Central agencies told to file false cases against 15 politicians: Sisodia

NEW DELHI: Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia alleged on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to “conduct raids and file fake FIRs” against 15 political leaders, including those from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), ahead of the next year’s state elections.

Sisodia alleged that Delhi Police commissioner Rakesh Asthana was engaged to conduct probes and raids, and file cases against the 15 politicians. He, however, did not name the leaders.

“We have learnt through reliaPolice ble sources that PM Narendra Modi has handed over a list of 15 persons to the CBI, ED and Delhi commissioner Rakesh Asthana, for them to be raided, and false cases filed against them, especially in the light of upcoming assembly elections,” Sisodia said in a digital news briefing. “These agencies have been directed to destroy the 15 individuals, which include several leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party, who are seen as a threat by the BJP because of their excellent work and popularity among masses,” the deputy CM added.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal made similar allegations and said nothing had come out of the previous raids or “fake cases”. Kejriwal said: “Do politics of votes and win the trust of people. There were so many fake cases filed against us and raids conducted but you got nothing. You want to file more fake cases and carry out raids? You are welcome.”