Manish Sisodia may be arrested by CBI today: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

NEW DELHI: With deputy CM Manish Sisodia scheduled to be questioned by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday in the excise policy case, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal feared that the probe agency might arrest the former.
Speaking to a news channel, Kejriwal said his sources had told him about the possible arrest of his deputy. "CBI has called Manish Sisodia for questioning. Our sources are saying that he will be arrested on Sunday," Kejriwal said. "This is really disappointing."
Sisodia, who also holds the charge of finance and excise departments, was made accused number one by CBI in the FIR registered in alleged irregularities in formulation and implementation of the now-withdrawn Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 in July last year. Three excise department officials, along with 12 private individuals, were also named in the FIR.
The federal agency had conducted raids at Sisodia's office, residence and village in August last year while his bank locker was also searched. The deputy CM was called for a day-long questioning in October. Sisodia was not named by CBI in the chargesheet filed in November.
"CBI searched his bank accounts, raided his house, searched his lockers, raided his office, raided properties in his village but nothing was found," Kejriwal said.
The deputy CM was earlier called for questioning on February 19. Sisodia, however, requested to defer it as he was busy finalising the Delhi's budget for 2023-24. Sources said final touches had already been given to the budget and the deputy CM was ready to appear before the probe agency on Sunday.
Kejriwal earlier claimed that the same excise policy, which was under investigation in Delhi, had been implemented in Punjab and resulted in 48% hike in revenue collection. "First of all, there is no such thing as a liquor scam. We formulated the best and most transparent policy in the country," the chief minister said. "They have framed the case as a result of political vendetta and conspiracy. Manish will go there (CBI) and we will fully cooperate."
Taking to reporters earlier, Sisodia also expressed his apprehension that he might be arrested by CBI on Sunday and alleged that the agency was acting on the instructions of BJP to take "revenge" on him.