Delhi liquor scam case: ED arrest Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Pillai

After Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday nabbed Hyderab-based businessman Arun Ramachandran Pillai in connection with alleged scam in now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy. 

Pillai has been accused in liquor police case and allegedly worked hand-in-hand with Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's MLC daughter K Kavitha. Pillai reportedly h several meetings with alleged 'South Group' at time of liquor policy formulation and implementation along with or accused persons in scam. 

According to sources, he was taken into custody under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following several hours of questioning by Enforcement Directorate. He might be produced before a Delhi court later on Tuesday, March 7, where ED will seek his custody.

Pillai's arrest also comes after ED arrested liquor businessman Amandeep Dhal on March 2. According to sources, his questioning led to arrest of Pillai in liquor policy case. 

ED makes 11th arrest in liquor policy case

Arun Pillai's arrest is 11th arrest me by ED in liquor policy case. It's being said that ED after quizzing Dhal learnt that Pillai was representing South Group, which allegedly gave kickbacks of Rs 100 crore to AAP leers that were allegedly used in Goa elections.

In chargesheet, ED has also named K Kavitha accusing her of holding more than 60 per cent stake in a liquor company. She was questioned by ED on December 11, 2022, at her residence in Hyderab. In October 2022, probe agency arrested Abhishek Boinpalli, director of Robin Distribution LLP and close aide of biz man Pillai.

Boinpalli's alleged shell company was used to transact commissions coming after implementation of liquor policy. He is also accused of sending commission to Arun Pillai who used to route same through a shell firm. Meanwhile, ED will also question Manish Sisodia today, March 7, in Tihar jail.