What’s Next in the Andhra Liquor Scam? Judicial Custody Extended for 11 Accused
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Andhra Pradesh liquor scam unfolds as the ACB court prolongs the judicial custody of 11 accused, including political figures and business leaders, until August 1. With allegations of massive financial misappropriation, this case raises questions about governance and corruption at the highest levels.
Key Takeaways
- Judicial custody for 11 accused extended until August 1.
- Allegations of Rs 3,500 crore misappropriation in the liquor scam.
- Investigation involves key political figures and business leaders.
- Special Investigation Team (SIT) is spearheading the probe.
- Case highlights the need for accountability in governance.
Vijayawada, July 22 (NationPress) The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) special court in Vijayawada has prolonged the judicial custody of 11 individuals implicated in the liquor scam in Andhra Pradesh until August 1. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) brought the accused before the court as their previous remand term concluded.
The individuals facing charges include Kessireddy Rajashekar Reddy, a former IT adviser to ex-Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy; K. Dhanunjaya Reddy, Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office; Krishna Mohan Reddy, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the former Chief Minister; Balaji Govindappa, director of Bharati Cements; former MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy; and personal assistant to Rajashekar Reddy, Dilip Kumar, among others.
Nine of the accused were transported from the district prison in Vijayawada, while two were brought in from Guntur jail. Following the court's decision to extend their judicial custody, they were sent back.
The court's extension until August 1 allows for all 12 detainees involved in the case to be presented simultaneously upon their remand's conclusion.
On July 19, P. V. Midhun Reddy, an MP from the YSR Congress Party, was arrested in connection with the case and is currently held in Rajahmundry Central Jail.
The alleged scam unfolded during the governance of the YSR Congress party from 2019 to 2024.
Subsequent to the TDP-led NDA assuming power last year, a case was initiated at the CID Police Station in Mangalagiri under multiple sections of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988.
The Crime Investigation Department (CID) began an inquiry following a complaint from an official of the Excise Department. The government later established an SIT, led by SV Rajashekhar Babu, the Commissioner of Police for NTR District, to further investigate the matter.
The SIT uncovered extensive irregularities and financial misappropriation related to the liquor policy instituted during 2019-2024. Investigators reportedly revealed a kickback scheme involving approximately Rs 3,500 crore misappropriated over five years.
Allegations suggest that leaders of the YSR Congress Party promoted a new liquor policy, introduced new brands, and received kickbacks from distillery companies, leading to significant losses for the government.
The SIT submitted a preliminary chargesheet on July 19, naming former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy as a recipient of the kickbacks, although he has not been designated as an accused.
The court has yet to acknowledge the chargesheet, which claims that between 2019 and 2024, an average of Rs 50 to 60 crore was collected each month from distilleries and funneled through a network of accomplices and shell companies.
Point of View
The ongoing developments in the Andhra liquor scam highlight the critical need for transparency and accountability in governance. This case not only raises concerns about systemic corruption but also poses a significant test for the ruling party’s integrity. As the investigation progresses, it will be vital to ensure that justice is served and that the public remains informed.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the main accused in the Andhra liquor scam?
The main accused include Kessireddy Rajashekar Reddy, K. Dhanunjaya Reddy, and several others linked to the YSR Congress party and various business interests.
What is the significance of the judicial custody extension?
The extension allows for all accused to be presented together, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the ongoing investigation.
What are the allegations against the accused?
The allegations involve large-scale financial misappropriation and a kickback network amounting to approximately Rs 3,500 crore over five years.
How is the investigation being conducted?
The investigation began with the CID and has since evolved into a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe to address the complexities of the case.
What has the SIT uncovered so far?
The SIT has uncovered significant irregularities in the liquor policy and has linked various political figures to alleged kickbacks and corruption.
