Manish Sisodia Interrogated by ACB Over Alleged Graft in Classroom Construction

Manish Sisodia, the former deputy chief minister of Delhi, faced questioning by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) for over three hours on Friday. This was his first interrogation in an alleged corruption case concerning the construction of classrooms in government schools. Officials stated that the ACB had summoned both Sisodia and Satyendar Jain regarding these allegations.

The case involves suspected irregularities in the construction of classrooms and school buildings at inflated costs in Delhi government schools. Madhur Verma, Joint Commissioner of Police, ACB, mentioned that Sisodia arrived at the agency's office at 11 am. His examination included an independent Panch witness, and his responses were documented. After completing the session, Sisodia left the ACB office at 2:30 pm, with further investigations ongoing.

Allegations and Political Reactions

Sisodia received a written questionnaire with over 35 questions. Sources revealed that while he cooperated, many of his answers were vague, often attributing responsibility to department officials. The ACB has already questioned more than 25 witnesses and plans to summon more based on their responses and those of Sisodia and Jain.

The investigation follows an FIR registered by the ACB on April 30. It alleges financial irregularities amounting to Rs 2,000 crore in constructing over 12,000 classrooms or semi-permanent structures in Delhi government schools. Before appearing before the ACB, Sisodia claimed the case was politically motivated to distract from significant issues.

Political Accusations and Defamation Case

Sisodia accused the BJP of making false allegations driven by political motives. He criticised their management of schools, citing issues like waterlogging and power cuts in Delhi. "BJP is trying to divert attention from crucial issues," he charged. He also asserted that nothing substantial would emerge from this case.

He mentioned that BJP MP Manoj Tiwari had accused him in this matter, leading to a defamation case against Tiwari. "Nothing has been found against us in any other case," Sisodia stated confidently. He had initially been scheduled to appear before the ACB on June 9 but cited prior engagements as a reason for missing it.

AAP's Response to Allegations

AAP leader Atishi criticised the BJP for a decade-long political vendetta involving over 200 false cases against party leaders. During a press conference, she said that despite numerous cases filed by central agencies like ED, CBI, IT, and Delhi police, not a single rupee has been recovered.

Atishi referred to Supreme Court remarks describing central investigative agencies as "caged parrots" during Arvind Kejriwal's bail hearing as evidence of political misuse of institutions. She emphasised that these actions are part of a broader strategy against AAP leaders.

Sisodia reiterated his commitment to serving people despite BJP's tactics of lodging FIRs against him. "I work for people," he said when questioned about skipping earlier summonses. The ongoing investigation continues amid these political tensions and accusations.

With inputs from PTI