New developments in Delhi liquor scam tighten noose on BRS’ K. Kavitha

In a significant development in the Delhi Excise Policy Scam, Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramachandran Pillai has reportedly turned approver and officially recorded his statement under Section 164 of the CrPC. This move further implicates BRS MLC K. Kavitha, as Pillai’s statement tightens the noose around her.

If confirmed, Arun Pillai will be the fifth accused to turn approver, following other key figures like Aurobindo Pharma director P. Sharath Chandra Reddy, YSRC MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, Magunta Raghava Reddy, and Dinesh Arora.

He was arrested on March 6 and was accused of playing a significant role in the scam through the formation of the South Group. Initially, while Arun Pillai did provide a statement, he later denied it. To prevent a recurrence of such denial, officials recorded his statement in the presence of a magistrate. According to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Pillai offered kickbacks to various parties in Delhi, specifically on behalf of the South Group. Recipients of these alleged kickbacks include P. Sharath Chandra Reddy, Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, M. Raghava Reddy, and K. Kavitha.

New developments in Delhi excise policy scam tighten noose on BRS MLC K. Kavitha. Photo courtesy of Batthini Vinay Kumar Goud/Wikimedia Commons.

Further details reveal that Arun Pillai owns a 32.5% stake in Indo Spirit, which has an L1 license in Delhi. Along with another stakeholder, Prem Rahul, Arun Pillai is said to represent benami investments by K. Kavitha and Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy. The ED also claims that Arun Pillai was instrumental in forming a cartel consisting of manufacturers, wholesalers, and multiple retail zones in Delhi. This crucial statement from Arun Pillai adds a new dimension to the ongoing investigation into the Delhi Excise Policy Scam.