A Delhi court has granted a two-week interim bail to Sameer Mahendru, a liquor businessman, in connection with a money laundering case tied to purported irregularities in the now-defunct Delhi excise policy. Special Judge M K Nagpal provided relief to Mahendru, the managing director of Indospirit, based on his application citing his wife’s health issues.
The judge highlighted that during Mahendru’s previous interim bail, there was no attempt to influence witnesses or tamper with evidence. The order issued on January 5 emphasized that Mahendru is not a flight risk and lacks a record of attempting to sway witnesses or manipulate evidence.
The prosecution alleges that Mahendru significantly benefitted from excise policy violations, operating both an alcoholic beverage manufacturing unit and holding wholesale and retail licenses in the names of relatives. The prosecution contends that due to these alleged irregularities, Mahendru accumulated approximately Rs 50 crore in profit.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated an enforcement case information report against Mahendru under the relevant provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The court’s decision to grant interim bail takes into account Mahendru’s family circumstances and previous adherence to legal requirements during bail periods. This development underscores the ongoing legal complexities surrounding the alleged financial improprieties related to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy.
