New Delhi: BJP leader and legal expert Hitesh Jain has alleged Aam Aadmi Party of misinterpreting the bail order of Punjab-based businessman Gautam Malhotra accused in the liquor policy case. He tweeted and made his case alleging the claims made by AAP that there is no scam are lies and the court order should be read in context. He argued that the order talks about Gautam Malhotra’s involvement and does not refute the scam as a whole.
He wrote that AAP held a press conference and misinterpreted the order. He added that AAP announced that the Court has held the ED and CBI cases to be ‘bogus’.
Senior Ministers have made a twisted reference to observations of the District Court allowing the bail application of Gautam Malhotra. They have brazenly announced that the Court has held that that the ED and CBI cases against AAP are “bogus”.
— Hitesh Jain (@HiteshJ1973) May 7, 2023
Sharing the court order, Hitesh wrote that the court stated that a trial is required to confirm Malhotra’s role in the case and the Judge questioned the truthfulness of co-Accused Amit Arora’s statement. He added that Gautam Malhotra admitted that he and his family members were ‘threatened’ to pay 6 percent of their commission as bribes.
The order granting bail to Mr. Malhotra must be read in context. Importantly, the Court’s order is only with regards to Mr. Malhotra’s involvement in the conspiracy and not the conspiracy as a whole. Thus, the allegations against the other accused still hold in full. pic.twitter.com/jeYlTx3pqZ
— Hitesh Jain (@HiteshJ1973) May 7, 2023
Targetting former Delhi minister Manish Sisodia, Hitesh wrote that the court has named him as the ‘brain’ behind the liquor policy.
AAP minister Atishi held a press conference and said that ED and CBI have not been able to prove any scam and the court has recognised that there is no ‘specific evidence’ hinting at bribes or repayment of kickbacks. The evidence was presented in terms of some vague statements by witnesses, and the court cannot conclude that cash payments were given as a bribe.
Big Statement by Court!
“There is no specific evidence showing any such cash evidence of bribe or repayment of kickbacks. The only evidence presented has been some vague statements by witnesses, and on the basis of these statements, it cannot be inferred that cash payments were… pic.twitter.com/74EsU7icIt
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) May 7, 2023
Gautam is the son of former Shiromani Akali Dal MLA Deep Malhotra and the chairman and managing director (MD) of the Oasis Group. His company deals in the manufacturing and distribution of alcohol. ED conducted raids at his properties in Punjab and arrested him in February this year.
