Manish Sisodia's CBI Custody Extended For Two More Days

Former Delhi deputy chief minister, Manish Sisodia, was produced in the Rouse Avenue Court by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today (4 March).

It was after the end of his five-day custody, in connection to alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of Delhi's new excise policy.

After Manish Sisodia's arrest, he had approached the Supreme Court seeking relief, but his bail plea was rejected by the court on 28 February, after which he submitted his resignation.

After today's hearing. Sisodia's custody was extended by two more days till Monday (6 March) by the Rouse Avenue Court.

The Delhi Police, Rapid Action Force (RAF), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were deployed outside the CBI headquarters earlier in the morning to ensure security.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and workers had also gathered and protested against the arrest of the former deputy CM. 

Sisodia's lawyer opposed the CBI's plea, stating that the agency's inefficiency to complete its investigation cannot be a ground for remand and he cannot be asked to incriminate himself.

During the hearing, Sisodia claimed that he was being "mentally harassed" by the CBI while in custody, stating that the agency was asking him the same questions repeatedly, causing mental harassment.

However, the CBI countered the claim, alleging that Sisodia was not cooperating with the investigation.

The CBI had arrested Sisodia on Sunday evening, in connection with alleged corruption in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped liquor policy for 2021-22.

The agency claimed Manish Sisodia was arrested due to his failure to cooperate with the investigation and providing evasive answers despite being presented with evidence.

(with inputs from PTI)