9 months ago
Manu Sharma, Jessica Lal Murder Convict, Heads Rs 800 Crore Whisky Business
A long time ago, a woman named Jessica Lal was killed by a man named Manu Sharma because she wouldn't serve him drinks after the bar closed.
Manu Sharma was the son of a powerful politician, and many people thought he would not be punished.
But after big protests, he was finally sent to jail.
After serving his time, he changed his name and started a whisky business.
His company now makes a lot of money, selling whisky all over the world.
Many people are surprised that someone who did something so bad can now run a successful business.
Manu Sharma, convicted of murdering Jessica Lal in 1999, was released from prison in 2020.
He changed his name to Siddharth Sharma and founded Piccadilly Distilleries under his family's company, Piccadilly Agro Industries Ltd (PAIL).
His whisky brand, Indri, is the fastest-growing single malt in India and globally, with annual revenues exceeding Rs 800 crore in 2025.
The case sparked nationwide protests and a film, 'No One Killed Jessica,' which remains relevant for highlighting corruption and power nexus.
Manu Sharma's brother, Kartikeya Sharma, is a Rajya Sabha MP and founder of ITV Media Network.
- Who
- Manu Sharma (now Siddharth Sharma), son of former Haryana Congress leader Venod Sharma
- What
- Murder of Jessica Lal and subsequent business ventures
- Where
- Tamarind Court, Mehrauli, Delhi; Piccadilly Distilleries
- When
- Murder on April 29, 1999; release from prison in 2020
- Why
- Manu Sharma demanded drinks after the bar closed and allegedly shot Jessica Lal when she refused
Key facts
- Victim
- Jessica Lal
- Convict
- Manu Sharma (now Siddharth Sharma)
- Crime Date
- April 29, 1999
- Location
- Tamarind Court, Mehrauli, Delhi
- Sentence
- Life imprisonment (released in 2020)
- Company
- Piccadilly Agro Industries Ltd (PAIL)
- Whisky Brand
- Indri
- Annual Revenue (2025)
- Rs 800 crore
Quotes
Siddharth Sharma (formerly Manu Sharma)
Formerly known as Manu Sharma, convicted of killing Jessica Lal, now a businessman and founder of Piccadilly Distilleries
“We launched a single malt called Indri around Diwali last year. It’s been about nine months now and touch wood, it’s doing really well. On the manufacturing side, we’re looking to scale up even more.”
indianexpress.com
Sabrina Lal
Sister of Jessica Lal, the victim
“My sister’s life was more valuable than a Rs 1000 or a glass of wine!”
indianexpress.com