Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann addresses a press conference just ahead of the CBI’s visit for questioning in the now-cancelled liquor policy matter, in New Delhi on April 16, 2023. Photo Credit: PTI
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal reached the CBI headquarters on 16 April for questioning in the Excise Policy case.
The agency had summoned him last Friday and asked him to appear as a witness before the probe team to answer its questions on inputs received during the probe, which also included his former deputy Manish Sisodia, on February 26. was arrested.
Mr Kejriwal arrived in his car at the heavily guarded CBI headquarters, where the Delhi Police has erected four circles of barricading to prevent any possible protest by Aam Aadmi Party leaders and supporters.
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The CBI has kept Sunday for questioning as the neighbourhood, which houses government office complexes, remains closed, causing minimum inconvenience to officials visiting here.
After reaching the agency headquarters at 11:10 am, Mr Kejriwal was taken to the first-floor office of the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch, which is probing the case. He said senior officials of the agency were present at the office on Sunday to monitor the development, as it is normal procedure whenever a VIP visits the agency.
He said that during the day, which would also include the lunch break, the CBI may question the chief minister about the policy-making process, especially the “untraceable” file, which was earlier to be placed before the Council of Ministers.
He said that the file containing the opinion of the expert committee and the public and legal opinion thereon was not placed before the council and remains untraceable.
He said the agency may also question Mr Kejriwal on the statements of other accused, where he has indicated the way he allegedly influenced policy in favor of some liquor barons and the southern liquor lobby.
Besides this, officials said the agency may also seek his knowledge about his role in framing the excise policy and the alleged influence being exerted by traders and members of the south lobby.
He said Kejriwal could also be asked whether he was involved in formulating the policy before it was approved.
Mr Sisodia was earlier taken into custody by the Enforcement Directorate last month and has been in judicial custody since his bail plea was rejected by a special court on March 31.
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While rejecting the bail plea, the court noted that he “played a most important and crucial role in the criminal conspiracy” and was “deeply involved” in formulating and implementing the said policy to ensure achievement of the objectives of the said conspiracy.
The court termed Mr Sisodia as “prima facie” the “architect” of the criminal conspiracy.