The Septa: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal acknowledges that Vijay Nair reported to Atishi Marlena and Saurabh Bhardwaj, as revealed by ED in court, to which Kejriwal did not offer a rebuttal. Let us try to understand who is he and what was his role in the Delhis excise policy case.1. Who is Vijay NairNair served as the communication in-charge of the Aam Aadmi Party and gained prominence in the entertainment industry, notably founding the management company OML for indie bands and later focusing on stand-up comedy and live music shows under the banner of Only Much Louder (OML).2. Diverse business venturesApart from OML, Nair had associations with various companies, including Babelfish, Motherswear, and entities in online gaming, betting, and comedy shows, amassing an empire valued at around $10 million by 2014 and earning recognition in Fortune Indias 40 Under 40 list.3. Allegations of sexual exploitationNair faced allegations of sexual misconduct during the #MeToo movement in 2018, with accusations of creating an unsafe work environment for female employees at OML, including instances of inappropriate behavior such as requesting a woman to join him in a bathtub and soliciting massages late at night.4. Bribery allegationsAccording to the CBI FIR, Nair, through associate Arjun Pandey, allegedly received Rs 2 to 4 crore from liquor businessman Sameer Mahendru, later purportedly distributing the funds to government officials implicated in a liquor scam. Additionally, there are claims of Nair accepting a Rs 100 crore bribe from the South Group to be delivered to AAP leaders.5. Video call controversyFurther allegations suggest Nair facilitated a video call between Kejriwal and accused Sameer Mahendru, during which Kejriwal allegedly affirmed Nairs loyalty and instructed Mahendru to trust him.6. Legal actions against NairIn December 2022, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a charge sheet in the liquor scam case, characterizing Nair as very close to CM Arvind Kejriwal. Additionally, ED asserted that the South Group had bribed Nair and others with Rs 100 crore for AAP leaders. Nair has been arrested by both ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).7. Recent developments:In a recent development, Nairs arrest by ED and CBI, along with the detention of former Telangana CM KCRs daughter K. Kavita, underscores the ongoing investigation and legal action surrounding the case.
