In a recent decision, the Delhi High Court granted bail to Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramchandra Pillai, who was implicated in a money-laundering case concerning the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna announced the bail approval, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation.
Pillai was arrested on March 6 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) amid allegations of financial irregularities linked to the formulation and implementation of the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. The policy, which was initiated by the Delhi government on November 17, 2021, was later scrapped in September 2022 following corruption allegations.
The Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have accused Pillai of being intricately involved in the scam, describing him as a close associate of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha, who is also an accused in the case. According to the agencies, Pillai represented the “South Group”—a consortium allegedly consisting of liquor businessmen and politicians. This group is accused of orchestrating approximately Rs 100 crore in kickbacks to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in exchange for favorable treatment under the excise policy.
The Supreme Court had previously granted bail to Kavitha on August 27, signaling a wave of judicial decisions regarding other key figures in the case. Pillai’s legal representation included Senior Advocate Mohit Mathur and Advocate Nitesh Rana, who successfully argued for his release on bail. Additionally, the court had recently also extended bail to liquor businessman Sameer Mahendru and AAP volunteer Chanpreet Singh Rayat in related charges.
This case continues to draw attention due to its high-profile nature and the involvement of several prominent figures, including Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former deputy chief minister.
