The Enforcement Directorate (ED) asserted in court on Saturday that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia and other defendants were deliberately prolonging the trial in a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy “scam”. Opposing Sisodia’s bail request before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja, the agency extended the judicial remand of the AAP leader until April 18 after his appearance following the end of his custody, according to multiple media reports.

ED alleges Sisodia received kickbacks of Rs 100 crore

The ED further alleged that Sisodia, along with other members of the AAP, had received advance kickbacks of Rs 100 crore and was responsible for drafting the policy. Sisodia had sought relief from the court, citing a delay in commencing the trial. The investigative agency contended that the delay in the trial was not due to the prosecution but rather the accused.

“The prosecution is not responsible for the delay in the trial, but it is the accused, including Sisodia, who have made concerted efforts to delay the proceedings,” the ED informed the court in response to his second bail plea.

Sanjay Singh appears in court; 95 bail applications filed

During the hearing, Sisodia’s co-accused and party colleague, Sanjay Singh, who was recently granted bail by the Supreme Court, also appeared before the court. The ED stated that a total of 95 applications have been filed by the accused seeking similar relief, with six filed by Sisodia, the reports mentioned.

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Judge to continue hearing on April 10

It was argued that frivolous applications have been submitted by the accused involved in the case, resulting in costs imposed by the previous judge. The judge will continue to hear arguments on April 10.

Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26, 2023, for his alleged involvement in the “scam.” The ED later arrested Sisodia in a money laundering case related to the CBI FIR on March 9, 2023. He resigned from the Delhi cabinet on February 28, 2023.