Sarath Chandra Reddy Turns Approver In Delhi Excise Policy Scam Case

Hyderabad: Hyderabad-based businessman and director of Aurobindo Pharma P. Sarath Chandra Reddy turned approver in the Delhi liquor scam case on Thursday, after a Delhi court allowed him to do so.

Sarath Chandra Reddy, one of the accused in the high-profile case, is out on bail on medical grounds. Following his petition filed in Delhi's Rouse Avenue court, the court allowed him to turn approver and granted pardon.

According to Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials, Sarath Chandra Reddy was a key player in the Delhi liquor policy scam, especially in masterminding South Group to obtain retail business in Delhi. The agency alleged that Sarath Chandra Reddy maintained five of the nine retail zones of South Group.

The ED also alleged that Sarath Reddy controlled entities that owed over Rs 60 crore to the Indo Spirit Group, which is shown as outstanding, but not meant to be recovered as part of the conspiracy. During the probe, ED officials said that he used nine mobile phones for conversations, WhatsApp, and text messages with other accused and all nine mobile phones were destroyed.

On November 11, 2022, ED officials arrested Sarath Chandra Reddy in Delhi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

On January 27, 2023, the court granted interim bail for 14 days to Sarath Chandra Reddy to attend his grandmother's funeral held in Hyderabad. Later, the court granted him four weeks bail after his wife fell sick. Recently, the Delhi High Court granted bail to Sarath Chandra Reddy on health grounds.

Sarath Chandra Reddy’s move comes after city-based auditor Gorantla Buchi Babu, another accused in the case, previously turned approver in the case.