Delhi Deputy CM and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia, arrested in the liquor policy case, has been moved to Tihar Jail No 1 after a special court today sent him to judicial custody till March 20.
Mr Sisodia was produced in the special court this afternoon after his CBI custody ended. Special judge MK Nagpal sent him to judicial custody after noting that the CBI had not demanded further custody and that they may do so later if required.
The court has allowed Mr Sisodia to carry medicines prescribed during his medical examination. He has also been allowed to carry a pair of spectacles, a diary, a pen, and a copy of the Bhagavad Gita.
As requested by Mr Sisodia’s counsel, the court has directed the jail authorities to consider the request of keeping him in a ‘meditation cell.’
The CBI had earlier arrested Delhi deputy chief minister and AAP leader Manish Sisodia in the liquor policy case after eight hours of intense questioning.
The arrest comes ahead of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s travels to four poll-bound states.
The new liquor policy was withdrawn in July 2022 amid allegations of corruption in allotting liquor trade licences in November 2021 to private players after state-run firms exited the business.
Mr Sisodia visited Raj Ghat and led a rally to the CBI office in the morning, while hinting at a possible arrest by the investigating authorities.
Mr Sisodia handles the key education ministry in the cabinet, on which AAPs ‘Delhi Model’ stands.
As his right-hand man, Mr Sisodia arrest has put a spanner in the affairs of the party as well as Mr Kejriwals’ travel itinerary.
At Raj Ghat, Sisodia said he has asked Kejriwal to take care of his wife who is ill. In a statement, Sisodia, said, apparently to students., ‘Dont think that if Manish chacha is going to jail, holidays have started . I will not eat if you dont study properly.’
He tweeted: ‘Today again I am going to CBI. I will fully cooperate with the entire investigation. The love of lakhs of children and the blessings of crores of countrymen are with me….’
‘He gave evasive replies and did not cooperate with the investigation despite being confronted with evidence to the contrary. Therefore, he has been arrested,’ the CBI added.
This article has been updated.