New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday said that it has arrested Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in an ongoing investigation of a case related to alleged irregularities in framing and implementation of the excise policy after he gave evasive replies and did not cooperate the investigation despite being confronted with evidence to the contrary.
The instant case was registered against the Deputy Chief Minister and In-charge Excise Minister and 14 others for an investigation into the matter of alleged irregularities in framing and implementation of the Excise Policy for the year 2021-22 and extending post tender benefits to private persons.
A chargesheet has been filed on December 25, 2022, against the CEO of a Mumbai-based private company and six others. Further investigation is being carried out.
The Deputy CM was issued a notice under Section 41A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.P.C) for attending the investigation on February 19, 2023.
"However, he sought time of one week citing his pre-occupation. Accepting his request, he was issued a notice under Section 41A Cr.P.C for attending the investigation today (on February 26, 2023) for answering various questions evaded by him during his examination on October 17, 2022, and further questions relating to his incriminating role based on evidence collected during the investigation of the case. However, he gave evasive replies and did not cooperate the investigation despite being confronted with evidence to the contrary. Therefore, he has been arrested. The arrested accused will be produced before the Designated Court in Delhi," the CBI said in a statement.
Soon after the CBI started questioning Sisodia, the city police detained as many as 50 workers and leaders of the ruling Aam Admi Party (AAP).
Delhi police said the AAP workers and prominent leaders, including Sanjay Singh, were detained allegedly for violating Section 144 of the CrPC.
“A total 50 persons, including 42 men and 8 women, were detained,” Delhi Police said.
Trilok Puri MLA Rohit Kumar Mehraulia, Sangam Vihar MLA Dinesh Mohnia, Kondli MLA Kuldeep Singh, Rohtash Nagar ex-MLA Sarita Singh and Delhi minister Gopal Rai were among those arrested.
Earlier, the CBI had asked Sisodia to appear for questioning on February 19.
However, the deputy CM, last Sunday, requested the central agency to defer the summons saying he was busy “preparing the Budget” and could only appear towards February-end.
In August last year, the CBI searched Sisodia’s bank locker in connection with the case. The deputy CM claimed the sleuths did not find any incriminating material in his locker.
The CBI launched a probe into the matter on the basis of a report forwarded by the Delhi chief secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, recommending a probe by the central agency.
Shortly before arriving at the CBI office, Sisodia said false cases were being lodged against leaders of the ruling party.
“Conspiracies are being hatched by the CBI and ED and false cases are being lodged against our party leaders. As AAP grows further, BJP will continue to slap false cases on us. We are not afraid of the CBI, ED and their false cases,” Sisodia said, addressing supporters at Raj Ghat, claiming that people were starting to regard the AAP as an alternative to the BJP.
