Today (18th March): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is opposing the bail plea of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia. Sisodia, a prominent figure within the AAP, is facing legal scrutiny, though specific charges have not been disclosed.
NEW DELHI: Today (18th March): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) contested the bail plea of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia, and said arresting “high-profile individuals” in connection with the case, the CBI presented its stance before a Delhi court on Monday.
READ ALSO: Supreme Court Rejects Manish Sisodia’s Bail Plea
Senior Advocate Mohit Mathur, representing Sisodia, emphasized the absence of financial losses to the government exchequer, citing an increase in revenue. He argued that the implemented policy resulted in consumer benefits without causing losses to private entities.
“Regarding the conspiracy, our investigation is ongoing. Some high-profile person or anyone else may be arrested,” the CBI’s counsel stated.
The CBI’s representative emphasized the continuing nature of the investigation, stating,
“Our probe into the conspiracy is still underway, and we may apprehend some high-profile figures or others.”
Responding to Sisodia’s claims of trial delays, the CBI refused any undue postponement, affirming adherence to due process. The agency emphasized the significance of the investigation into the Delhi excise policy, citing Sisodia as the primary accused and alleged mastermind behind the purported conspiracy.
“There is no loss since the license fee was 73-75 crore, up from 69 crores, as per their submission. There is no loss to any private person also. Consumers benefited, there’s no one who can come and say I’ve had a loss. And though people may not come out openly and say if they enjoyed the policy or not, there is none in the negative,” Sisodia’s counsel argued.
According to the CBI, Sisodia has been confronted with crucial documents and evidence, raising concerns about potential tampering. Moreover, allegations suggest that Sisodia destroyed phones on the day the case was registered, adding weight to the apprehensions regarding evidence tampering.
Sisodia’s arrest by the CBI on February 26, 2023, followed by subsequent detention in Delhi’s Tihar Jail, has drawn attention to the legal proceedings surrounding the case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also arrested Sisodia on March 9 in connection with a money laundering case initiated by the CBI-led investigation.
Despite Sisodia’s bail pleas, the Supreme Court upheld the denial of relief, citing the tentative establishment of a money trail amounting to Rs 338 crore in the corruption and money laundering cases linked to the Delhi liquor policy.
