Major Arrest in Andhra Pradesh's Rs 3,200 Crore Liquor Scam

The Andhra Pradesh Police's Special Investigation Team (SIT) has intensified its probe into the Rs 3,200 crore liquor scam, leading to the arrest of Balaji Govindappa in Mysore on Tuesday. Govindappa, an executive director at Bharati Cement Pvt Ltd, has been implicated in the scandal that allegedly transpired during the previous YSRCP administration.

Authorities unearthed further evidence when SIT officials conducted a search of Govindappa's Hyderabad residence three days prior to his apprehension. This development comes as part of a broader investigation by the Enforcement Directorate into alleged money laundering linked to the scam. The ED's case derives from a September 2024 FIR filed by the Economic Offences CID of the Andhra Pradesh police.

The investigation has already implicated numerous individuals, including high-profile figures such as Rajampet MP PV Midhun Reddy, former YSRCP MP V Vijayasai Redddy, and retired IAS officer Dhanunjaya Reddy. The SIT's remand report of prime accused Kasireddy Raja Sekhar Reddy outlines the roles played by many between 2019 and 2024.

(With inputs from agencies.)