ED Launches Probe into ₹3,200-Crore Andhra Liquor Scam, SIT Issues Notices to Ex-CMO Officials

The Enforcement Directorate has initiated a money laundering probe into the ₹3,200-crore Andhra liquor scam during the YSRCP regime. Notices have been issued to former top officials linked to Jagan Mohan Reddy’s office. The ED seeks detailed documents from the SIT, while calls grow for a CBI-led investigation.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a money laundering investigation into a ₹3,200-crore liquor scam that allegedly occurred during the tenure of the YSR Congress Party government in Andhra Pradesh. The move follows a detailed inquiry by the state's Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has already issued notices to several top officials closely linked to the former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s office.

According to sources, the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) on May 6 and named 33 individuals as accused in the case. Among them is Raj Kesireddy, former IT advisor to Jagan, identified as the prime accused. Other prominent figures include YSRCP MP Peddireddy Mithun Reddy, ex-party general secretary V Vijayasai Reddy, retired IAS officer K Dhanunjaya Reddy, Jagan’s OSD P Krishna Mohan Reddy, and Bharathi Cements director Govindappa Balaji.

The ED is investigating under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and has sought detailed documentation from the SIT, including FIRs, bank account details, property records, and arrest and remand reports. The SIT has since handed over the required data to the central agency.

SIT officials also served notices in Hyderabad to several key accused, including Dhanunjaya Reddy and Krishna Mohan Reddy, directing them to appear for questioning in Vijayawada on May 11. The remand report suggests these officials were instrumental in creating policy frameworks to facilitate bribe collection through state-controlled liquor operations.

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With public outrage intensifying, TDP MP Kesineni Shivanath has requested the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the case to ensure transparency and accountability in a scam that has potentially impacted public health and state revenue.