Is YSR Congress Party MP Midhun Reddy Involved in the Andhra Pradesh Liquor Scam?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Midhun Reddy arrested in a multi-crore liquor scam.
- Significant allegations of financial misconduct.
- SIT investigates under YSR Congress Party rule.
- Key role in excise policy and kickbacks suspected.
- Investigation reveals extensive irregularities.
Vijayawada, July 19 (NationPress) YSR Congress Party MP, P. V. Midhun Reddy, was taken into custody on Saturday by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with a multi-crore liquor scam in Andhra Pradesh.
The SIT, which is investigating the scam that allegedly occurred during the tenure of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), apprehended Midhun Reddy after nearly seven hours of questioning at the SIT office.
Officials from the SIT notified Midhun Reddy's family members of his arrest related to the liquor case.
Midhun Reddy, representing the Rajampet constituency in the Lok Sabha, also serves as the YSRCP floor leader in the Lok Sabha. He is the fourth accused in the case, which was filed last year after the TDP-led NDA government assumed power in the state.
His arrest followed a day after the Supreme Court rejected his anticipatory bail request. The Andhra Pradesh High Court had also previously dismissed his appeal.
The MP is alleged to have played a significant role in the excise policy and in channeling kickbacks to shell companies.
The SIT reportedly discovered extensive irregularities and financial misappropriation in the liquor policy implemented between 2019 and 2024.
Midhun Reddy's arrest occurred shortly after the SIT submitted a preliminary chargesheet in the case. The SIT filed a comprehensive 300-page chargesheet in the ACB court, accompanied by forensic lab findings.
The court was informed that Rs 62 crore has been confiscated in this case so far. The SIT has also questioned 268 witnesses.
Additionally, the SIT indicated to the court that the investigation is at a pivotal stage and that another chargesheet will be filed within 20 days.
The Crime Investigation Department (CID) initially investigated this case last year following a complaint from an official of the Excise Department. Subsequently, the TDP-led NDA government established an SIT, led by NTR District Commissioner of Police SV Rajashekhar Babu, to further investigate.
Investigators reportedly uncovered a kickback network involving nearly Rs 3,500 crore siphoned off over five years.
There are allegations that leaders of the YSR Congress Party promoted a new liquor policy, launched new brands, and received kickbacks from distillery companies, leading to significant losses for the government.
The SIT has already detained several individuals connected to the case, including Raj Kesireddy (alias Kesireddy Rajashekar Reddy), advisor to former chief minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, K. Dhanunjaya Reddy, a retired IAS officer, Krishna Mohan Reddy, former Officer on Special Duty (OSD), and Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, a former MLA.