Classroom Construction 'Graft' Case: Sisodia Questioned For Three Hours

Former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Friday appeared before the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) for questioning in an alleged graft case related to the construction of classrooms in government schools here, officials said.

In a statement, Madhur Verma, Joint Commissioner of Police, ACB, said Sisodia appeared before the agency at 11 am.

"Sisodia was examined in the presence of an independent ‘Panch’ witness, and his responses were recorded regarding various facts and circumstances related to the case. Following the completion of today’s examination, he left the ACB office at 2.30 PM," Verma said, adding further investigation in the matter is underway.

The summons come after an FIR was registered by the ACB on April 30 based on allegations of financial irregularities to the tune of Rs 2,000 crore in the construction of over 12,000 classrooms or semi-permanent structures in Delhi government schools.

Before his scheduled appearance before the ACB, Sisodia termed the case "politically motivated" and an attempt to divert attention from crucial issues.

"BJP is driven by political motives and is making fake allegations. We built excellent schools. The BJP government is poor in management of schools. There is waterlogging in Delhi and power cuts are happening. BJP is trying to divert attention from crucial issues. Even BJP workers do not know what the government is up to. Nothing has been found against us in any other case. I will put forth the facts in this case before ACB. This is a politically motivated case. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari had levelled allegations against me in this matter and I had filed a defamation case against him. He is out on bail in the defamation case," Sisodia told reporters.