CBI Claims Aam Aadmi Party's Manish Sisodia Engaged in Criminal Conspiracy with South Indian Accused to Control Delhi's Liquor Trade
In a recent development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged that Manish Sisodia, a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former Delhi minister, conspired with individuals from South India to monopolize and cartelize the liquor trade in the national capital. The CBI filed a counter-affidavit on July 27, stating that Sisodia fabricated public opinion regarding the former Delhi excise policy.
According to the CBI, Sisodia's plea for temporary interim medical bail, based on his wife's ailment, is not valid. The agency argued that her medical condition has been under treatment for 23 years and is not severe enough to warrant his release on bail. The affidavit also pointed out that Sisodia withdrew his previous medical bail plea before the Delhi High Court after vital facts were allegedly suppressed regarding his wife's hospital discharge.
The CBI further contended that Sisodia fails to meet the triple test for bail in such cases due to his political influence, alleged destruction of evidence, and non-cooperation during questioning. Sisodia is currently embroiled in the excise policy scam case, and the Delhi High Court previously denied him bail in both the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) cases.
The scam involves accusations of Delhi government officials conspiring to grant liquor licenses to specific traders in exchange for bribes. The central agency's investigation suggests that the excise policy was manipulated to benefit certain traders, leading to kickbacks being received. However, Sisodia maintains that the policy changes were approved by the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi, and the agencies are scrutinizing decisions made by an elected government.
The CBI's affidavit also revealed that a substantial portion of the alleged ill-gotten money, amounting to approximately ₹44.54 crore, was purportedly used by AAP to make cash payments through hawala channels during the Goa Legislative Assembly elections.
The CBI emphasizes that economic offenses have significant implications for the country's interests, making it crucial to prioritize public interest over individual liberties. The investigation is still ongoing to ascertain the roles of other public servants involved and identify additional beneficiaries of the bribery scheme.
TAGS: Manish Sisodia Aam Aadmi Party Delhi Excise Scam CBI Criminal Conspiracy South Indian Accused Liquor Trade Supreme Court Bail Plea ED Delhi High Court Corruption Bribery Cartelization Economic Offenses Goa Elections.
