Liquor Scam: SIT Probes Venkatesh Naidu After Viral Videos Expose Lavish Lifestyle

Tirupati: The special investigation team probing the multi-crore liquor scam has intensified its focus on Ch Venkatesh Naidu after a series of videos online showed his hi-fly lifestyle far exceeding his declared sources of income.

Naidu, listed as Accused 34 in the liquor scam case, is reportedly a close aide of YSRC leader and former Chandragiri MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy.

Officials involved in the probe said the videos highlighted Naidu’s widespread contacts with politicians and celebrities across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. “These are proof that he was part of a large network,” a senior police officer.

One of the viral videos showed Naidu arriving at an airport in a luxury car, boarding a private jet, and later stepping into a red beacon-fitted car, which is normally used by top-ranking officials. Some clips showed him with YSRC and Telugu Desam leaders, or mingling with film celebrities. He frequently used high-end vehicles.

Another video showed him counting large bundles of cash inside a house.

Following the circulation of these visuals, the SIT has expanded its probe to Venkatesh’s contacts in his home town Nandyal, Hyderabad, and Tirupati district. It is now focusing on those who may have aided his financial operations.

According to SIT sources, Naidu maintained regular contact with Chevireddy during key stages of the liquor scam and was allegedly involved in fund transfers at his direction. During the 2024 general elections, Venkatesh Naidu filed a dummy nomination from the Ongole Lok Sabha constituency, where Chevireddy was the official YSRC candidate.

Although Naidu’s nomination was eventually rejected, investigators believe it was part of a calculated political move.

As per his 2024 election affidavit, Naidu declared an annual income of Rs.4.95 lakh for 2022–23, a total cash and bank holdings of Rs.10.70 lakh, and no immovable assets.