The Delhi High Court on Wednesday granted bail to Hyderabad businessman Arun Ramachandra Pillai in a money laundering case linked to the alleged liquor scam.
According to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Pillai is among a group of South Indian businessmen involved in the scam. The group reportedly includes Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K. Kavitha; Aurobindo Pharma promoter Sharath Reddy; Srinivasulu Reddy and his son Raghav Magunta; and others. A bench of Justice Swarnakanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court had issued notice on Pillai’s bail plea in October last year and sought a response from the ED in the case.
Earlier, in June 2023, the trial court had denied him bail, saying that his involvement in the case was more serious than that of other accused. Special Judge MK Nagpal of the Rouse Avenue Court had said, “Prima facie this court is of the view that a genuine case has been made out before this court by the investigating agency, which shows active involvement of the applicant in the alleged offence of money laundering.”
The trial court had further held that Pillai was not only involved in a conspiracy but based on preliminary evidence, he was also involved in various activities related to the scam money. These activities included concealing the proceeds, owning, receiving or using it and presenting it as legitimate property.
Further, the court had said that the evidence collected against Pillai superficially indicated that he willingly participated in these activities and was fully aware of the nature and intentions of these activities. It had highlighted that Pillai played a significant and active role in the conspiracy, the formation of the ‘Group of the South’ and the payment and repayment of bribes.
Pillai was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 6, 2023 in connection with the alleged excise policy scam. He was granted interim bail in December last year in view of his wife’s health after surgery.
