Kejriwal, Mann meet Sisodia's family after his arrest; claim charges 'completely false'

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Sunday slammed the BJP-led Centre over his deputy Manish Sisodia's arrest, saying people will respond to it as they are watching how "patriots and honest people" are being jailed while "no action is taken" against those looting the country's banks.

The CBI on Sunday arrested Sisodia in connection with alleged corruption in the now-scrapped excise policy relating to the sale of alcohol, in a move that could plunge the national capital into a governance crisis and further widen the political rift between the AAP and the BJP-led Central government.

Sisodia was arrested after nearly eight hours of questioning as his answers were not satisfactory, officials said.

"Manish Sisodia has been arrested in a completely false case. Manish ji is a gentleman, a patriot as well as an honest and brave person who was busy serving the country round the clock," Kejriwal told reporters after meeting the deputy chief minister's wife at her residence following his arrest.

In a veiled attack on the BJP-led Centre, he said, "We are witnessing how gentlemen, patriots, good and honest people are being arrested and jailed in the country. No action is taken against those who looted crores of rupees of banks because they are their friends." "These people do not have the courage to even serve a notice to them because they are their friends. The entire country is watching. People are watching and they will respond to it,” he added.

Kejriwal and along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann visited Sisodia's residence to meet his wife and assured her of all support.  "His wife is suffering from a very serious disease. It's multiple sclerosis in which the brain slowly loses control of the body. She is alone at home. Manish used to take care of her," he said, adding that Sisodia's son is out of town for studies.

"We consoled her and said she doesn't have to worry as her husband is a very brave man fighting for the country. The entire country is proud of Manish and we are a family and all of us take care of him," Kejriwal added.

Speaking to reporters outside Sisodia's residence, Mann alleged that Sisodia has been arrested by the CBI in "a false case" just to "scare and break" the Aam Aadmi Party team.

"This is an extremely cowardly step. AAP is not going to be scared by this. Our party was born out of an anti-corruption movement. We have come from the ground. We are not afraid of the misuse of CBI and ED by the Union government and will continue to serve the people without any fear," he said.

In a tweet, Mann said, "Sisodia's arrest is an insult to the education of lakhs of children of Delhi... Sending the one who builds schools to jail is part of the BJP's agenda."