The Aam Aadmi Party blasted the Centre on 16 June, for what it called a "raid" by the CBI at Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's residence, saying it signalled the BJP-led government's "resolve" to not let the AAP government in Delhi work.
Denying AAP's charges, CBI said no "search or raid" was conducted at Sisodia's residence, which they said they "visited" earlier on 16 June in relation to a case.
... It is clarified that no raid or search has been conducted at the premises of Deputy Chief Minister, Delhi. CBI visited at his residence (sic) to seek clarification on certain issues pertaining to an on-going enquiry. The time and place of this interaction was communicated by him to CBI as per his convenience before the said visit.CBI statement
The statement added that the visit was pertaining to an enquiry against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, on a "complaint from Deputy Secretary (Vigilance) seeking investigation into award of work of Social Media Campaign in July 2016 for “Talk to AK” event.”
The complaint was regarding alleged "financial improprieties” in outsourcing the work to a private company.
'Did They Come for Tea?'
“Did the CBI come for tea?” AAP leader Sanjay Singh said, adding that instead of the "daily harassment", the Centre should simply suspend the Delhi government.
India Today quoted Manish Sisodia as saying:
We have done nothing wrong, ready to face any probe. We will keep working for Delhi’s development without fear.
The CBI had registered the Preliminary Enquiry against Kejriwal “and unknown officials of GNCTD and unknown others,” in January this year, on the basis of a complaint filed by the Vigilance Department of the Delhi government.
It is alleged in the complaint that a consultant of a well-known public relations company was hired by the Delhi government to promote “Talk to AK” (Talk to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal) campaign and a proposal of Rs 1.5 crore was prepared for this purpose.
It is alleged that despite objections from the Principal Secretary, the government went ahead with the proposal and the consultant spent the money thereby creating a liability for the government
(With inputs from PTI.)
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