Manish Sisodia , the deputy chief minister of Delhi, is being investigated by the CBI for allegedly spying on opposition parties, according to approval from the Centre.
Mr. Sisodia, who is already facing a CBI investigation in the Delhi liquor policy case, reacted angrily to the latest development saying that filing false cases against rivals is a sign of a “weak” and “cowardly” person. He stated that as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) grows, more cases like this will be filed.
The CBI had summoned Mr. Sisodia for questioning in the liquor policy case last Sunday, but he requested more time, claiming that he also held the finance portfolio and was preparing the Budget. Later, he told the media that he was afraid the CBI would arrest him, delaying Budget preparations. He was summoned again this Sunday.
In the most recent case, the CBI requested permission to file an FIR against Mr. Sisodia, who also heads the Delhi government’s vigilance department. It is alleged that a “Feedback Unit” established by the AAP government in 2015 under the Vigilance department was used to spy on ministries, Opposition parties, entities, and individuals.
“This snooping unit, with no legislative or judicial oversight, was allegedly run and managed by CM Arvind Kejriwal’s close aides and advisors, who reported directly to him. The case also involves illegal/unaccounted expenditure in the name of the FBI’s Secret Service Fund “According to a CBI source quoted by news agency ANI.
Following the release of the CBI report, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena referred the case to the President via the Ministry of Home Affairs. The ministry has now informed the Lieutenant Governor’s office that the CBI can resume its investigation.
The “Feedback Unit” was reportedly established to strengthen the vigilance establishment and gather feedback on the operations of government departments and autonomous institutions.
The CBI conducted a preliminary investigation in 2016 in response to a complaint filed by an officer of the Directorate of Vigilance.
According to the report, the agency stated that, in addition to the assigned job, the “Feedback Unit” gathered intelligence on the political activities of individuals and issues aligned with the AAP’s political interests.
The report also stated that the unit’s “illegal” operation cost the government money.
Welcoming the CBI’s approval, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva demanded Mr. Sisodia’s immediate arrest as well as an investigation into AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
According to AAP leader Durgesh Pathak, the BJP is after the AAP and Mr. Sisodia. “Their only conversation is about filing false cases and framing AAP leaders. Modiji is concerned about the rise of the AAP “He stated.
