What Are the Latest Developments in the Andhra Liquor Scam?

Vijayawada, May 14 (NationPress) A local court has ordered Govindappa Balaji, the Director of Bharathi Cement Corporation Pvt Ltd, to remain in judicial custody until May 20 as part of the ongoing liquor scam investigation.

Following the remand issued by the ACB Court, Balaji was transferred to Vijayawada Jail.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is delving into the extensive liquor fraud under the rule of YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), apprehended Balaji in Karnataka on Tuesday.

Balaji, who is perceived to be a close associate of former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, was brought back to Vijayawada using a transit warrant, and after being interrogated by the SIT officials, he was presented in court.

As accused number 33 in this scandal, Balaji is purportedly involved in channeling kickbacks among members of the liquor syndicate through various shell companies.

In a related development, K. Dhanunjaya Reddy, a retired IAS officer and former secretary to Jagan Mohan Reddy, along with Krishna Mohan Reddy, a former Officer on Special Duty (OSD), appeared before the SIT for questioning.

The SIT is currently interrogating them at the SIT office located at Vijayawada Commissionerate.

Dhanunjaya Reddy and Krishna Mohan Reddy are listed as accused numbers 31 and 32, respectively, in this case.

On their requests for anticipatory bail, the Supreme Court has instructed the SIT to refrain from taking any action against the accused until May 16, while still mandating their appearance before the SIT.

The SIT had previously issued notices to Govindappa and two others, directing them to present themselves at the SIT office in Vijayawada on May 12 for questioning; however, they failed to comply.

The Andhra Pradesh High Court denied their anticipatory bail applications on May 7, citing the preliminary phase of the probe into the alleged Rs 3,200 crore scam.

It has been alleged that leaders of the YSR Congress Party promoted a new liquor policy, introduced new brands during their rule, accepted kickbacks from distillery companies, and led to significant losses for the government.

Raj Kasireddy, the main accused in this case, is said to have been delivering bribes to the trio after collecting funds from liquor company owners.

The SIT detained Kasireddy on April 21; he is accused of playing a pivotal role in the purported unlawful collection of nearly Rs 3,000 crore over five years. He served as the IT advisor to Jagan Mohan Reddy.

The TDP-led NDA government established the SIT in November of the previous year to investigate the claims of irregularities and corruption in the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL) during the tenure of the YSRCP.