Dispel view that Sisodia's arrest was a political one: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CM Pinarayi Vijayan has written to PM Narendra Modi asking him to dispel the 'widespread perception' that AAP leader Manish Sisodia is being targeted for political reasons.
In his letter, Vijayan - who refrained from commenting on the merits of the investigation against Sisodia - said that his arrest has lent further credence to the argument about certain actions of central investigation agencies.
"It is the golden principle of natural justice that justice should not only be done, but seem to be done too. Sisodia is an elected representative and has been appearing before the investigating agencies in response to their summons.
Unless the arrest was imperative for preventing an impediment to the investigation, the desirable act would have been to avoid it," he wrote.
Vijayan added that as per the information in the public domain, nothing incriminating, like cash, was seized from Sisodia. While the law must take its course, it is equally important that the widespread perception of Sisodia being targeted for political reasons must be dispelled. In a cooperative federalism, excessive actions by anyone concerned should be avoided, he said.
Meanwhile, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal thanked Vijayan for his support. "Thank you hon'ble CM Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan ji for raising voice against illegal arrests of leaders across India," he tweeted. Sisodia was arrested by the CBI in connection with Delhi liquor policy case.
However, BJP state president K Surendran claimed on Tuesday that Vijayan brought shame to Keralites by advocating the cause of Sisodia, who was arrested in a 'graft' case.
"By sending a letter to the PM justifying Sisodia, Vijayan has taken the advocacy of the corrupt. I don't know on what grounds he claims that there was no evidence against Sisodia and his arrest was a violation of natural justice.
Will a court allow the arrest of the Delhi deputy CM if there was no evidence? Pinarayi has insulted the judicial system by writing such a letter," he alleged, adding that Vijayan must clarify on what basis he argued against the arrest of Sisodia.
Surendran said Vijayan should say why he is afraid of central agencies. "When gold smuggling was busted, CM had sent a letter to PM, seeking a probe by central agencies. Keralites have the right to know what their CM is afraid of. It's not desirable for a CM to intervene in an investigation taking place in another state," he said.