Andhra Liquor Scam: SIT Apprehends Key Suspect Kasireddy
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Synopsis
Hyderabad's Special Investigation Team has detained Raj Kasireddy, the main suspect in the alleged multi-crore liquor scam during the YSR Congress Party rule. He was arrested at the airport upon returning from Goa and is being taken for questioning as investigations continue into significant financial irregularities.
Key Takeaways
- Raj Kasireddy detained by SIT.
- Connected to a multi-crore liquor scam.
- Kashireddy had not responded to multiple SIT notices.
- Investigations link others, including political figures, to the scandal.
- Loss to state exchequer estimated at Rs 18,860 crore.
Hyderabad, April 21 (NationPress) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Andhra Pradesh Police, which is investigating the alleged multi-crore liquor scam linked to the YSR Congress Party administration, has detained Raj Kasireddy, identified as the principal suspect in the case.
Kashireddy was apprehended at the Hyderabad International Airport immediately upon his return from Goa.
He informed the SIT officials that he would present himself on Tuesday; however, they insisted he accompany them. Reports indicate he is being taken to Vijayawada for interrogation.
Earlier, Kasireddy, who served as the IT advisor to Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, released an audio message asserting his intention to meet with the SIT on Tuesday.
His plea for anticipatory bail was also addressed in the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Monday, which declined to grant him immediate relief and postponed the hearing for a week.
Kashireddy had not complied with four notices issued by the SIT. A lookout notice was issued to prevent his potential flight from the country.
He is believed to have significantly contributed to the purported unlawful collection of nearly Rs 3,000 crore over five years.
Last week, the SIT conducted searches at Kasireddy's residences and other properties in Hyderabad.
His father, Upender Reddy, also appeared before the SIT for questioning over two days.
The TDP-led NDA government established the SIT in November of last year to delve into allegations of corruption and irregularities within the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL) during the YSRCP's governance.
TDP leaders have alleged that certain YSRCP members had connections with liquor manufacturers, launched various local brands, engaged in cash transactions, and amassed illegal earnings.
The SIT has reportedly uncovered the involvement of various political figures, private individuals, and others in this scandal.
Investigators have traced the financial trail of kickbacks linked to a current Lok Sabha member and a former Rajya Sabha member from the YSRCP.
Former MP V. Vijayasai Reddy, who resigned from the YSRCP and his position as MP in January, appeared before the SIT as a witness on April 18.
Afterward, he remarked to the media that the SIT officials inquired about several meetings.
He labeled Kasireddy as the mastermind behind the scam and stated that he was unaware of who ultimately received the funds collected by Kasireddy.
Last month, TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayulu called upon Union Home Minister Amit Shah to investigate the liquor scam in Andhra Pradesh, asserting it is more extensive than the Delhi liquor scandal.
He claimed that the scam has led to a loss of Rs 18,860 crore to the state’s treasury from 2019 to 2024 and urged Amit Shah to initiate an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate and other central agencies.
