SIT Alleges A-9 Collected ₹3,500 Cr in Bribes in AP Liquor Scam
The SIT further alleged that popular liquor brands were removed from the market to favour selected brands approved by an alleged syndicate, enabling large-scale illegal gains.
Vijayawada:The Special Investigation Team (SIT), in its remand report submitted before the ACB Court on Tuesday in the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam case, alleged that Accused No. 9, Eeswar Kiran Kumar Reddy, played a key role in an alleged liquor distribution scam during the previous YSRC government.
According to the remand report, the SIT alleged that the previous government discontinued the computer-based ‘Order for Supply’ system introduced during the 2014–19 TD government, which it claimed had ensured transparency in liquor procurement.
The SIT further alleged that popular liquor brands were removed from the market to favour selected brands approved by an alleged syndicate, enabling large-scale illegal gains. It told the court that its investigation indicated that bribes amounting to about Rs.3,500 crore had been collected from liquor distilleries and companies.
The investigating agency also alleged that the proceeds were diverted for election funding and routed through shell companies to convert unaccounted money into legitimate funds.
According to the SIT, Kiran Kumar Reddy acted as the financial strategist in the alleged scam, facilitating fund transfers through hawala channels and helping establish shell companies. The agency further alleged that the money was invested in electric vehicle manufacturing companies, the real estate sector and film production.
Kiran Kumar Reddy was arrested earlier and produced before the ACB Court, which remanded him to judicial custody till August 18.