In a significant development following the formation of the alliance government in Andhra Pradesh, investigations into the alleged AP Liquor Scam have intensified, leading to several high-profile arrests. This renewed focus on older cases has seen key individuals associated with the YSRCP regime being taken into custody. The escalating crackdown has fueled widespread speculation across the state, particularly regarding the potential involvement of former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has recently made crucial arrests, signaling a deepening probe. K. Dhanunjay Reddy, a retired IAS officer and former Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), and P. Krishnamohan Reddy, who served as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the former Chief Minister, were both apprehended by the SIT. These arrests occurred on May 16, 2025, shortly after the Supreme Court dismissed their anticipatory bail petitions, allowing the police to proceed with their investigation.
These two individuals are among seven accused now in custody in connection with the scam, which allegedly involved manipulating liquor policies and collecting substantial kickbacks during the previous administration. Govindappa Balaji, Director of Bharathi Cement, was also arrested on May 14, 2025. While the YSRCP has vehemently condemned these arrests as acts of political vendetta, the SIT maintains that its investigation is unearthing considerable evidence, hinting at larger implications as the probe continues to unfold.
The political landscape remains charged, with rumors persisting about the possibility of Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s own arrest. Although YSRCP MP Mithun Reddy has received interim protection from arrest from the Supreme Court in a related matter, the ongoing arrests of close associates of the former CM indicate a persistent pursuit of the alleged irregularities. This high-stakes investigation promises further revelations, keeping the public keenly attuned to the evolving political and legal developments in Andhra Pradesh.