“CBI strongly refutes these allegations and reiterates that examination of Shri Sisodia was carried out in a professional and legal manner strictly as per the allegations against him in the FIR. The investigation of the case will continue as per law,” read a statement that came shortly after Mr Sisodia’s claims made headlines.
The Delhi deputy CM retorted back at the CBI’s statement, saying, “If the officers of the CBI issued a press release saying that ‘Operation Lotus’ was done, then people would be surprised. Their focus was not on the excise policy…completely concocted stories.”
Fatigued yet relaxed, after coming back home after the marathon questioning session , Sisodia told reporters, “There was talk about excise policy but I was pressured to give in. ‘These cases will go on like this. They will make you Chief Minister,’ they said”.
“I told them that I find joy when a rickshaw puller’s son joins the IIT,” he said. “Today I understood that the CBI is not investigating any scam… the case against me is just meant to make Operation Lotus a success,” he added.
AAP has claimed that the BJP had tried to launch an “Operation Lotus” – toppling an opposition government by poaching on its MLAs – in Delhi and Punjab. In Delhi, the party had even tabled a resolution against it in the assembly last month.
Sources said Sisodia was questioned about the alleged involvement of liquor companies in framing of the liquor policy. The agency also had questions on allegations that the liquor firms made 12 per cent profit in the process, of which 6 per cent was routed to public servants through middlemen like Hyderabad-based businessman Abhishek Bonipally.
The other big questions were on the alleged loss to the state in the process and irregularities in bringing the policy, like cabinet clearance for the new rules after they were implemented.
