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Who is Vijay Nair, Manish Sisodia's 'aide' in liquor scam?
Vijay Nair is accused of giving money to the government employees under the scanner in the case.

Who is Vijay Nair, Manish Sisodia's 'aide' in liquor scam?

Aug 22, 2022
03:18 pm

What's the story

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) issued a Lookout Circular (LOC) on Sunday against eight private individuals listed as suspects in the Delhi liquor policy scam case. One of the accused in the case is the business Vijay Nair, who the investigation agency claimed is Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's aide and is missing since the recent raids. Here's more details on Nair.

Context

Why does this story matter?

Sisodia's home was searched by the CBI on August 21 due to charges of corruption in the Delhi liquor policy. The Delhi administration and Lieutenant-Governor (LG) VK Saxena are at odds over allegations relating to the recently abandoned dropped policy. Saxena had requested a CBI inquiry. The policy, which went into effect in November 2021, privatized the sale of alcoholic drinks in the capital.

About

Nair is accused of helping officials with money

According to the CBI's FIR, Sisodia's aide Arjun Pandey previously obtained money from Indo Spirits owner Sameer Mahendru on behalf of Nair totaling between Rs. 2 and Rs. 4 crore. Later, Nair allegedly gave the money to the accused government employees in the case. He is also connected to a number of businesses, including those involved with comedic programs on several internet platforms.

Details

He is linked to multiple companies involved in betting, gaming

Nair has business ties to a number of organizations, including Motherswear, Babblefish, and Only Much Louder. Other businesses that are tangentially connected to Nair include Weirdass Comedy, Motormouth Writers, and Rebellion Management, as well as through his co-directors. Officials told India Today citing Registrar of Companies documents that these companies are involved in online gaming, betting, and comedy events.

Response

Nair denied allegations

According to reports, the CBI claimed that Nair went missing while it conducted raids at 31 different places related to the investigation. Meanwhile, Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Parvesh Verma alleged that two of Sisodia's associated, including Nair, had fled the country after the CBI began its investigation. Nair, though, refuted the accusations and claimed he was abroad for personal matters.

Quote

What exactly did Nair say?

"I spoke to CBI officers who were present at my residence. I asked if I needed to come, but officials said a CBI officer would get in touch with me and let me when and where to report," he said.

Reaction

Allegations by BJP leader

Meanwhile, BJP leader Amit Malviya slammed Sisodia over the case He further added that Nair is "purported to be close to Kejriwal". "Sisodia had called some journalists for interaction but grew uncomfortable and called it off when asked about Vijay Nair, accused number 5 in the excise scam, the only non-bureaucrat, a non-liquor business owner in the list of 16," he wrote on Twitter.