Delhi excise policy case: Busy in preparing Delhi Budget, says Manish Sisodia; CBI accepts request for more time

NEW DELHI: Citing budget duties, Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Sunday urged the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to defer his questioning till the last week of February.
Following that, the CBI accepted the request seeking more time to join the probe. The CBI will now issue a fresh summon to Sisodia with a new date to join the investigation.
The CBI had called him to question in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case.
"I had got a notice from CBI that they want to question regarding excise policy. Because it is the last week of February, it is a very crucial time for me as Delhi’s annual budget is being prepared. It is in the last stages. I have requested them for time till the end of February so that the budget is finalised. After that, either at the end of February or after that, whenever they seem fit, I will answer all their questions related to the excise policy and will make the matter clear,” Sisodia said.
"I have always cooperated with them and will continue to do so. This time, however, is crucial for the budget, each day is important, and a disturbance can affect budget preparations and this is why I have sought more time. I’m sure CBI officials will understand that being the Finance Minister, my role in finalising the budget is very crucial,” he said.

He said he has always supported the investigation agency and will continue to do so but this is a crucial time for Delhi. "After February end whenever they call I will be happy to answer all their questions. I am sure CBI officials will understand how important Delhi' budget is for Delhi and a finance minister how important my role is in the last stage of the budget."
Sisodia had been called for questioning on Sunday in connection with the case, nearly three months after a charge sheet was filed in the matter, officials said.
The AAP leader has not been named as an accused in the chargesheet as the investigation against him and other suspects is still going on.
The CBI had conducted a search operation at Sisodia’s Punjab National Bank locker in connection with Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 money laundering case, last year in August also, where according to him the CBI had found nothing.
Several raids were also conducted at 21 places in Delhi and the National Capital Region including the residence of Sisodia and the premises of four public servants last year, according to a CBI official. The official said that raids were conducted in locations across 7 states.
The probe was done after taking into account a report forwarded by the Chief Secretary to Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena recommending a CBI investigation into the matter.
The excise policy was passed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi Cabinet in the middle of the deadly Delta Covid-19 pandemic in 2021.
Watch Preparing budget: Manish Sisodia requests CBI to defer questioning till February end