ED tightens screws around Kavitha

PNS | Hyderabad

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in its charge-sheet filed in connection with the Delhi excise policy scam named BRS MLC K. Kavitha 43 times. As per the charge-sheet, Kavitha was a partner in Indo Spirits and Arun Pillai represented her.

Arun was representing Kavitha’s interests and Prem was representing Sh. Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy’s interest in this firm. However, Sameer was only dealing with Arun for the entire 65% stake and had not even met Prem.

As per the charge-sheet Arun Pillai said that there was a deal between Kavitha and AAP as per which in lieu of kickbacks of Rs 100 crore Kavitha got access to the Delhi liquor business, through a stake in L1, that is, Indo Spirits.

“He represented Kavitha in the firm Indo Spirit. He became a partner on her behalf. Further, he arranged funds for investment that was required on paper to become a partner.

He attended a meeting at Oberoi Maidens along with Kavitha, Sh. Vijay Nair and Dinesh Arora. Since he was aware of the agenda of the meeting and had overheard the conversation, he stated that in this meeting the recovery of the kickbacks paid was discussed. He has been a close friend of Kavitha since a long time,” the charge-sheet said.

He said that the decision on profits coming from Indo Spirits was not decided yet.
Arun Pillai further revealed that during his and his associates’ interactions with Sameer Mahandru, it was made clear to him that the ultimate control of the 65% stake in his business was with MSR and Kavitha.

As per the charge-sheet Arun Pillai confirmed that he had arranged calls with Kavitha and Sameer Mahandru as well. He had also arranged a meeting of Sameer Mahandru and Kavitha at her residence in Hyderabad where she took general updates of Indo Spirits’ business from Sameer Mahandru.

run Pillai in his statement dated 11.11.2022 revealed that in lieu of kickbacks paid by the South Group to AAP leaders, Kavitha had discussed opportunities in the Delhi liquor business with AAP leaders. This was done by ensuring stakes in the wholesale businesses in the Delhi Excise Policy, 2021-22. As a result, Kavitha got a stake in the business of Indo Spirits and made Sh. Arun Pillai represent her in the business.