Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday shot off a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the arrest of former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia urging him to dispel the perception that the AAP leader was being targeted for political reasons.
The CBI had arrested Sisodia on February 26 in connection with alleged corruption in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy for 2021-22.
Mr Vijayan, in his letter, said the arrest of Sisodia has "lent further force to the argument" about certain actions of the central investigation agencies.
The Chief Minister said there was no incriminating evidence like cash seizure in case of Mr Sisodia.
Mr Vijayan said the AAP leader is an elected representative of the people and has been appearing before the investigating agencies in response to their summons.
"Unless the arrest was an imperative for preventing the impediment to the investigation, the desirable act would have been to avoid it. As per information coming out in public domain, nothing incriminating like cash seizure has taken place in the case of Sisodia. While law has to take its course, it is equally important that the widespread perception that Sisodia is being targeted for political reasons and need to be dispelled," he said in his letter.
The CPI(M) leader said any excessive actions on part of anyone concerned should be avoided as emphasis should be on the principle of cooperative federalism.
Mr Vijayan, while refraining from commenting on the merits of the case under investigation, said the arrest of Sisodia has "lent further force to the argument" about actions taken by the probe agencies.
"It is the golden principle of natural justice that justice should not only be done, but seem to be done too," he pointed out.
The Chief Minister also expressed hope that guidance from the Prime Minister will go a long way in changing the present perception, which is reflected in the letter of the important political leaders including some CMs in this matter.
Sisodia is currently lodged in judicial custody till March 20.
Mr Vijayan's letter comes two days after leaders of eight opposition parties, including Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, wrote a joint letter to the Prime minister alleging "blatant misuse of central agencies" against members of the opposition.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
Japan PM Announces Resignation, Who Will Replace Him?
Independence Day 2024: When And Where To Watch PM Narendra Modi's Speech Manish Sisodia's "Sukesh" Parallel To Slam Lt Governor Amid Flag Hoisting Row When PM Modi Held The Umbrella For Farmers 150 mg Semen In Kolkata Doctor's Body, Suspect Gang-Rape: Parents To Court Trump, Musk Groove To Bee Gees' 'Stayin' Alive' In AI-Video Now Viral "Want To Ask Congress...": Mamata Banerjee Snaps At Ally In Rape-Murder Case US Judge Says "Monopolist" Google Can't Avoid App Store Reforms NASA To Decide Stranded Starliner Astronauts' Route Home By End Of Month Mob Vandalises Hospital During Protest Over Kolkata Horror Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.