If released, he will jeopardize investigation: CBI opposes Sisodia's bail plea in Delhi excise case

New Delhi, March 21: CBI on Tuesday opposed AAP leader and Delhi's former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's bail plea, adding that they have prescribed 60 days to file the chargesheet after the arrest.

CBI said, "Sisodia was arrested on February 26, 2023, and if released on bail now he will jeopardize our investigation as the destruction of evidence was a constant practice." "If he is granted bail, it will scuttle and compromise our investigation as the influence and interference is writ large," the agency added.

Advocate DP Singh, Special Public Prosecutor for the CBI, stated that Manish Sisodia stated that he destroyed phones to upgrade. There was no upgradation.

"According to our investigation, he (Manish Sisodia) did this to destroy the chat. He might not be at flight risk, but he is a definite risk who will destroy evidence, this cannot be ignored," Special PP for CBI said.

CBI also stated that while South Group was residing in Oberoi between March 14 and 17, 2021, they prepared a note and took a printout. They received 36 pages of photocopies. Meetings were held, and the printout was done.

"As far as our case is concerned, do we find such money that comes from hawala sources, we can assume, it is not important, we have evidence to show that clauses were given and on that Group of Minister, the report was prepared," the agency added.

The agency further stated that during COVID's peak time, when people were stuck at home, the South Group hired a plane and flew regularly to Delhi, stayed at a hotel in Delhi, and was granted a licence in violation of all norms.

"While the Govt was planning to change the excise policy of Delhi..the private players took 3 legal opinions from Mukul Rohatgi, former CJI Rajan Gogoi, and former Justice KG Balakrishnan. These legal opinions advocated the status quo," lawyer DP Singh, representing CBI during Manish Sisodia's bail arguments, said.

Meanwhile, senior Counsel Dayan Krishnan, representing the Delhi Minister said: "I've deep roots in society. I joined the investigation when I was called before CBI. I am a public servant. Two more public servants were made accused in this case and allegations against them are far graver than mine. But they are sent without arrest."

Sisodia's lawyer also mentioned the wife's medical condition, claiming that she is ill due to multiple sclerosis.

"These are government policies that have gone through various steps. The policy was also placed before the LG. There is no likelihood that the trial, in this case, starting or be concluded soon," Sisodia's lawyer argued.

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Sisodia in a money laundering case involving alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of GNCTD's excise policy.

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