<p>Delhi’s ruling party and a member of the opposition ‘INDIA’ bloc, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is protesting across the country against the detention of one of its top leaders in a corruption case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Member of Parliament (MP) from the upper house (Rajya Sabha) of the Indian Parliament, Sanjay Singh was arrested by financial watchdog Enforcement Directorate (ED) for his alleged involvement in the liquor policy scam.</p>

<p>Earlier on Wednesday (Oct 4), his residence in Delhi was raided by the ED.</p>

<p>The raids against Singh took place after he was named by businessman Dinesh Arora, an accused in the case, who later turned 'approver'.</p>

<h2><strong>AAP to stage protests nationwide</strong></h2>

<p>AAP on Thursday (Oct 5) was staging protests outside the headquarters of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi. Similar protests are also being held opposite the ED office in Mumbai.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | AAP workers protest outside BJP headquarters in Delhi against the ED arrest of party MP Sanjay Singh. <a href="https://t.co/TxBgXLoboI">pic.twitter.com/TxBgXLoboI</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1709824726330204361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Barely 100 metres from the ED office, the policemen stopped AAP workers, infuriating them and leading to a clash. Many leaders were soon detained.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mumbai: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AAP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AAP</a> workers held protest outside <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ED?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ED</a> office against arrest of AAP MP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanjaySingh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanjaySingh</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanjaySinghArrested?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanjaySinghArrested</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EnforcementDirectorate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EnforcementDirectorate</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanjaySinghAAP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanjaySinghAAP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cliQIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cliQIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/QSfQTFvGQY">pic.twitter.com/QSfQTFvGQY</a></p>
— cliQ India (@cliQIndiaMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/cliQIndiaMedia/status/1709824023583215672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Protests were also held at Sanjay Singh’s residence in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>Singh’s arrest has already sparked a political controversy, with AAP’s top leader and Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal stating that the move showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anxiety.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Earthquake measuring 6.2 reported in Nepal; Tremors felt in parts of northern Delhi</strong></p>

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<p>“They have arrested Sanjay Singh, a powerful advocate against Modi ji’s corruption. He is completely steeped in corruption from top to bottom. I believe he is the most corrupt prime minister in the history of independent India,” Kejriwal said.</p>

<h2><strong>Third high-profile arrest</strong></h2>

<p>This marks the third significant arrest involving the AAP. In May of the previous year, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain was apprehended on charges of money laundering, which allegedly involved four companies associated with him.</p>

<p>However, the most substantial blow to the party came in February of this year when the then Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and close associate of Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, was arrested by the CBI in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-delhi-ncr-remains-top-in-worst-pollution-rankings-mizoram-has-cleanest-air-642548"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;India: Delhi-NCR remains top in worst polluted city rankings, Mizoram has cleanest air</strong></a></p>

<p>The liquor policy case is currently under investigation by both the CBI and the ED. This policy, introduced in November 2021, entailed the government's withdrawal from the retail sale of liquor, allowing private licensees to operate stores.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In July 2022, Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar raised concerns about significant violations in the policy and alleged that liquor license holders had received "undue benefits."</p>

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Delhi’s ruling party and a member of the opposition ‘INDIA’ bloc, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is protesting across the country against the detention of one of its top leaders in a corruption case.

Delhi’s ruling party and a member of the opposition ‘INDIA’ bloc, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is protesting across the country against the detention of one of its top leaders in a corruption case. A Member of Parliament (MP) from the upper house (Rajya Sabha) of the Indian Parliament, Sanjay Singh was arrested by financial watchdog Enforcement Directorate (ED) for his alleged involvement in the liquor policy scam. Earlier on Wednesday (Oct 4), his residence in Delhi was raided by the ED. The raids against Singh took place after he was named by businessman Dinesh Arora, an accused in the case, who later turned 'approver'. AAP to stage protests nationwide AAP on Thursday (Oct 5) was staging protests outside the headquarters of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi. Similar protests are also being held opposite the ED office in Mumbai. VIDEO | AAP workers protest outside BJP headquarters in Delhi against the ED arrest of party MP Sanjay Singh. pic.twitter.com/TxBgXLoboI — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 5, 2023 × Barely 100 metres from the ED office, the policemen stopped AAP workers, infuriating them and leading to a clash. Many leaders were soon detained. Mumbai: #AAP workers held protest outside #ED office against arrest of AAP MP #SanjaySingh#SanjaySinghArrested #EnforcementDirectorate #SanjaySinghAAP #cliQIndia pic.twitter.com/QSfQTFvGQY — cliQ India (@cliQIndiaMedia) October 5, 2023 × Protests were also held at Sanjay Singh’s residence in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Singh’s arrest has already sparked a political controversy, with AAP’s top leader and Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal stating that the move showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anxiety. Watch: Earthquake measuring 6.2 reported in Nepal; Tremors felt in parts of northern Delhi × “They have arrested Sanjay Singh, a powerful advocate against Modi ji’s corruption. He is completely steeped in corruption from top to bottom. I believe he is the most corrupt prime minister in the history of independent India,” Kejriwal said. Third high-profile arrest This marks the third significant arrest involving the AAP. In May of the previous year, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain was apprehended on charges of money laundering, which allegedly involved four companies associated with him. However, the most substantial blow to the party came in February of this year when the then Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and close associate of Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, was arrested by the CBI in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam. Also read: India: Delhi-NCR remains top in worst polluted city rankings, Mizoram has cleanest air The liquor policy case is currently under investigation by both the CBI and the ED. This policy, introduced in November 2021, entailed the government's withdrawal from the retail sale of liquor, allowing private licensees to operate stores. In July 2022, Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar raised concerns about significant violations in the policy and alleged that liquor license holders had received "undue benefits." WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India: Delhi’s AAP stages protests across nation against arrest of its MP Sanjay Singh

<p>The Central Bureau of Investigation came knocking on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's door in the liquor policy case that has ravaged the Delhi government for months now. Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was arrested in February in the excise case over allegations of corruption in the formulation and implementation of the liquor policy for 2021-22. Sisodia held the excise portfolio and several other ministries in the Delhi government. Kejriwal was questioned by the CBI for over nine hours on Sunday. He was accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other party leaders. After the questioning got over, Kejriwal said that the probe agency does not have any bit of evidence against the Aam Aadmi Party government that "it has committed any wrong in the framing of now scrapped new excise policy."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What is the Delhi Excise policy case?</strong></p>

<p>The Excise policy was framed on the recommendations of an expert committee and came into force on November 17, 2021. The policy was aimed at increasing government revenues and also ending the liquor mafia’s influence and black marketing. Under the new policy, open bidding was conducted for 849 liquor vends which were awarded to private companies. The city was divided into 32 zones, each allotted a maximum of 27 vends. There were no individual licences and the bidding was done zone-by-zone.</p>

<p>The city government's role in the liquor business ended with the new excise policy. The government was left with no control over the sale of liquor in the capital. While the government said the policy would lead to equal distribution of liquor vends in the city, several social, educational and religious groups weren't happy with it. That it was implemented in the middle of the second Covid wave made things worse for the Delhi government. The policy was rolled back in July 2022 and the old liquor policy came into force once again.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What is the controversy?</strong></p>

<p>The controversy over the liquor policy started when allegations started swirling that the AAP government used the policy to extend undue financial favours to the liquor licensees, much after the tenders had been awarded, thus causing huge losses to the exchequer. The CBI is probing allegations that the liquor policy gave undue advantages to private retailers. The CBI also says that corruption in the matter goes to the "highest levels" in Kejriwal's government. It has claimed crores in kickbacks were paid for favours in the policy and the funds were used by the AAP for its election campaign in Goa last year.</p>

<p>A July 8 report by the Chief Secretary of Delhi last year also showed prima facie violations of the GNCTD Act 1991, Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR) 1993, Delhi Excise Act 2009 and Delhi Excise Rules 2010.</p>

<p>Following the report, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena ordered a probe into the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. He recommended a CBI probe on July 22, 2022, into the alleged rule violations and other wrongdoings in the implementation of the excise policy.</p>

<p><strong>Manish Sisodia's arrest</strong></p>

<p>The above report alleged that “Minister In-charge of the Excise Department, Manish Sisodia, took and got executed, major decisions/actions”, which were “in violation of the statutory provisions and the notified Excise Policy that had huge financial implications.”</p>

<p>“It was done so with the sole aim of benefitting private liquor barons in lieu of financial benefits to individuals at the highest echelons of the government leading up to the Minister-in-charge of Excise &amp; Finance, Manish Sisodia,” the report said.</p>

<p>In August, the CBI registered an FIR in a special court that mentioned crores were allegedly paid to close associates of Sisodia by Sameer Mahendru, the owner of Indospirits. The liquor trader had been actively involved in irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy.</p>

<p>Former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia's arrest has been the most high-profile arrest in the matter to date. His judicial custody was extended till May 1 on Monday in the now-scrapped excise policy. Sisodia was produced physically on Monday before the Court from Tihar Jail after the end of his judicial custody period. Earlier on April 3, the same court extended Sisodia`s judicial custody till April 17. Sisodia was arrested on February 26 by the CBI which is probing alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The following month, Sisodia was arrested while still in jail by the Enforcement Directorate which is probing allegations of money laundering in the case.</p>

<p><strong>Kejriwal's questioning</strong></p>

<p>The CBI &nbsp;recorded Kejriwal's statement in connection with the Excise policy case on Sunday and will verify and collate it with the "available evidence". A statement by the CBI said that the Chief Minister of Delhi was issued a notice under section 160 Cr.P.C for his examination in this case. The agency said that is had uncovered fresh evidence in the matter and there are grounds for the CM to be questioned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The entire alleged liquor scam is false and is out of bad politics. AAP is 'kattar imaandaar party'. They want to finish AAP but the country's people are with us," Kejriwal said after the questioning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chief Minister added that he has not been summoned again.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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The Central Bureau of Investigation came knocking on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's door in the liquor policy case that has ravaged the Delhi government for months now.

The Central Bureau of Investigation came knocking on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's door in the liquor policy case that has ravaged the Delhi government for months now. Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was arrested in February in the excise case over allegations of corruption in the formulation and implementation of the liquor policy for 2021-22. Sisodia held the excise portfolio and several other ministries in the Delhi government. Kejriwal was questioned by the CBI for over nine hours on Sunday. He was accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other party leaders. After the questioning got over, Kejriwal said that the probe agency does not have any bit of evidence against the Aam Aadmi Party government that "it has committed any wrong in the framing of now scrapped new excise policy." What is the Delhi Excise policy case? The Excise policy was framed on the recommendations of an expert committee and came into force on November 17, 2021. The policy was aimed at increasing government revenues and also ending the liquor mafia’s influence and black marketing. Under the new policy, open bidding was conducted for 849 liquor vends which were awarded to private companies. The city was divided into 32 zones, each allotted a maximum of 27 vends. There were no individual licences and the bidding was done zone-by-zone. The city government's role in the liquor business ended with the new excise policy. The government was left with no control over the sale of liquor in the capital. While the government said the policy would lead to equal distribution of liquor vends in the city, several social, educational and religious groups weren't happy with it. That it was implemented in the middle of the second Covid wave made things worse for the Delhi government. The policy was rolled back in July 2022 and the old liquor policy came into force once again. What is the controversy? The controversy over the liquor policy started when allegations started swirling that the AAP government used the policy to extend undue financial favours to the liquor licensees, much after the tenders had been awarded, thus causing huge losses to the exchequer. The CBI is probing allegations that the liquor policy gave undue advantages to private retailers. The CBI also says that corruption in the matter goes to the "highest levels" in Kejriwal's government. It has claimed crores in kickbacks were paid for favours in the policy and the funds were used by the AAP for its election campaign in Goa last year. A July 8 report by the Chief Secretary of Delhi last year also showed prima facie violations of the GNCTD Act 1991, Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR) 1993, Delhi Excise Act 2009 and Delhi Excise Rules 2010. Following the report, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena ordered a probe into the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. He recommended a CBI probe on July 22, 2022, into the alleged rule violations and other wrongdoings in the implementation of the excise policy. Manish Sisodia's arrest The above report alleged that “Minister In-charge of the Excise Department, Manish Sisodia, took and got executed, major decisions/actions”, which were “in violation of the statutory provisions and the notified Excise Policy that had huge financial implications.” “It was done so with the sole aim of benefitting private liquor barons in lieu of financial benefits to individuals at the highest echelons of the government leading up to the Minister-in-charge of Excise & Finance, Manish Sisodia,” the report said. In August, the CBI registered an FIR in a special court that mentioned crores were allegedly paid to close associates of Sisodia by Sameer Mahendru, the owner of Indospirits. The liquor trader had been actively involved in irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy. Former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia's arrest has been the most high-profile arrest in the matter to date. His judicial custody was extended till May 1 on Monday in the now-scrapped excise policy. Sisodia was produced physically on Monday before the Court from Tihar Jail after the end of his judicial custody period. Earlier on April 3, the same court extended Sisodia`s judicial custody till April 17. Sisodia was arrested on February 26 by the CBI which is probing alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The following month, Sisodia was arrested while still in jail by the Enforcement Directorate which is probing allegations of money laundering in the case. Kejriwal's questioning The CBI recorded Kejriwal's statement in connection with the Excise policy case on Sunday and will verify and collate it with the "available evidence". A statement by the CBI said that the Chief Minister of Delhi was issued a notice under section 160 Cr.P.C for his examination in this case. The agency said that is had uncovered fresh evidence in the matter and there are grounds for the CM to be questioned. "The entire alleged liquor scam is false and is out of bad politics. AAP is 'kattar imaandaar party'. They want to finish AAP but the country's people are with us," Kejriwal said after the questioning. The Chief Minister added that he has not been summoned again. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: All you need to know about the Delhi liquor policy case

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India: Delhi’s AAP stages protests across nation against arrest of its MP Sanjay Singh

Explained: All you need to know about the Delhi liquor policy case