CBI Accuses Cadbury India Of Corruption, Fraud, Files Case

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has accused Cadbury India Private Limited, which is now known as Mondelez Foods Private Limited, of corruption and has filed a case against the company.

The central agency has alleged that Cadbury misrepresented facts to fraudulently avail area-based tax benefits in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh.

According to NDTV’s sources, the agency conducted searches at the accused’s premises in five locations in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, and unearthed incriminating materials.

Cadbury India, conspiring with the officials of Central Excise, had availed excise benefits of about ₹ 241 crore for its unit for manufacturing 5 Star and Gems in Himachal Pradesh. The alleged irregularities, according to NDTV’s sources, took place from 2009 to 2011.

Following a preliminary inquiry, an FIR was filed. The agency said investigations show that Cadbury India allegedly “paid bribes, misrepresented facts and manipulated records to fraudulently avail area-based exemption benefits (Central Excise and Income Tax) in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, knowing fully well that they were not entitled to avail area-based tax exemption benefits.”

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