Delhi Excise Policy Scam Case: A Hyderabad-based chartered accountant named Buchibabu Gorantla was today arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case. (CA),
The CBI in a statement on Wednesday (February 8) said that the accused CA has been arrested for his alleged role in framing and implementing the Delhi Excise Policy and for causing undue favor to Hyderabad-based wholesale and retail licensees and their beneficial owners.
The CBI said that the accused will be produced in the court today. The excise policy was passed in the Delhi cabinet led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in 2021 amid the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn more about the Liquor Policy issue:
The Delhi government says the policy was formulated to ensure maximum revenue and eliminate the sale of spurious liquor or non-duty paid liquor in Delhi, apart from improving user experience. The probe was conducted in view of a report by the Chief Secretary to Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena recommending a CBI inquiry into the matter.
Following the LG’s recommendation, the office of the Assistant Commissioner of Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) of Delhi Police has issued a notice to the Excise Commissioner of Delhi asking him to provide all documents related to grant of liquor license under the new excise policy.
In August last year, the CBI had conducted a search operation in Sisodia’s bank locker in the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 money laundering case, where according to him, the CBI had found nothing.
According to a CBI official, last year several raids were conducted at 21 places in Delhi and the National Capital Region, including Sisodia’s residence and premises of four public servants. The official said that raids were conducted at locations in 7 states.
(with inputs from agencies)
Read also: Delhi Excise Policy Scam: ‘Kejriwal Questioning ED’s Chargesheet Proves His Involvement…’, Says BJP