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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has accused former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia of fabricating emails and delaying the trial in the ongoing excise policy case, as reported in an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court. The affidavit, filed on July 27, 2023, alleges that Sisodia, who is currently in judicial custody, has been employing “delaying tactics” and continues to hold considerable influence, potentially jeopardizing the investigation by influencing witnesses and tampering with evidence.
The CBI contends that Sisodia, a prominent figure in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), orchestrated a conspiracy to manipulate the Delhi excise policy for personal gain. The affidavit alleges that the policy was crafted with a pre-conceived intention to favor certain individuals through the payment of kickbacks to the AAP. To substantiate this claim, the CBI asserts that Sisodia fabricated emails to create an impression of widespread public support for the policy changes. These emails, allegedly sent by interns of the Delhi Minorities Commission, were used to bypass the expert committee report and justify the inclusion of provisions that favored the accused individuals.
The affidavit further alleges that Sisodia, who held multiple ministerial positions in the Delhi government, had the power to influence officials and exerted pressure on the Punjab government to deny permission for an investigation into the involvement of Punjab excise officials in the alleged bribery scheme. The CBI emphasizes that Sisodia’s influence poses a significant threat to the integrity of the investigation, highlighting his ability to potentially intimidate witnesses and hinder the collection of evidence. The agency argues that the gravity of the alleged offenses, including financial irregularities and potential corruption, necessitate his continued detention to prevent further interference with the ongoing investigation.
This case has garnered significant attention in India, with political implications as it involves high-ranking officials within the AAP government. The Supreme Court is currently considering Sisodia's bail plea, and the CBI's affidavit will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the court's decision. The allegations of fabricated evidence and influence peddling, if proven, could severely damage Sisodia's reputation and potentially lead to further legal repercussions. As the case progresses, public scrutiny will continue to be focused on the actions of all involved parties, with the outcome potentially shaping the political landscape of Delhi.
Source: Sisodia fabricated pre-decided emails to build facade of feedback: CBI to SC in excise policy case