Manish Sisodia’s Bail Pleas Rejected, Judicial Custody Extended in Delhi Liquor Policy Scam
Corruption Allegations and Judicial Custody Extension
New Delhi: In a major setback for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, a Delhi court has extended his judicial custody in a corruption case related to the alleged liquor policy scam.
On Monday, Special Judge for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) Kaveri Baweja extended Sisodia’s custody until July 22 after he was produced before the court through video conference upon the expiry of his previous judicial custody term.
The development comes just a month after the same court had dismissed Sisodia’s bail pleas in the corruption and money laundering cases filed by the CBI and the ED in relation to the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam.
Bail Pleas Rejected by the Court
The court had reserved its order on Sisodia’s bail applications after hearing arguments from the investigating agencies as well as the counsel representing the former deputy chief minister.
In its ruling on April 30, the court rejected Sisodia’s bail pleas, dealing a significant blow to the AAP leader’s efforts to secure his release from custody.
The Liquor Policy Scam Allegations
Sisodia, who was once considered a close confidante of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has been at the center of the Delhi liquor policy scam controversy since his arrest by the CBI in February 2023.
The CBI and the ED have accused Sisodia of being involved in a complex web of corruption and money laundering related to the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22.
The agencies allege that Sisodia, along with other AAP leaders and bureaucrats, were part of a criminal conspiracy that led to significant losses for the Delhi government and undue benefits for certain private liquor vendors.
Sisodia’s Defiant Stance
Despite the mounting legal challenges, Sisodia has maintained his innocence, asserting that the charges against him are politically motivated and part of a larger effort to undermine the AAP government in Delhi.
In a recent statement, Sisodia accused the BJP-led central government of using investigative agencies to target opposition leaders, calling the liquor policy case a “conspiracy” to tarnish the image of the AAP.
The AAP’s Response and Kejriwal’s Support
The AAP has rallied behind Sisodia, with party leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal repeatedly voicing his support for his former deputy.
Kejriwal has accused the central government of using the CBI and the ED to “harass” the AAP leadership, calling the liquor policy case a “witch-hunt” against the party.
The AAP has also staged protests and rallies across the country, demanding Sisodia’s release and highlighting what it perceives as the BJP’s political vendetta against the party.
Implications and the Road Ahead
The ongoing legal battle surrounding Manish Sisodia has significant implications for the AAP, which has positioned itself as a formidable challenger to the BJP’s dominance in Indian politics.
The party’s ability to maintain its momentum and continue its electoral success could hinge on how it navigates the Sisodia case and the broader allegations of corruption leveled against its leadership.
As the case progresses, the court’s rulings and the investigative agencies’ findings will be closely watched, not only by the AAP’s supporters but also by the broader political landscape in India.
The outcome of this high-profile case could have far-reaching consequences, both for Sisodia’s personal future and the broader political dynamics in the country.