A stir has been caused in Andhra Pradesh after ₹11 crore in cash was found in a farmhouse during the investigation into the ₹3,200 crore liquor scam. The scam is alleged to have occurred between 2019-2023 through a new liquor policy. An SIT is investigating.
Andhra Pradesh: The investigation into the alleged ₹3,200 crore liquor scam in Andhra Pradesh has taken a new turn. The recovery of ₹11 crore in cash, hidden in 12 boxes at a farmhouse in Ranga Reddy district, near Hyderabad, has created a storm in political and administrative circles. At the center of this action is the same liquor scam, which is considered one of the biggest scams in the state in recent years.
Where was the raid and what was found?
The Andhra Pradesh CID, acting on a tip-off, raided the Sulochana Farmhouse located in Kachararam village, Shamshabad Mandal. During the midnight raid, approximately ₹11 crore was recovered, hidden in 12 iron boxes. According to preliminary investigations, this amount is believed to be linked to illegal transactions in the liquor business. The operation was kept secret, and the seized cash was brought to Andhra Pradesh with full security. According to officials, the raid was conducted based on information provided by Varun Purushottam, an accused in the liquor scam, who has already been taken into custody.
What is the Andhra Pradesh Liquor Scam?
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the liquor scam has revealed that between 2019 and 2023, the then government of Andhra Pradesh implemented a new policy by bringing the liquor business under state control. Under the guise of this policy, popular liquor brands were removed and new, unknown brands were promoted, from which a pre-determined commission was taken. Companies behind these brands were given regular orders, and in return, bribes of up to ₹50 to 60 crore were paid every month. This amount was directly delivered to leaders and officers associated with the government.
Who are on the list of accused?
- KC Reddy Raja Shekhar Reddy – Considered the mastermind of this scam.
- Y Vijayasai Reddy – Former YSRCP Rajya Sabha MP and Jagan's trusted associate.
- PV Midhun Reddy – YSRCP MP and son of former minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy.
- Varun Purushottam – Who provided information during interrogation about the cash hidden in the farmhouse.
Although Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has not yet been named as an accused, his proposed liquor policy is mentioned in the chargesheet. This policy is considered the foundation of the entire scam.
New Policy and Public Discontent
Liquor stores were opened for a limited time, prices were increased, and gradually popular brands disappeared from the market. They were replaced by brands with bizarre names like 'Boom', 'President Medal'. These brands were widely ridiculed on social media. Public discontent grew. The effect of this discontent was that liquor smuggling from Telangana and Karnataka increased. In 2021, the government had to cut liquor prices, but by then, smuggling and the business of fake liquor had gained momentum.
Political Stir and Opposition Attack
This scam has caused a major upheaval in the state's politics. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janasena have termed this scam the state's 'biggest loot'. The opposition has demanded that the Chief Minister also be brought under the purview of the investigation. Former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said, "Both public health and the exchequer have been compromised. This was not a liquor policy, but a bribery policy."
Further Investigation and Potential Action
The SIT investigation has now intensified. According to sources, the accounts and balance sheets of the companies that benefited from supplying liquor are being investigated. The Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) may also join the case soon. Currently, the cash found in the farmhouse has been preserved as evidence and will be presented in court.
