CBI Explains Why Manish Sisodia Was Arrested After 8-Hour Questioning

The Central Bureau Of Investigation said that Manish Sisodia's answers were not satisfactory.

Manish Sisodia arrived at the CBI headquarters at 11 am yesterday and was questioned for nearly eight hours about alleged corruption in the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy.

CBI officials said that the Aam Aadmi Party leader was today grilled on various aspects of the excise policy - including his alleged link with Dinesh Arora and other accused mentioned in the FIR, and details of message exchanges from multiple phones.

Agency officials said that investigators felt that Mr Sisodia was not cooperating in the investigation.

They also said that Manish Sisodia did not give clarifications sought by officials on crucial points.

The CBI said, "He (Manish Sisodia) gave evasive replies and did not cooperate the investigation despite being confronted with evidence to the contrary."

CBI officials said it was felt that custodial interrogation was necessary to put Mr Sisodia through intense questioning.

In a statement, the CBI said, "The instant case was registered against Deputy Chief Minister and In charge Excise Minister, GNCTD of Delhi and 14 others for investigation into the matter of alleged irregularities in framing and implementation of Excise Policy for the year 2021-22 and extending post tender benefits to private persons."

The Delhi minister will be produced before the designated court Monday, CBI said.

Calling the case against him "fake", Mr Sisodia had earlier said he was ready for a seven to eight months in jail.