ED arrests Raj Kesireddy in liquor scam
HYDERABAD: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Raj Kesireddy, identified as a key accused in the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam case. ED officials on Thursday conducted searches at multiple locations in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, including residences linked to Kesireddy and six other accused.
Searches were also carried out at the residence and offices of former Andhra Pradesh Beverages Corporation Managing Director D. Vasudeva Reddy and his relative Narasimha Reddy. ED officials arrested Kesireddy from his residence in Nanakramguda, Hyderabad.
Alleged ₹3,200 crore kickback network under scrutiny
The agency is probing allegations that thousands of crores of rupees changed hands in the liquor scam during the YSR Congress Party government. ED officials have alleged that funds were moved through hawala channels and money laundering networks.
Searches are also underway at the residence and office of former Andhra Pradesh minister Karumuri Nageswara Rao.
Thirty-three accused named in ECIR
After a preliminary inquiry, the Enforcement Directorate registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and began a formal investigation.
The agency has named 33 accused in the case. Those listed include Raj Kesireddy, YSR Congress Party MP Peddireddy Mithun Reddy, former party leader Vijayasai Reddy, retired Indian Administrative Service officer Dhanunjaya Reddy, former Chief Minister’s Office official Krishna Mohan Reddy, Bharathi Cements full-time director Govindappa Balaji, former Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited Managing Director D. Vasudeva Reddy, Special Officer Satyaprasad, former SPY Agro Industries director Sajjala Sridhar Reddy, Muppidi Avinash Reddy and several associates.
According to the ED’s preliminary findings, nearly ₹3,200 crore in alleged kickbacks collected from liquor suppliers and distilleries were routed through shell companies and layered transactions before reaching the alleged beneficiaries. The agency said the investigation is focused on tracing the money trail and identifying the ultimate recipients of the funds.
