Has the Key Accused in the Andhra Pradesh Liquor Scam Been Arrested?
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Synopsis
The arrest of Balaji Govindappa, a key player in the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam, marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation. With allegations of bribery and corruption involving high-profile associates of the former chief minister, the implications of this case could resonate throughout the political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Balaji Govindappa has been arrested in the ongoing liquor scam investigation.
- The scam is estimated at Rs 3,200 crore.
- Key players, including K. Dhanunjaya Reddy and Krishna Mohan Reddy, are also implicated.
- The SIT has been actively pursuing leads and connections to political figures.
- Allegations include bribery from liquor suppliers and shady financial practices.
Vijayawada, May 13 (NationPress) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Andhra Pradesh has apprehended Balaji Govindappa, Director of Bharati Cements, in connection with the liquor scam investigation.
Govindappa, a principal accused in this case, was taken into custody by the SIT in Mysuru, Karnataka, and is currently being transported to Vijayawada, as per police sources.
Last week, the SIT had issued summons to Govindappa, K. Dhanunjaya Reddy, a retired IAS officer and former secretary to ex-chief minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, and Krishna Mohan Reddy, a former Officer on Special Duty (OSD).
They were instructed to report to the SIT office at Vijayawada Commissionerate on May 12 for questioning, but they failed to appear.
Following credible intelligence, SIT officials arrested Govindappa in Mysuru.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court had denied their anticipatory bail applications on May 7, noting the preliminary phase of the investigation into the alleged Rs 3,200 crore scam.
All three accused were known to be close associates of Jagan Mohan Reddy, facing allegations of accepting bribes from liquor suppliers and distilleries while channeling funds to fictitious companies.
The SIT has reported that the trio conducted meetings with owners of liquor supplying companies and distilleries in both Hyderabad and Amaravati.
Raj Kasireddy, the primary accused, was purportedly delivering bribes to the trio after receiving payments from liquor company owners.
Kashireddy was arrested on April 21 in connection with the multi-crore liquor scam that transpired during the tenure of the YSR Congress Party.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the SIT has issued notices to additional accused individuals based on information obtained during Kasireddy's questioning.
Kashireddy is believed to have played a crucial role in the illicit collection of nearly Rs 3,000 crore over a span of five years. He served as the IT advisor to then-chief minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
The TDP-led NDA government established the SIT last November to probe allegations of misconduct and corruption within the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL) during the YSRCP administration.
TDP leaders have accused certain YSRCP members of having connections with liquor manufacturers, establishing numerous local brands, engaging in cash transactions, and generating illegal funds.
The SIT has reportedly identified the involvement of several political figures, private individuals, and others in the scam.
Investigators have traced the financial trail of kickbacks linked to a sitting Lok Sabha member and a former Rajya Sabha member from YSRCP.
Former MP V. Vijayasai Reddy, who resigned from YSRCP and stepped down from his MP role in January, testified before the SIT as a witness on April 18.
He labeled Kasireddy as the mastermind behind the operation and stated that he was unaware of who received the funds collected by Kasireddy.
Point of View
The arrest of Balaji Govindappa in this high-profile liquor scam reflects a broader issue of corruption that transcends party lines. It underscores the necessity for accountability and transparency in governance, ensuring that justice prevails in the face of alleged misconduct.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam?
Balaji Govindappa, the Director of Bharati Cements, was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with the liquor scam.
What are the allegations against the accused?
The accused are alleged to have accepted bribes from liquor suppliers and distilleries and diverted funds to fictitious companies, involving a scam worth Rs 3,200 crore.
What role did Raj Kasireddy play in the scam?
Raj Kasireddy is considered the prime accused, suspected of facilitating bribes from liquor company owners to the trio of accused.
What action did the Andhra Pradesh High Court take?
The Andhra Pradesh High Court rejected anticipatory bail pleas of the accused, highlighting the ongoing investigation's preliminary stage.
When was the SIT established?
The SIT was established by the TDP-led NDA government in November of last year to investigate allegations of corruption within the APSBCL.
