supply for 31 days. He has not minced words in criticising the prison administration, accusing them of peddling “false narratives” and succumbing to “political pressures” from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Jail authorities, who had arranged a virtual consultation for the Delhi CM with doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), have maintained that there had been no lapse in his insulin provision.
Kejriwal, the chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been in jail since March 21 following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with an alleged liquor scam in Delhi. The AAP leader approached a court last week seeking directions for supply of the life-saving drug. Kejriwal criticised the jail and probe agency for being “petty” and “politicising” his well-being.
His “pain” prompted him to write a letter to the Superintendent of Tihar Jail. The note, which was shared by the party’s X handle today, debunks claims made by the prison authorities.
The authorities claimed that the doctors had assured Kejriwal of no imminent health risks and advised him to adhere to his prescribed medication regimen, subject to regular monitoring.
“I read the statement of Tihar administration in the newspaper… I felt sad after reading the statements. Both statements of Tihar Jail are false. I am asking for insulin daily… I showed the glucometer readings (three times a day) and told them sugar levels are high…”
Kejriwal added that his sugar level readings are between 250 and 320 mg/dl while his fasting sugar levels stood at 160-200 mg/dl. “Almost every day, I demanded insulin. Then how could you make such a statement that I never raised the issue of insulin?”
According to the World Health Organization, the expected values for normal fasting blood glucose concentration are between 70 and 100 mg/dL (or milligrams per deciliter).
Disputing the Tihar administration’s version of events in his letter, Kejriwal said that “AIIMS doctors never said there is nothing to worry about… they said they will respond after looking at the (medical) data and (patient) history”.
“The Tihar administration is lying under political pressure…” he told the jail chief.
Seeking recourse, Kejriwal approached the court seeking directives for the supply of insulin. The ED told the court that Kejriwal deliberately consumed sugary foods like mangoes and sweets to jeopardize his health and bolster his case for medical bail.
Kejriwal has challenged his arrest by ED in the Supreme Court. However, the court’s refusal to expedite the hearing means he must await the ED’s response when the court reconvenes on April 29.