What Is The Delhi Excise Policy Case? Everything You Need To Know

New Delhi, Aug 20: Delhi's deputy chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia is under the scanner of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the alleged corruption in the implementation of the Delhi Excise Policy.

Raids were conducted at Sisodia's home and 31 other locations across seven states on Friday by the CBI. From Sisodia, the CBI seized several documents, a computer and his mobile phone. Sisodia has been named as the first accused in the case.

In February, Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was arrested in connection with the excise case, which revolved around allegations of corruption in the development and execution of the liquor policy for the fiscal year 2021-22. At that time, Sisodia held the excise portfolio and managed various other ministries within the Delhi government.

But what exactly is the Delhi Excise policy case?

The Delhi Excise policy, which was framed based on recommendations from an expert committee, went into effect on November 17, 2021. The primary objectives of this policy were to boost government revenues and curtail the influence of the liquor mafia, along with addressing black marketing issues. Under the new policy, a process of open bidding was employed to allocate 849 liquor vends to private companies. The city was divided into 32 zones, each of which was assigned a maximum of 27 vends. Notably, individual licenses were not granted, and the bidding process was carried out zone-wise.

The case against Sisodia, explained:

• The FIR filed by the CBI says that Sisodia and other public servants took decisions pertaining to the excise policy 2021-22 without the approval of the competent authority with an intention to extend undue favours to the licensees post tender.
• At least two payments in crores were allegedly made to close associates of Sisodia by Sameer Mahendra the owner of Indospirit one of the liquor traders involved in irregularities in framing and implementation of the new policy, the FIR also said.
• Sisodia's close associates were actively involved in the managing and diverting the funds collected from the liquor licensees for the accused involved in the case. The deputy CM's associates had collected Rs 4 to 5 crore in two payments, the FIR further states.
• There are a total of 15 persons including Sisodia who have been named by the CBI as accused. A company managed by an associate of Sisodia was paid Rs 1 crore the CBI alleged. The liquor companies and middlemen were actively involved in the irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise police, the CBI also said. Licences were handed over to private players following the launch of the policy in November, the CBI further added.
• The CBI said that Sisodia introduced the policy on who would be allowed to sell liquor in Delhi and the same was announced without the permission of the 1 Lieutenant Governor, who is the centre's representative in Delhi.