Vijayawada, Feb 26 (NationPress) Muppidi Avinash Reddy, who is implicated in the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam, has officially surrendered to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Thursday. This development follows the Supreme Court's refusal to grant him anticipatory bail, mandating that he present himself to law enforcement by February 26.

Avinash Reddy, identified as the seventh accused in the staggering Rs 3,500 crore liquor scandal, is believed to have been involved in activities during the governance of the YSR Congress Party.

The division bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, emphasized that Avinash Reddy must fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

Furthermore, the apex court denied his request for arrest protection but permitted him to seek regular bail from the trial court.

After the Andhra Pradesh High Court dismissed his anticipatory bail plea, Avinash Reddy approached the Supreme Court.

The prosecution contended that he was evading capture and was suspected of possibly fleeing abroad, claiming that the principal accused, Raj Kesi Reddy, aided his escape.

Allegations state that Avinash Reddy laundered funds gathered through illicit commissions from liquor suppliers, transferring them to safe havens across the globe.

In compliance with the Supreme Court's directive, Avinash Reddy surrendered at the SIT office in Vijayawada.

This case involves a multi-crore scandal linked to the manipulation of excise policy and the acceptance of kickbacks from distilleries.

Following the rise of the TDP-led NDA to power in 2024, a complaint was lodged at the CID Police Station in Mangalagiri, under several sections of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) initially took charge of the inquiry after a complaint from an Excise Department official. Subsequently, the government established the SIT, under the leadership of S.V. Rajashekhar Babu, Commissioner of Police for NTR District, to delve deeper into the case.

The SIT uncovered extensive irregularities and financial misappropriation within the liquor policy enforced from 2019 to 2024, with investigators reportedly revealing a kickback scheme involving nearly Rs 3,500 crore embezzled over five years.

Accusations suggest that leaders of the YSR Congress Party promoted the new liquor policy, introduced new brands, and accepted kickbacks from distillery firms, resulting in significant financial losses for the government.

The SIT has implicated a range of individuals in the case, including Members of Parliament, retired IAS officers, owners of distillery companies, and shell corporations.