ACB summons Delhi deputy CM Sisodia for probe into DCW appointments

The anti-corruption bureau (ACB) summoned the city’s deputy chief minister, Manish Sisodia, on Friday for questioning as part of a probe into alleged irregularities in staff recruitment for the Delhi Commission for Women, agencies reported.

The anti-corruption bureau (ACB) summoned the city’s deputy chief minister, Manish Sisodia, on Friday for questioning as part of a probe into alleged irregularities in staff recruitment for the Delhi Commission for Women, agencies reported.

Delhi's deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia (Hindustan Times)

“Summoned Delhi’s deputy CM Manish Sisodia for questioning over the matter of alleged irregular appointments made in DCW,” ACB chief MK Meena told news agency ANI. Television channels reported that Sisodia is likely to appear before the ACB on October 14.

This is the second high-profile figure to be questioned in the case after DCW chief Swati Malwal, against whom an FIR was lodged last month for allegedly hiring Aam Aadmi Party supporters to the body in violation of norms.

The police complaint came after former DCW chief Barkha Singh complained that 85 AAP supporters got jobs in the DCW without “requisite credentials”.

Maliwal rejected the charges, saying she was being attacked because of the work the DCW had done over the past year. “Anyone who tries to change the system is attacked. This is what is happening to me.”

The move is likely to further ratchet up tensions between the AAP government and the Centre following a months-long bruising public battle for control of the Capital. The AAP blames the BJP-ruled central government of trying to sabotage the city administration by registering police complaints and FIRs against top leaders. More than 10 legislators have been arrested since the AAP stormed to power in the city last February.

Maliwal said the ACB handled 11,500 cases in the past one year and its efficiency has irked many. “The former DCW chief who complained had handled only one case. Whenever there is a rape case, DCW asks questions. This is disturbing a lot of people,” she said.