The meteoric rise of Indri, an award-winning Indian single malt whisky, has been marred by controversy following revelations about its founder’s dark past. The brand, celebrated for its quality and international acclaim, is closely linked to Siddharth Sharma — better known to many as Manu Sharma, the man convicted in the high-profile 1999 Jessica Lal murder case.
The Jessica Lal Murder: A Case That Shook India
On the night of April 29-30, 1999, Jessica Lal, a 34-year-old aspiring model and celebrity bartender, was working at an unlicensed bar during a glamorous party at Qutub Colonnade in Mehrauli, Delhi.
After the bar ran out of alcohol past midnight, Manu Sharma (born Siddharth Vashisht), the son of influential Haryana politician and industrialist Venod Sharma, along with his friends, demanded more drinks. When Jessica refused, Sharma allegedly fired a shot into the ceiling to intimidate her. Moments later, he shot her point-blank in the head. Jessica succumbed to her injuries shortly after.
The case gained national attention due to the overwhelming eyewitness accounts identifying Sharma as the killer. However, in 2006, a trial court acquitted him amid serious allegations of witness tampering, political pressure, and evidence mishandling. The verdict triggered massive public outrage, widespread protests, and a sustained media campaign under the banner “Justice for Jessica.”
Following intense public and judicial scrutiny, the Delhi High Court ordered a re-trial. In December 2006, Manu Sharma was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. He served approximately 17 years in Tihar Jail before being released in June 2020 on grounds of good behavior. Jessica’s sister, Sabrina Lal, later publicly forgave him, stating that her anger had faded over time.
The murder inspired the 2011 Bollywood film No One Killed Jessica, which further cemented the case in public memory.
The Indri Whisky Connection
Indri is a premium single malt whisky produced by Piccadily Agro Industries Limited, part of the Piccadily group with interests in sugar mills and distilleries. Launched in 2021, the brand has achieved remarkable success, winning prestigious international awards, including “Best World Whisky” at the 2025 Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards.
In business and promotional contexts, the key promoter and face associated with Indri is listed as Siddharth Sharma (also referred to as Siddharth Vashisht). This is the same individual as Manu Sharma, who adopted a new name following his release from prison.
While the family’s distillery business predates the controversy, Indri’s high-profile launch and rapid global growth occurred after Sharma’s release. His involvement remained relatively low-key in Indian media until international outlets highlighted the connection, particularly when reports emerged about potential investments in Scotland’s whisky industry.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Debate
The revelation has divided public opinion sharply:
- Many have called for a boycott of Indri, arguing that the brand’s success feels like an insult to Jessica Lal’s memory and raises questions about privilege and justice in India.
- Others maintain that Sharma has served his legal sentence, expressed remorse, and deserves an opportunity to rebuild his life. Sabrina Lal’s forgiveness is frequently cited in support of giving him a second chance.
- Critics also point to the broader issue of how political and financial influence can impact the justice system, a theme that defined the original case.
As Indri continues to gain recognition in the global whisky market, its founder’s past remains a sensitive and polarizing topic. The whisky itself has been widely praised for its craftsmanship and flavor profile, but for many consumers, the brand is now inseparable from the tragic events of 1999.
Whether one chooses to separate the product from its promoter’s history remains a deeply personal decision. The Indri story serves as a stark reminder of how India’s most infamous crimes can continue to echo decades later — even in the world of premium spirits.
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