Boinpally Abhishek Rao collected Rs 3.85 Cr from co-accused Sameer Mahendru to pay 'commission' to Govt officials: CBI

Investigation into the Delhi Liquor Policy Scam has revealed that Hyderabad businessman Boinpally Abhishek Rao, who has been arrested by CBI, had collected Rs 3.85 crore from co-accused Sameer Mahendru to pay `commission' to the government officials. The money was supposed to be routed through his ghost company 'Robin Distributions'.

Investigation has revealed that Boinpally Abhishek Rao had received the money from another co-accused Sameer Mahendru, who has been arrested by Enforcement Directorate. The alleged commission was to be routed through 'Robin distilleries' to government servants in Delhi.

Boinpally Abhishek Rao, a confidant of a top TRS leader and a business partner of another co-accused in the Delhi Liquor policy Scam Arun Ramachandra Pillai, has been sent to CBI custody for three days. "CBI has arrested Abhishek Boinpally in an ongoing investigation of a case related to alleged irregularities in framing and implementation of the excise policy of GNCTD of Delhi," the CBI statement said.

Who is Boinpally Abhishek Rao? What is his role in the scam?

Boinpally Abhishek Rao is a director of nine companies, all based in Hyderabad. These include Agasti Ventures, SS Mines & Minerals, Master Sand LLP, Neoverse Realty Pvt Ltd, Anoos Electrolysis & Obesity, Valuecare Esthetics Pvt Ltd, Zeus Networking Pvt Ltd, Robin Distribution LLP, Anoos Health & Wellness Pvt Ltd.

It is pertinent to note that Abhishek and Arun Ramachandra Pillai are co-directors of Robin Distribution. Interestingly, Robin Distribution LLP Company, which was incorporated in July 2022, has the same address of a beauty parlor in Secunderabad.

The address mentioned in the official documents is that of a beauty salon. This indicates that it is a ghost company. Investigation reveals Robin Distribution LLP is just a ghost company that only exists on paper. Robin Distilleries and Robin Distribution LLP share the same email ID of Arjun Pilla.

Arun Ramchandra Pillai, a resident of Kokapet in Hyderabad, is among the 16 booked by the CBI. He reportedly was a courier who used to collect 'undue pecuniary advantage' (money) from Sameer Mahendru (co-accused) of Indo Spirit and give it to the accused public servant through Vijay Nair.

Here comes the role of Boinpally Abhishek Rao. On behalf of Arun Ramachandra Pillai, Abhishek Rao collected Rs 3.85 crore from Sameer Mahendru which was to be paid to the public servant as a commission. It was supposed to be routed through Robin Distribution

The CBI has arrested Vijay Nair and Abhishek Rao, while the ED arrested Sameer Mahendru

Boinpally was also lobbying for several liquor barons. "Abhishek was questioned on his association with Sameer Mahendru. He was called by the CBI- Delhi unit on Sunday for questioning and was later arrested on the same evening. CBI's probe found that Abhishek Rao was acting as a south lobby and committed irregularities through cartelization. He accepted Rs 3.85 Crore from Sameer. In his defence, he cited it as a loan", sources told NewsMeter.

How did it all begin?

It all began when Praveen Kumar Rai, the director of MHA, asked the CBI to inquire into the irregularities in the framing and implementation of the Excise policy of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) for 2021-22.

It is being alleged that Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, the then Excise commissioner Arva Gopi Krishna, the then Excise deputy commissioner Anand Tiwari, and assistant commissioner (Excise) Pankaj Bhatnagar were instrumental in recommending and taking decisions about Excise policy 2021-22 without the approval of the competent authority. This was done to extend undue favors to the liquor license tender, the CBI said.

CBI in its FIR said Vijay Nair, the former CEO of `Only Much Louder', an entertainment and event management firm; Manoj Rai, a former employee of Pernod Ricard; Amandeep Dhal, owner of Brindco Spirits; and Sameer Mahendru, owner of Indo Spirits are actively involved in irregularities in framing and implementation of the Excise policy.

CBI received a tip-off that L-1 license holders issued credit notes (bills) to retail vendors to divert funds to benefit public servants involved in the irregularities. In addition, 'false entries' were made in the accounts book to keep their record straight.

Further, Amit Arora, the director of Buddy Retail Pvt. in Gurgaon, Dinesh Arora of Delhi, and Arjun Pandey are close associates of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. The trio was involved in diverting and collecting money from liquor licensees to accused public servants.

Another accused, Sameer Mahendru, MD of Indo Spirits, transferred an amount of Rs. 1 crore to the account of Radha Industries managed by Dinesh Arora.

List of accused

1. Manish Sisodia- Deputy Chief Minister- Delhi

2. Arva Gopi Krishna, the then Commissioner (Excise) GNCTD of Delhi.

3. Anand Tiwari, the then Deputy Commissioner (Excise), GNCTD of Delhi

4. Pankaj Bhatnagar, Assistant Commissioner (Excise), GNCTD of Delhi.

5. Vijay Nair, former CEO, M/s Only Much Louder, an entertainment and event management company-Mumbai (arrested)

6. Manoj Rai, Ex-Employee of M/s. Pernod Ricard-Lucknow-226010.

7. Amandeep Dhal. Director, M/s Brindco Sales Pvt. Ltd- New Delhi.

8. Sameer Mahendru, Managing Director Indospirit Group- Delhi (arrested)

9. Amit Arora, Director, M/s Buddy Retail Private Limited- New Delhi.

10. Dinesh Arora- Delhi

11. Mahadev Liquors - Delhi

12. Sunny Marwah Authorized Signatory, M/s Mahadev Liquors Delhi.

13. Arun Ramchandra Pillai hails from Villa No. 16- Eden Gardens, Sushee Realty, Kokapet, City, Telangana

15. Arjun Pandey, 87, National Media Center- Gurgaon.

16. Other unknown public servants and private persons.