Ex-Delhi minister Manish Sisodia's CBI custody extended by 2 days in excise scam

A Delhi court on Saturday extended former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia's CBI custody till March 6 in the alleged liquor scam.

The central agency sought an extension of custody for three days. However, the court granted only two days of extension. Now, the ex-minister's bail plea will be heard on March 10.

The CBI's plea was opposed by Sisodia's lawyer who said the inefficiency of the agency to complete the probe cannot be ground for remand and he cannot be asked to incriminate himself.

Sisodia said non-cooperation cannot be a ground for custody and opposed the CBI's plea for his remand.

After the order was pronounced, Sisodia told the court that although the CBI was treating him well in its custody, repeated questions were causing mental harassment.

The court then asked the CBI not to ask him repeated questions.There was heavy security presence in and outside the Rouse Avenue Courts premises. The supporters of the Aam Aadmi Party staged a protest outside the premises and raised slogans.

Sisodia had on Friday filed bail plea in Rouse Avenue Court after the SC refused to intervene in the matter. The fresh bail petition filed on behalf of Sisodia before a trial court in the national capital stated that no fruitful purpose would be served keeping him (Sisodia) in custody as all the recoveries in the case have already been made.

The CBI had arrested Sisodia last Sunday in connection with alleged corruption in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped liquor policy for 2021-22 after nearly eight hours of questioning during which his answers were allegedly not found satisfactory.