Is YSRCP Leader Mohith Reddy the Next Target in the Liquor Scam Investigation?

Amaravati, June 23 (NationPress) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the extensive liquor fraud has summoned YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Chevireddy Mohith Reddy for interrogation.

The SIT has instructed Mohith Reddy to report for questioning on June 25.

Recently, Mohith Reddy was named as the 39th accused in the case associated with the alleged scam during the tenure of the previous YSRCP government.

He is the son of Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, YSRCP general secretary and former MLA, who was arrested last week in connection with the same case.

Following his father’s arrest, Mohith Reddy filed for anticipatory bail in the ACB court, which is set to be heard on Tuesday.

Bhaskar Reddy was apprehended at Kempe Gowda International Airport in Bengaluru on June 18 alongside his aide, Venkatesh Naidu. They were subsequently transported to Vijayawada, where the ACB court placed him in judicial custody.

As a former MLA from Chandragiri, Bhaskar Reddy is recognized as the 38th accused in this case. He has denied any involvement in the liquor scam allegedly executed during the previous government’s administration.

Additionally, Bhaskar Reddy has accused the SIT of physically assaulting Head Constable N. Madan Reddy, who served as his gunman for a decade, aiming to extract a false confession regarding his involvement in the scam.

The ACB is expected to file a preliminary chargesheet in the ACB court within the upcoming days.

Reports indicate that the SIT has identified significant irregularities and fund misappropriations in the liquor policy that was enforced from 2019 to 2024.

The Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department initially began investigating this matter following a complaint from an official in the Excise Department. Subsequently, the TDP-led NDA government established a SIT, led by S.V. Rajashekhar Babu, the NTR District Commissioner of Police, to look into the case.

Investigators have reportedly discovered a network of kickbacks involving approximately Rs 3,500 crore embezzled 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, which led to significant losses for the government.

Those who have been arrested in this case include Raj Kesireddy (alias Kesireddy Rajashekar Reddy), an advisor to former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, K. Dhanunjaya Reddy, a retired IAS officer and former secretary to Jagan Mohan Reddy, and Krishna Mohan Reddy, former Officer on Special Duty (OSD).