On 2nd March, The judicial custody for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Sanjay Singh and Manish Sisodia has been officially extended until March 7 by the Delhi Court, within the context of the ongoing legal proceedings pertaining to the Delhi Excise Policy case. This extension is a consequential development subsequent to their prior arrest on charges of corruption associated with the now-abrogated 2021-22 excise policy.
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DELHI: On 2nd March, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Sanjay Singh and Manish Sisodia have been ordered to remain in judicial custody until March 7, 2024, amid ongoing investigations into the controversial Delhi Liquor Policy case. This decision was made following their appearance at the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi, marking another significant moment in this high-profile case.
The case, which has been making headlines for over a year, revolves around the alleged corruption and irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi Excise Policy for the year 2021-22. The policy, which has since been scrapped, is accused of facilitating cartelization and favoritism, leading to significant financial improprieties. These allegations have been vehemently denied by the AAP, asserting their innocence and framing the charges as politically motivated.
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Manish Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, found himself in the eye of the storm when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested him on February 26, 2023. The charges stemmed from accusations of corruption linked to the excise policy. His legal troubles deepened when, on 9th March, while already in judicial custody at Tihar Jail, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested him in connection with a related money laundering case.
Sanjay Singh, a prominent AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP, also found himself under legal scrutiny. On October 4, 2023, the ED arrested him, alleging his involvement in a conspiracy to solicit bribes from various liquor businesses as part of the excise policy scheme. This marked a significant escalation in the investigation, linking more high-profile individuals to the alleged corruption.
The ED, bolstering its case, has conducted over 200 search operations related to this case. These actions followed the registration of an FIR, which was based on a CBI investigation initiated at the recommendation of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. This recommendation came after the then Chief Secretary of Delhi reported potential irregularities and procedural lapses in the excise policy to LG VK Saxena, prompting a full-scale investigation.
The proceedings against Sisodia and Singh have been closely watched, as they represent a significant challenge to the AAP, a party that has positioned itself on an anti-corruption platform. The extension of their judicial custody underscores the seriousness of the charges against them and the complexity of the ongoing investigation.
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As the case unfolds, it continues to attract significant media attention and public scrutiny, reflecting the broader issues of governance, accountability, and political rivalry in the capital city of India. The outcomes of this case could have far-reaching implications for the political landscape and the fight against corruption in the country.
