Andhra Liquor Scam: Rs 11 Crore Cash Seized
Andhra Pradesh Liquor Policy Probe: Kickbacks Alleged in Rs 3,500 Crore Siphoning Scheme
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new Delhi: A sprawling examination into Andhra Pradesh’s liquor policy has unearthed a massive alleged kickback network, with investigators claiming nearly ₹3,500 crore was siphoned off over a five-year period. The probe, initiated following a complaint from an Excise department official, has led to the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) adn the arrest of 12 individuals, including a Member of Parliament.
SIT Uncovers Widespread Irregularities in Liquor Policy
The SIT, headed by NTR District Commissioner of Police S.V. Rajashekhar Babu, was constituted by the government to thoroughly examine the liquor policy implemented between 2019 and 2024. Their findings point to large-scale irregularities and meaningful fund misappropriation during this period.
Allegations of Kickbacks and Government Loss
At the heart of the allegations are claims that leaders of the YSR Congress Party actively promoted the new liquor policy, facilitated the introduction of new brands, and received substantial kickbacks from distillery companies. This alleged practice, investigators contend, resulted in a considerable financial loss to the state exchequer.
The legal framework for the investigation includes sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) such as 420 and 120 (B), pertaining to cheating and criminal conspiracy respectively, along with sections 34 and 37.Furthermore, the probe is guided by specific provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, including sections 7, 7A, 8, 12, 13 (1) (b), and 13 (2), which deal with bribery, abuse of power, and criminal misconduct by public servants.
Key Accused and Preliminary Charge Sheet
The SIT has made significant progress in its investigation, arresting 12 individuals so far. Among those taken into custody is YSRCP MP P. V. Midhun Reddy.
the list of key accused individuals reportedly includes prominent figures with close ties to the former Chief Minister’s governance:
Kesireddy Rajashekar Reddy: Former IT Adviser to former Chief Minister Y.S.Jagan Mohan Reddy. K. Dhanunjaya reddy: Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office.
Krishna mohan Reddy: Officer on Special duty (OSD) to the then Chief Minister.
Balaji Govindappa: Director of Bharati Cements.
chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy: former MLA.
Dilip Kumar: Personal assistant to Rajashekar Reddy.
Chanikya.
Sajjala Sridhar Reddy.
A preliminary charge sheet was filed in the case on July 19. Notably, the document mentions former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy as one of the alleged recipients of kickbacks. However, he has not been formally named as an accused in this preliminary filing.
The charge sheet details a modus operandi where, between 2019 and 2024, an estimated ₹50 to ₹60 crore was collected monthly from distilleries. These funds were allegedly channeled through a complex network of aides and shell companies, obscuring their true origin and destination. The investigation continues to unravel the full extent of this alleged financial malpractice.