New Delhi: In connection with the alleged corruption in the implementation of the Delhi Excise policy, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted several raids at different places, including the residence of Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. Sisodia is currently the chief of the excise department under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. He is facing charges of alleged corruption in Delhi’s liquor policy. The investigation agency also named other 14 suspects in an FIR filed in the case.
What is the excise policy case against 15 suspects?
The CBI’s FIR says the decision related to the excise policy 2021-22 was taken by Manish Sisodia and other public servants without the approval of the competent authority. According to the media reports, it was done with an intention to extend favours to the ”licensees post tender”.
It is reported that Sameer Mahendru, who is the owner of Indospriti, was involved in framing the rules for excise policymaking. According to the FIR, Mahendru transferred at least two payments in crores to Sisodia’s ”close associates”.
The FIR stated that two payments to Sisodia’s associates were around Rs 4 to 5 crores.
Who filed the FIR against Manish Sisodia and others?
At present, only CBI is investigating the case but the Enforcement Directorate (ED) might launch a money laundering case into the framing and execution of the excise policy.
The FIR related to criminal conspiracy and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act was lodged based on the recommendation of Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on July 22, 2022.
What is Delhi excise policy 2021-22?
On November 17, 2021, the Delhi government implemented the policy, prepared on the basis of an expert committee report. The policy said 849 liquor vends will be allocated to private companies through open bidding. The capital was divided into 32 zones, having a maximum of 27 vends in each zone. However, it is reported that the bidding was conducted zone-by-zone instead of individual licences.
In the alleged rule violations and procedural flaws, Delhi LG recommended the CBI probe.