NEW DELHI: The CBI will submit an appeal to the High Court challenging the order issued by the Rouse Avenue court on Friday, which acquitted former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, along with others, in connection with the 2022 Delhi excise policy case.
The agency added that several aspects of the investigation were either ignored or not adequately considered in the trial court’s judgment.
The CBI had registered an FIR on August 17, 2022, against the then Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, excise officials, and liquor businessmen based on a complaint from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The allegations included irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the excise policy, modification of provisions, extension of undue favours to licensees, waiver or reduction of licence fees, and extension of L-1 licences without approval.
Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal became emotional after being discharged by the Rouse Avenue Court in the excise policy case and broke down while addressing the media for the first time after the verdict.
Manish Sisodia was seen hugging Kejriwal, wiping his tears and consoling him as party supporters gathered around.
Addressing reporters, Kejriwal said, “The way they kept repeating ‘Delhi excise scam’ and making allegations against us, today the court has dismissed the charges and discharged the accused. We always said that truth prevails and that we have faith in the Indian judicial system.”
He added, “I want to thank the judges for delivering the verdict. I have always believed that God is with us.”
Kejriwal further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah orchestrated a major political conspiracy to weaken the AAP.
"It was a completely bogus case. Television debates repeatedly portrayed me as corrupt, " he said.