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Manish Sisodia’s arrest came after hours of interrogation related to an alcohol policy
India’s federal police have arrested Delhi’s Deputy Prime Minister Manish Sisodia on alleged corruption charges.
The arrest came after hours of questioning related to alleged irregularities in the city’s alcohol policy.
The policy, which opened new alcohol stores, was later dropped after police opened an investigation.
Mr Sisodia and his party, Aam Aadmi, deny the allegations and accuse the ruling BJP of engaging in “dirty politics”.
Corruption issues are a sensitive issue for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which emerged from a major anti-corruption movement more than 10 years ago.
It is attempting to establish itself as a key opposition force against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist BJP, and has already seized control of Punjab state and the Delhi capital region.
India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said Mr Sisodia was arrested in connection with their investigation into liquor regulations in Delhi.
“He gave evasive answers and didn’t cooperate [with] continue the investigation despite evidence to the contrary,” it said.
“That’s why he was arrested.”
The AAP claimed the arrest was due to “political rivalry” and that it was a “false case.”
Arvind Kejriwal, AAP party leader and Delhi Prime Minister, said Mr Sisodia was innocent and the arrest was “dirty politics”.
“There is a lot of anger among people about Manish’s arrest. People watch everything. People will react to that,” Kejriwal tweeted.
“It will strengthen our spirit. Our fight is getting stronger.”