The former deputy chief minister of Delhi, smashed his phones in order to get rid of discussions that would implicate him, according to CBI attorney DP Singh, who was representing the agency in court
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CBI Investigations On Sisodia
While denying former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia’s bail request in the excise policy case on Tuesday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed a Delhi court that Sisodia “may threaten witnesses” and “can destroy evidence” despite not being a flight risk.
The CBI had detained Sisodia on February 26 following an eight-hour interview in relation to an investigation into suspected irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the now-cancelled Delhi Excise Policy 2021–22. On February 27, he appeared before the Rouse Avenue court and was given a five-day detention to CBI custody. The court prolonged Sisodia’s CBI detention for an additional two days on March 4. Then he was taken to Tihar Prison. He is currently in the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) custody in connection with the CBI investigation’s money laundering case.
Sisodia might not be a flight risk, but he is someone who could destroy evidence and threaten witnesses, according to Counsel DP Singh, who is representing the CBI in court. He also noted that the cabinet report on the excise matter is missing in its entirety.
Sisodia allegedly destroyed his phones in order to get rid of talks that would implicate him, according to Singh.
Sisodia’s Attorneys Refute Claims
Senior attorneys Dayan Krishnan and Mohit Mathur argued before the court on behalf of Sisodia that nothing learned during the interview could support the continuation of his imprisonment.
According to Krishnan, is the destruction of cell phones nothing in the evidence before you suggests that [Sisodia] will sway a witness… The main problem with tampering with evidence. He also added that it is “simple coincidence” that he allegedly destroyed his phone on the day the lieutenant governor submitted a complaint about the excise policy.
In supporting Krishnan’s claims, Mathur brought up the fact that Sisodia’s wife has multiple sclerosis and needs care but is alone because their son is away at school.
Central Bureau Suspects South Group
The policy was implemented exactly the way he (Sisodia) intended and the way it was sought by his cronies of the South Group, Singh argued in opposition to the reasons put up by Sisodia’s attorneys.
The so-called South Group is alleged by the CBI to have paid senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders kickbacks totaling $100 crore. Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, a member of the YSR Congress, his son Raghav, Sarath Reddy, the promoter of the Aurobindo Group, and Kavitha, the daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, are allegedly members of the South Group.
Singh further argued that Sisodia’s release on bail would hinder the probe. He said that he have a total of 24 days left to file a charge sheet. Investigation will be hampered if he (Manish Sisodiya) is released on bail. We are trying to reach out to some folks, but it could backfire.
Additionally, CBI claimed that they had proof that South Group had received special treatment when the policy was being favoured. They continued by saying that they had obtained two reports from Sisodia attesting to the change from 5% commission and eligibility of 100 crore to 12% commission and eligibility of 500 crore.
After hearing the arguments, special judge MK Nagpal scheduled the case for more explanations and submissions on March 24.
Sisodia also filed a bail request in the case that the ED had opened as a result of the CBI investigation. Sisodia is currently in the care of the ED and must appear in court on March 22. The ED had said that Sisodia had played a key role not just in the formulation and execution of the policy but also in the creation of criminal profits and the recovery of payments. The municipal court has given notice of the bail application and scheduled a hearing for March 25.
