CBI arrested Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia in connection with alleged corruption case on Sunday.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had called Manish Sisodia for questioning earlier in the day in connection with an alleged excise policy scam.
Sisodia was questioned for nearly 8 hours after which he was arrested in the evening.
CBI is investigating alleged corruption in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped liquor policy of Delhi for 2021-22.
Sisodia had arrived at the CBI headquarters in Delhi for a second round of questioning at around 11:12 am on Sunday.
Following Sisodia’s arrest, the CBI said, “He was issued a notice u/s 41A CrPC for attending the investigation today (on 26.02.2023) for answering various questions evaded by him during his examination on 17.10.2022 and further questions relating to his incriminating role based on evidence collected during investigation of the case.”
“However, he gave evasive replies and did not co-operate the investigation despite being confronted with evidence to the contrary. Therefore, he has been arrested,” the probe agency said.
Earlier Delhi Dy CM had expressed apprehension that he may be arrested before going to the CBI HQ for Sunday’s questioning.
To gathered press Sisodia told supporters before leaving for the CBI office
“Even if I am in jail for 7-8 months, don’t feel sorry for me, be proud. PM [Narendra] Modi is afraid of Arvind Kejriwal, so he wants to frame me in a fake case. You should fight on. My wife, who has stood by me from Day 1, is unwell and alone at home. Take care of her. And I want to tell children of Delhi, study hard and listen to your parents,”
Reacting to Delhi Deputy CM Sisodia’s arrest, The Aam Aadmi Party lashed out at the BJP-led government over Manish Sisodia’s arrest, with Sanjay Singh calling it “height of dictatorship”
“Manish Sisodia’s arrest is the height of dictatorship. Modi ji, you have not done well by arresting a good person and the best education minister. Even God will not forgive you. One day your dictatorship will definitely end, Modi ji,” Sanjay Singh said.
Aam Aadmi Party leaders Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann have reached Manish Sisodia’s residence following his arrest by the CBI on Sunday.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal called his deputy Manish Sisodia’s arrest “dirty politics”.
