ED seizes assets worth ₹52-cr from detained AAP leader Manish Sisodia and his wife in the Delhi excise policy scam.

ED seizes assets worth ₹52-cr from detained AAP leader Manish Sisodia and his wife in the Delhi excise policy scam.

The Enforcement Directorate has recently announced the attachment of assets worth Rs. 52 crores belonging to former Delhi deputy chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia, his wife, and other individuals involved in the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case. This action by the ED comes on the heels of Manish Sisodia’s move to seek bail from the Supreme Court about the cases filed against him by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which are connected to alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy case.

According to the ED, a provisional order has been issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to attach various assets, including immovable properties worth ₹7.29 crore. These properties consist of two assets belonging to Manish Sisodia and his wife Seema Sisodia, as well as a land or flat owned by Rajesh Joshi, who is a director of Chariot Productions Media Pvt. Ltd., and another land or flat owned by Gautam Malhotra.

In addition to the immovable assets, movable assets amounting to Rs 44.29 crore have also been included in the attachment. These movable assets encompass bank balances belonging to Manish Sisodia valued at ₹11.49 lakh, as well as an amount of ₹16.45 crore belonging to Brindco Sales Pvt. Ltd. and others, as stated by the agency.

The Enforcement Directorate has clarified that the total value of the attached assets is Rs. 52.24 crore. This action signifies a significant step taken by the ED in its ongoing investigation into the money laundering case related to the Delhi excise policy. By attaching these assets, the ED aims to prevent the accused individuals from disposing of their properties and ensure that they are available for further proceedings.

Manish Sisodia’s decision to approach the Supreme Court for bail indicates his intention to seek legal recourse and defend himself against the charges brought forth by the CBI and ED. The alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy case have been the subject of an investigation by these agencies, and the attachment of assets further intensifies the legal battle surrounding the case.

It is important to note that the charges against Manish Sisodia and the other accused individuals have yet to be proven in a court of law. The attachment of assets by the Enforcement Directorate represents a significant development in the ongoing investigation, but it is crucial to allow the legal process to unfold and determine the outcome of the case.

As the matter progresses, it remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will respond to Manish Sisodia’s bail plea and whether further actions will be taken by the investigating agencies. The attachment of assets serves as a reminder of the efforts being made by the authorities to combat money laundering and ensure accountability in cases of alleged financial irregularities.

In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia AAP Leader on March 9 as part of the ongoing investigation into the liquor policy case. After hours of questioning at Tihar Jail, Sisodia was taken into custody. This arrest comes after his previous arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD). Currently, Sisodia is in judicial custody.

The ED and the CBI had alleged that the excise policy formulated by the Delhi government for the years 2021–22, which involved granting licences to liquor traders, fostered cartelization and showed favouritism towards certain dealers who allegedly paid bribes for such advantages. These accusations have been vehemently denied by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), to which Sisodia belongs.

The excise policy in question was later revoked, and the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi recommended a CBI probe into the matter. Subsequently, the ED registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to investigate possible money laundering activities related to the case.

The arrest of Manish Sisodia AAP Leader has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Delhi. Sisodia, a prominent member of the AAP, has been a key figure in the party’s governance in Delhi. He has previously held the position of Deputy Chief Minister and has been associated with several important policy initiatives undertaken by the government.

The allegations against Sisodia and the subsequent arrests by the ED and the CBI have raised concerns about corruption and impropriety in the formulation and execution of government policies. The ED and the CBI have claimed that the excise policy was manipulated to benefit specific liquor dealers who allegedly paid bribes for favourable treatment. Such actions, if proven true, would be a grave breach of public trust and a violation of the principles of fair governance.

The AAP, on the other hand, has strongly refuted the allegations made by the investigating agencies. They argue that the excise policy was designed to streamline and improve the liquor licencing process, ensuring transparency and fairness. The party asserts that any claims of bribery or favouritism are baseless and politically motivated.

The cancellation of the excise policy and the subsequent recommendation for a CBI investigation by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi has added further complexity to the case. The Lieutenant Governor’s role in the matter has drawn attention and raised questions about the level of autonomy and decision-making powers granted to the elected government of Delhi. It has sparked a debate about the jurisdiction and authority of different bodies involved in the governance of the National Capital Territory.

As the legal proceedings continue, the arrest of Manish Sisodia AAP Leader and the allegations surrounding the liquor policy case has cast a shadow over the AAP, which has built its reputation on the promise of clean and transparent governance. The outcome of the investigations and the subsequent court proceedings will be crucial in determining the truth behind the allegations and their impact on the political landscape of Delhi.

In conclusion, the arrest of former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia AAP Leader in the liquor policy case, the allegations of irregularities in the excise policy, and the subsequent investigations by the ED and the CBI have shaken the political establishment in Delhi. The case raises important questions about corruption, governance, and the autonomy of elected governments. As the legal process unfolds, the truth behind the allegations and their implications for the AAP and Delhi’s political landscape will become clearer.