Delhi liquorgate: Sisodia sent to judicial custody till April 5
The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi sent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia to judicial custody until April 5 in connection with the alleged money laundering case relating to the Excise Policy 2021-22. The AAP leader is already in judicial custody in a corruption case, which is being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Why does this story matter?
- While the CBI is probing the corruption angle of the Delhi liquor policy scam, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating the money laundering aspect of it.
- Both agencies claimed that Sisodia formulated a rigged policy in favor of the southern liquor cartel in return for Rs. 100 crore.
- Meanwhile, the AAP claimed the probe is a political vendetta by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Sisodia sent to 14-day judicial custody
During the hearing, Sisodia urged the Delhi court to allow him to carry spiritual and religious books during his judicial custody. Responding to this, the court asked him to move an application regarding the matter, ANI reported. The AAP leader was produced before Rouse Avenue Court's Special Judge MK Nagpal on the expiry of his custody under the ED.
Sisodia to remain in judicial custody
What did Sisodia tell the court during his bail plea
In his bail request on Tuesday, Sisodia claimed that his wife is sick and there is nobody to take care of her. Meanwhile, Sisodia's lawyer also stated that his son is currently studying abroad, so he is responsible for taking care of her. His lawyer also claimed that Sisodia's custodial interrogation was no longer needed and that he was not a flight risk.
If Sisodia comes out, investigation will be compromised: CBI
To this, the CBI alleged that even if the AAP leader is not a flight risk, he can potentially influence witnesses and hinder the probe if set free, as per NDTV. "Probe agency has 60 days to file the chargesheet in the case and if Manish Sisodia comes out, investigation will be seriously compromised," the counsel appearing for the CBI argued.
CBI arrested Sisodia over suspected irregularities in Delhi Excise Policy
On February 26, the CBI apprehended the former Delhi deputy CM for his alleged involvement in the formulation and implementation of the Government of the National Capital Region of Delhi's (GNCTD) 2021-22 Excise Policy, which has since been scrapped. The policy was approved by the Delhi Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic in 2021.
Delhi's new FM Gahlot mentions Sisodia during budget
Delhi Finance Minister Kailash Gahlot, who replaced Sisodia after his arrest, said on Wednesday: "I would have been happier if Manish Sisodia had presented the budget, he is my elder brother." "I am sure the best wishes of children all over the world are with Manish Sisodia. This is the ninth budget of the Delhi government and my first," he added.
