Hyderabad Bizman Turns Approver in Delhi Excise Scam, Noose Tightens on Key Figures

Hyderabad: Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramachandran Pillai, one of the accused in the Delhi excise policy scam case, turned approver and recorded his statement in the presence of a magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPC, it
was revealed.

Pillai is the fifth accused to turn approver, following Aurobindo Pharma
director P. Sharath Chandra Reddy, YSRC MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, his
son Magunta Raghava Reddy and Dinesh Arora.

Sources said that the latest development tightens the noose on BRS MLC K.
Kavitha.

Pillai, arrested on March 6, was accused of playing a key role in the scam by forming the South Group.

While Pillai initially gave a statement but denied it, officials said they got it recorded in the presence of a magistrate to avert a repeat of such denial.

Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials alleged that Pillai offered kickbacks to several parties in Delhi, on behalf of the South Group. ED officials claimed those who received kickbacks include Sarath Chandra Reddy, Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, M. Raghava Reddy and K. Kavitha. Further, Pillai also has links with Abhishek Boinapalli and auditor G. Buchi Babu.

Arun Pillai owns a 32.5 per cent stake in Indo Spirit, which got L1 licence in Delhi. Prem Rahul, who also owns 32.5 per cent, and Pillai represent the benami investments by K. Kavitha and Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, the ED said. The ED also alleged that Arun Pillai played a key role in forming a cartel of manufacturers, wholesalers and multiple retail zones in Delhi.