'Did not blame Sisodia': Arvind Kejriwal's rebuttal on CBI's claims in court

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“A false narrative is being spread by CBI sources in the media – that I put the blame of the liquor policy scam on Sisodia ji. I did not make any such statement blaming him or any other person,” Kejriwal said in a firm rebuttal.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has firmly denied the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) allegations against him in the Delhi excise policy case. During his court appearance, Kejriwal asserted that he did not blame his former deputy Manish Sisodia for any wrongdoing.

The CBI had formally arrested Kejriwal on June 26.

“I had said Sisodiaji is innocent… Aam Aadmi Party is innocent… and I am innocent. But CBI’s plan is to malign us in the media. Please record… CBI sources spread fake news,” he added.

CBI sought his 5-day custody for interrogation however, the court ultimately granted the agency a 3-day remand, allowing Kejriwal’s wife and lawyer to meet him for 30 minutes each day.

Kejriwal, who has been in Tihar Jail since March in the money laundering case, was produced before Special Judge Amitabh Rawat.

Reports said CBI claimed that Kejriwal had blamed Sisodia for the alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy.

Excise policy case

The excise policy case is pertaining to alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s liquor retail policy for 2021-22.

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The policy was introduced in November 2021 with the aim of maximising revenue, combating counterfeit alcohol sales and enhancing the consumer experience.

However, the policy faced vehement opposition and allegations of procedural irregularities, ultimately leading to its annulment in August 2022. The CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) subsequently launched investigations into the matter.

Kejriwal’s arrest comes at a crucial time, as he was recently granted interim bail by the Supreme Court to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections.

His wife, Sunita Kejriwal, has already taken to social media to condemn the “dictatorship”, accusing the “system” of trying to keep her husband in jail.

(With inputs from agencies)