New Delhi

On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court granted bail to Hyderabad businessman Arun Ramachandra Pillai in the money laundering case linked to the alleged liquor policy scandal. Pillai, reportedly part of the ‘South Group’ cartel, has been implicated alongside several figures, including BRS leader K. Kavitha and Aurobindo Pharma promoter Sarath Reddy.

In October last year, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma had issued a notice on Pillai’s bail request and sought a response from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Earlier, in June 2023, the trial court had denied his bail, citing his serious involvement in the case. Special Judge M.K. Nagpal described Pillai’s role as active and significant, indicating he was deeply involved in actions related to laundering money, including hiding and using the proceeds.

Pillai, arrested on March 6, 2023, had been granted interim bail in December due to his wife’s medical condition. The recent High Court decision marks a significant shift, allowing him bail as the case progresses.