The
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has opposed Manish Sisodia's bail plea
and urged the Supreme Court to dismiss it. The CBI told the SC that Manish
Sisodia is the kingpin and architect of the conspiracy connected with the
liquor policy irregularities case.
CBI
told the Supreme Court that Manish Sisodia's influence and clout disentitle him
to any parity. CBI submitted that Manish Sisodia is fully aware of the line of
further investigation, including the larger conspiracy and role of excise
officials of Punjab.
CBI
said that there is every likelihood that in case Manish Sisodia is released on
bail, he shall tamper with the evidence and influence witnesses, more
specifically in light of his past conduct, citing that he destroyed his mobile
phone on the day the present matter was referred by the Ministry of Home
Affairs to the CBI.
Delhi
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has moved Supreme Court for bail in CBI
and ED cases related to alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy case.
He has challenged Delhi HC's order rejecting his bail plea.
Recently,
the Delhi High Court denied him bail in both matters. In its order passed on
July 3, 2023, in the ED case, the Delhi HC stated that this court inter alia
was of the view that in view of the high political positions held by the
accused and his position in the party in power in Delhi, the possibility of
influencing the witnesses cannot be ruled.
During
arguments, the CBI had opposed the bail plea moved by Manish Sisodia and
stated, "The applicant (Sisodia) enjoys close nexus with the executive,
offices and bureaucrats and his influence and clout is evident. His party
colleagues holding high ranks continue to make factually wrong claims in order
to influence the investigation and also claim the applicant to be a victim of a
political vendetta."
In
February 2023, Sisodia was arrested by the CBI last for alleged irregularities
in the framing and implementation of Delhi's new excise policy. The policy was
withdrawn amid allegations of foul play by the Opposition. He is currently in
judicial custody.
According
to the CBI, Sisodia had played the most important and vital role in the
criminal conspiracy and he had been deeply involved in the formulation as well
as the implementation of the said policy to ensure the achievement of the
objectives of the said conspiracy.