Andhra Pradesh liquor scam: ED arrests Raj Kasi Reddy, Vasudeva Reddy; conducts searches at five locations
The searches were carried out at the residences and offices of Kasireddy, former Andhra Pradesh Minister for Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Karumuri Nageswara Rao, and several senior leaders of the YSRCP.
Synopsis: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at five locations across Andhra Pradesh on 11 June as part of its money-laundering investigation into the alleged liquor scam. The agency also arrested Raj Kasi Reddy and Vasudeva Reddy, the A1 and A2 accused in the case, respectively. During the raids, officials recovered ₹8 lakh in cash, two Rolex watches, premium vehicles, and documents and digital devices that are now under examination.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Hyderabad Zone, on Thursday, 11 June conducted simultaneous searches at five locations across Andhra Pradesh as part of its ongoing investigation into the alleged liquor scam in the State.
The agency also arrested Raj Kasi Reddy, former IT adviser to the Jagan Mohan Reddy government and the No 1 accused in the case, and Vasudeva Reddy, former Managing Director of the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited and the No 2 accused. Both were produced before a local magistrate.
The searches were carried out at the residences and offices of five persons accused in the case as part of the agency’s expanding money-laundering probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
According to sources, the searches led to the recovery of ₹8 lakh in cash, two Rolex watches, premium vehicles, and incriminating documents and digital devices. Further investigation is under progress.
The ED is probing allegations that the accused persons caused a wrongful loss to the Government exchequer amounting to approximately ₹195.33 crore while deriving corresponding unlawful gains for themselves and their associates.
The agency is examining alleged financial irregularities, hawala transactions and diversion of funds linked to the liquor business during the previous regime. Investigators are also probing the role of key individuals suspected of being connected to the alleged money-laundering network.
Political circles are abuzz with speculation over whether notices could soon be issued to former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy as the investigation progresses. The ED, however, has not made any announcement in this regard.