Delhi Excise Policy Case: High-Profile Arrests Possible, Sisodia’s Bail Opposed

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has indicated to a Delhi court that more high-profile arrests could be imminent in the ongoing investigation of the Delhi excise policy case. The disclosure came as the agency strongly opposed the bail plea of Manish Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi and senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), citing the critical nature of the case and the ongoing probe. Sisodia’s legal team argued that the scrapped excise policy, central to the allegations, had not caused any loss to the exchequer, instead claiming it benefited both the revenue and consumers.

During the court proceedings, the defense highlighted the delay in trial commencement and referenced previous Supreme Court observations suggesting the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and CBI could not indefinitely detain Sisodia without conclusive evidence. They pointed out the Supreme Court’s instructions for a swift trial and the lack of substantial progress in the case since Sisodia’s arrest. The counsel argued for bail, stating that Sisodia posed no flight risk and emphasized the lack of evidence against him due to other accused turning approvers.

The case revolves around accusations against Sisodia of manipulating the Delhi excise policy to favor certain liquor businesses, allegedly causing significant financial losses to the state. Despite arguments on the delay in trial and absence of direct evidence linking Sisodia to the alleged crime proceeds, the CBI’s stance on potential forthcoming high-profile arrests underscores the complexity and ongoing nature of the investigation. The court’s decision on Sisodia’s bail plea remains pending, reflecting the intricacies of a case that has drawn considerable public and legal scrutiny.

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