SIT interrogates CA linked to Shubham Jaiswal; fugitive issues statements from abroad

Intensifying its probe into the alleged illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrup, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has questioned Chartered Accountant Vishnu Agrawal, who manages the accounts of Shaili Traders, a firm linked to absconding businessman Shubham Jaiswal.

According to sources, an SIT team scrutinised financial records and gathered crucial documents at Agrawal’s office from 10 am to 2:30 pm on Friday.

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Following the office raid, the investigators also visited his residence in Varanasi for further questioning. Agrawal has been given five days to submit additional documents considered vital to the ongoing probe. His testimony is expected to play a key role in establishing financial links and clarifying the role of Shaili Traders in the case.

Meanwhile, even as the SIT, the Special Task Force (STF), and other enforcement agencies have launched a coordinated hunt for Jaiswal, he continues to release statements freely on social media.

A recently circulated 13-minute video, allegedly recorded in Dubai, shows him pleading innocence and accusing UP drug department officials and political figures of targeting him.

In the video, Jaiswal denies selling “toxic” or “fake” cough syrups and claims that Fensydyl (codeine-based cough syrup) is a standard medicine not classified as an intoxicant under excise laws. He asserted that he only supplied syrups manufactured by a licensed pharmaceutical company and followed all legal norms, including selling exclusively to licensed dealers and accepting payments through bank transactions.

Shubham further denies any connection to cough syrup consignments seized in Ghaziabad and Sonbhadra, claiming the goods belonged to a Delhi-based firm. He also rejects allegations linking him to the death of Raja Jyoti Anand Singh, attributing the death to excessive alcohol consumption.

What has drawn further attention is Jaiswal’s decision to approach the court to seek withdrawal of the cases filed against him, even as he remains out of the country and unavailable for questioning.

His public appeals to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to stop “misleading statements” have sparked debate, given that law-enforcement agencies are actively looking for him.

The SIT continues to widen its investigation, with the interrogation of CA Vishnu Agrawal seen as a significant step towards uncovering the financial trail and establishing accountability in the high-profile case.