Hyderabad businessman Boinpally Abhishek Rao arrested by CBI in Delhi Liquor policy scam

Hyderabad: Central Bureau of Investigation arrested Hyderabad-based businessman Boinpally Abhishek Rao in Delhi Liquor Scam. This is the third arrest in the case and the first from Hyderabad. Rao, reportedly did not cooperate with the investigating agency when called for questioning leading to an arrest. He is looked as the South- connect in the Delhi Liquor policy scam lobby.

Boinpally Abhishek Rao was called by CBI on Sunday for questioning in regard to Delhi Liquor Policy Scam. He was arrested late Sunday evening. CBI's probe found that Rao-was acting as a South lobby and committed irregularities through Cartelization, a source in CBI told NewsMeter.

In a statement the CBI said, "CBI has arrested Abhishek Boinpally in an ongoing investigation of a case related to alleged irregularities in framing & implementation of the excise policy of GNCTD of Delhi. The arrested accused will be produced before the Competent Court Investigation is continuing".

Who is Boinpally Abhishek Rao?

Boinpally Abhishek Rao holds directorship in 9 companies, namely 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. Abhishek Rao is one of the co-directors to Arun Ramachandra Pillai in multiple companies. It is pertinent to note that Arun is one of the accused booked by CBI.

The CBI probe revealed that Arun Ramchandra Pillai, a resident of Kokapet in Hyderabad, used to collect undue pecuniary advantage (money) from Sameer Mahendru of Indo Spirit for onward transmission to the accused public servant through Vijay Nair.

It is pertinent to note that his arrest comes after three rounds of searches conducted by the Enforcement agencies in Hyderabad, recent being one against a media house in twin cities. Abhishek is reportedly a close associate to one of the MLC's in the TRS government.

What led to the CBI raid?

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

The allegation against Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, the then Excise commissioner Arva Gopi Krishna, the then Excise deputy commissioner Anand Tiwari, and assistant commissioner (Excise) Pankaj Bhatnagar was that the officials were instrumental in recommending and taking decisions pertaining to Excise policy 2021-22 without the approval of the competent authority. This was done with an intention to extend undue favors to the liquor license tender, the CBI said.

The 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.

What is Hyderabad's connection to Delhi liquor policy irregularities?

The CBI received a tip-off that L-1 license holders issued credit notes (bills) to retail vendors with an intention to divert funds in order 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.

Here comes the role of Hyderabad man. The CBI probe revealed that Arun Ramchandra Pillai, a resident of Kokapet in Hyderabad, used to collect undue pecuniary advantage (money) from Sameer Mahendru of Indo Spirit for onward transmission to the accused public servant through Vijay Nair.