Deputy chief minister of India’s capital arrested over liquor policy ‘irregularities’

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) - The deputy chief minister of India’s capital New Delhi was arrested Sunday by the country’s federal investigating agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation, for his alleged involvement in “irregularities" in a scrapped liquor excise policy.

The arrest of Manish Sisodia, the Delhi territory's second-highest ranking official, came after hours of questioning, the agency said in a statement.

"The Central Bureau of Investigation has today arrested Dy. Chief Minister of GNCTD (Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi), Delhi in an ongoing investigation of a case related to alleged irregularities in framing and implementation of the excise policy of GNCTD," it said.

"The instant case was registered against (the) Deputy Chief Minister and In charge Excise Minister, GNCTD of Delhi, and 14 others for investigation into the matter of alleged irregularities in framing & implementation of (the) Excise Policy for the year 2021-22 and extending post tender benefits to private persons."

Sisodia is also the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party which rules Delhi and Punjab state and is trying to establish itself as the main opposition to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The agency said the deputy chief minister was issued a notice for attending the investigation, "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 an investigation of the case."

"However, he gave evasive replies and did not co-operate (in) the investigation despite being confronted with evidence to the contrary. Therefore, he has been arrested," the agency said.

Sisodia and his Aam Aadmi Party, however, deny the allegations, saying he is innocent.

"Manish is innocent. His arrest is dirty politics. There is a lot of anger among the people due to the arrest of Manish. Everyone is watching. People are understanding everything. People will respond to this," Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal tweeted.

"This will boost our spirits further. Our struggle will get stronger," he added.