CBI arrests Hyderabad based businessman in Delhi Liquor scam case

HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad aspect of the Delhi liquor policy scam grew bigger on Monday with the CBI arresting city-based businessman Boinpally Abhishek, said to be a close associate of TRS leaders here.

According to sources, the CBI summoned Abhishek on Sunday to Delhi for questioning in connection with the case, in which Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia is a key accused. The CBI found suspicious transactions of crores of rupees into Abhishek's business accounts from Indospirit group owned by Sameer Mahendru.

Abhishek was not named in the CBI’s FIR but was an associate of an accused, the Hyderabad-based Arun Ramchandran Pillai who was named in the FIR.

Abhishek is the director of several companies such as Anoo’s Electrolysis and Obesity Private Limited, Anoo's Health and Wellness Private Limited, Zeus Networking Private Limited, Neoverse Realty Private Limited, Agasti Ventures LLP, SS Mines and Minerals LLP, and Master Sand LLP.

"During questioning, Abhishek tried to avoid giving answers based on transactions made by his current accounts. The agency arrested the Hyderabad-based businessman in connection with the Delhi liquor case," a CBI source said.

Abhishek was the first person from Telangana to be arrested by the CBI in the liquor scam case. It was the second arrest by the agency after taht of Only Munch Louder former CEO Vijay Nair. Separately, the Enforcement Directorate had arrested Sameer Mahendru, Indospirit Group managing director, in connection with the money laundering aspect of the case.

CBI officials produced Abhishek before a court in Delhi and also filed a petition seeking five days in police custody. The court granted the CBI three days of custody of Abhishek accused for questioning. "Abhishek allegedly played a key role in the Delhi liquor scam by making transactions and needed to question him as he refused to co-operate with the agency during the investigation," a CBI source said.