Is the Liquor Case Just a Fabrication to Target YSRCP?

Amaravati, Aug 3 (NationPress) Former Andhra Pradesh Minister Ambati Rambabu has claimed that the so-called liquor case is a fabricated scheme aimed at damaging the reputation of YSRCP and intimidating its leaders.

He indicated that the recent video, which supposedly connects an individual to former MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, is merely a tactic to distract from the actual issues at hand.

“The video, which allegedly features an associate of Chevireddy, serves as a diversion. The presence of Rs 2000 notes in the footage suggests it has no relevance to the liquor case,” Rambabu asserted in a statement on Sunday.

He noted that the ACB Court has mandated the separation and inspection of the confiscated currency notes, which will clarify when and where these notes originated. Additionally, the rapid deposit of Rs 11 crore by the ACB and efforts to destroy evidence will unveil the conspiracy.

He contended that the court's inquiry has exposed the conspiracy surrounding the liquor case.

“The media is disseminating falsehoods by focusing on this unfounded video. Chandrababu is trying to gain political advantage through deceitful propaganda and illegal detentions. He keeps making errors to mask the previous ones. The public is closely observing all these events,” Rambabu remarked.

The YSRCP figure previously criticized the Chandrababu Naidu-led government for “circulating” an unverified video that allegedly depicts a follower of Chevireddy. “They claim that funds from the liquor trade were funneled through Chevireddy during the elections. However, since the elections are set for May 2024, and the Rs 2000 notes were demonetized by May 2023, the video showing stacks of Rs 2000 notes indicates that the allegation of Chevireddy distributing illicit funds during the elections is nothing but a lie. They are now attempting to associate this video with the unlawful liquor case. Anyone who scrutinizes this even slightly can easily see through Chandrababu's SIT conspiracy,” he stated.

Rambabu asserted that the SIT lacks substantive evidence and is merely making baseless claims. The confiscation of Rs 11 crore in cash left Chandrababu's SIT reeling from the ACB court's directives. The court instructed that the serial numbers of the notes be documented and photographed, yet Chandrababu's SIT disregarded these orders. Instead of adhering to the court's instructions, they hastily deposited the funds in the bank and attempted to mix them with other notes. Consequently, the accused's attorneys submitted a petition to the court. The court explicitly mandated that the seized notes be preserved separately. If they comply with the court's orders, it will easily uncover when those notes were issued and their origins,” he added.

The video that emerged online on Saturday depicts Venkatesh Naidu, identified as a close associate of Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy. Both individuals are currently in judicial custody related to the case.

Venkatesh Naidu allegedly played a crucial role in the movement and concealment of illicit funds associated with the scandal.

The purported scam took place during the rule of the YSR Congress Party from 2019 to 2024.

After the TDP-led NDA ascended to power last year, a case was lodged at the CID Police Station in Mangalagiri. The Crime Investigation Department (CID) initially conducted an inquiry following a complaint from an official of the Excise Department. Subsequently, the government formed the SIT, which claims to have uncovered widespread irregularities and misappropriation of funds within the liquor policy implemented during 2019-24.

Reports indicate that investigators discovered a kickback operation involving nearly Rs 3,500 crore.

Allegations have surfaced that YSR Congress Party leaders supported the new liquor policy, introduced new brands, and received kickbacks from distillery companies, resulting in significant losses for the government.

The preliminary charge sheet, submitted on July 19, outlined a complex network of money laundering, offshore investments, and purported manipulation of policies.