Andhra Pradesh loses Rs 1,300 crore in liquor scam under Congress rule

Hyderabad: The much-publicised liquor syndicate scam which took place during the previous Congress regime in undivided Andhra Pradesh cost the exchequer Rs 1,300 crore. This was mentioned in the revenue and excise preliminary report submitted to the Cabinet sub-committee.

The ruling Telugu Desam government is keen on taking action against political leaders involved in the scam. The committee, headed by AP finance minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, asked officials to submit a detailed report in time for the next meeting. The committee will file an additional affidavit in the court. The officials told the committee that action has been taken against 130 officials.

Mr Ramakrishnudu said, in a recent meeting, that action was taken only against officials, but political leaders were spared. Officials said liquor traders had formed a syndicate and illegally imported liquor from other states which they sold at higher prices and did not pay the amount to the government. The government lost Rs 1,300 crore as a result of this.

The sub-committee asked officials to find evidence of involvement of political leaders. The committee wants to discuss the issue with former Anti-Corruption Bureau officials — Bhoopathi Babu (retired), and K. Srinivasa Reddy, who played a key role in submitting the report to the High Court.