Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy was detained while allegedly attempting to fly to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Immigration officials intercepted him based on a lookout notice issued by authorities.
Published Jun 18, 2025 | 3:02 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 18, 2025 | 3:02 PM
Former MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy detained in Bengaluru. (Supplied)
Synopsis: Former Chandragiri MLA and YSRCP leader Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy was detained at Bengaluru airport while allegedly fleeing to Colombo, amid the ₹3,200 crore Andhra Pradesh liquor scam probe. Named accused no. 38, he’s linked to key financial transactions. His son alleges political targeting and coercion by SIT. The scam, dating back to 2019, is under intensified investigation.
Former Chandragiri MLA and YSRCP leader Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy has been detained at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International airport on Tuesday, 17 June night, in the infamous ₹3,200 crore Andhra Pradesh liquor scam.
The investigation appears to be intensifying, as this development marks a significant escalation in the case, which has already ensnared several political figures.
Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy was detained while allegedly attempting to fly to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Immigration officials intercepted him based on a lookout notice issued by authorities.
With the SIT tightening its probe, Bhaskar Reddy, was recently named in the liquor scam case. Adding to the list of growing accused, he was mentioned as accused no 38.
He is expected to be presented before the ACB Court in Vijayawada later on Wednesday, 18 June, alongside the investigation team.
Furthermore, numerous financial and logistical transactions linked to the scam were reportedly traced back to him and his associates.
Just a day earlier, on 17 June, Chevireddy Mohith Reddy, Bhaskar Reddy’s son, accused the TDP government of trying to falsely implicate his father. He claimed that SIT officials used coercion and physical torture on Bhaskar Reddy’s former gunmen, including Head Constable Madan Reddy, to force false statements.
Mohith Reddy said the constable has now approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking protection, pointing to the misuse of law enforcement. He warned that using police to target political opponents would not go unchallenged and cautioned officials that they would be held accountable in court.
The Andhra Pradesh liquor scam case refers to an alleged scam of close to ₹3,200 Crore that took place in Andhra Pradesh after 2019.
In 2019, the newly incumbent YSRCP government introduced a liquor policy aimed at phased prohibition in the state.
Subsequently, the state took over about 3,500 liquor stores through the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL). After that, the working hours of the shops were reportedly reduced, and the prices were hiked.
Furthermore, numerous lesser-known brands also emerged during the period, which the opposition speculated were linked to the YSRCP. Additionally, the switch to cash-only transactions at the stores attracted criticism as it created a potential for financial misconduct.
Following the TDP led NDA’s ascent to power in 2024, the state formulated an SIT to look into the alleged scam. Recently, the investigation seems to have intensified with numerous questionings.
On 21 April, the SIT also apprehended Kasireddy Rajashekhar Reddy at the Hyderabad airport in the case. Furthermore, they also recently questioned former MP Vijaya Sai Reddy and MP Midhun Reddy in connection with the case.
With the investigation picking up steam, it remains to be seen what lies ahead in Andhra Pradesh’s politics.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
