Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said on Monday that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has called him for questioning on 26 February with regard to the Delhi liquor excise policy case. Earlier, the CBI had asked Sisodia to appear for questioning on 19 February.
Sisodia requested on Sunday that the central agency defer questioning, saying that he is “preparing the budget” at present and can only appear before it towards the end of February.
“I will visit the CBI office by the end of February, whenever they (CBI) call me.” Being the Finance Minister of Delhi, preparing the budget is very important, so I have requested to shift the date. I have always cooperated with these agencies,” said Sisodia.
Sisodia, who is also the Finance Minister, told a leading news agency on Sunday that he received the CBI summons on Saturday, just a day after the Supreme Court ordered that the election to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) mayorship be held first and that nominated persons have no right to vote in Corporation meetings.
The agency summoned Sisodia nearly three months after filing a chargesheet in the Delhi excise policy case, officials said.
However, Sisodia has not been named an accused in the chargesheet filed in the case. Arrested businessmen Vijay Nair and Abhishek are among the seven accused named in the chargesheet.
In August last year, the CBI searched Sisodia’s bank locker in connection with the case. The deputy CM claimed the sleuths did not find any incriminating material in his locker.
Several raids were conducted last year at 21 locations in Delhi and the National Capital Region, including Sisodia’s residence and the offices of four public servants. The raids were also conducted in seven states, as per CBI officers.
The CBI launched a probe in the matter on the basis of a report forwarded by the Delhi chief secretary to L.G. Saxena recommending a probe by the central agency.
