Sisodia questioned 3 hours in classroom scam

New Delhi

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia was questioned for nearly three hours on Friday by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in connection with an alleged classroom construction scam worth several crores. He reached the ACB office around noon and left at 2:40 p.m.

The ACB is investigating claims of inflated costs in building classrooms and school structures under the Delhi government. The case, filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act and sections of the IPC related to criminal breach of trust and conspiracy, alleges that 12,748 classrooms were constructed at rates far higher than standard.

An ACB official stated that Sisodia’s statement was recorded in the presence of an independent witness, and further investigation is ongoing. The agency had earlier summoned both Sisodia and former Health Minister Satyendar Jain, who appeared before investigators on June 6.

The FIR, registered on April 30, claims that the cost per classroom reached ₹24.86 lakh—almost five times higher than the usual estimate. The contracts were reportedly given to 34 firms, many allegedly connected to the AAP. Additionally, semi-permanent structures meant to last 30 years were priced similarly to long-lasting RCC buildings, typically durable for 75 years.

The ACB also alleged that ₹326 crore was added to the project without issuing fresh tenders. Sisodia, while denying any wrongdoing, accused the BJP of using investigation agencies for political purposes. The AAP has repeatedly dismissed all allegations, calling them baseless and politically driven.