In a significant blow to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), reports indicate that the President of India has granted approval for registering an FIR against former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and ex-Health Minister Satyendra Jain in connection with the Rs 1,300 crore scam related to the construction of 2,400 classrooms in Delhi government schools.
CVC Report Exposes Irregularities
The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), in its report dated February 17, 2020, highlighted massive irregularities in the classroom construction undertaken by the Public Works Department (PWD). Following this, the Delhi Vigilance Directorate submitted a report to the Chief Secretary in 2022, recommending a thorough investigation into the matter.
Allegations Against Sisodia and Jain
– Manish Sisodia, who was already arrested by the CBI in the Delhi Excise Policy Scam, is accused of accepting a Rs 100 crore bribe from liquor businessmen to fund AAP’s Goa election campaign. The ED alleged that Sisodia manipulated the 2021-22 excise policy to benefit private liquor companies.
– Satyendra Jain, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on May 30, 2022, faces charges of Rs 16.39 crore money laundering through fake companies during 2015-2016. He is currently out on bail after spending time in Tihar Jail.
Probe to Gain Momentum
With the Ministry of Home Affairs’ approval, the investigation into both scams is expected to accelerate.