Midhun Reddy Arrested in Connection with Rs 3,200-Crore Liquor Scam in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh police have detained YSRCP Lok Sabha member PV Midhun Reddy in connection with a suspected Rs 3,200-crore liquor scam from the previous YSRCP administration. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) interrogated Midhun Reddy for several hours before arresting him around 7:30 pm in Vijayawada. "Yes, he has been arrested. The process to produce him before a court is going on," Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha confirmed over the phone.

Midhun Reddy, representing the Rajampet constituency, is expected to appear in a local court on Sunday. His questioning followed the arrests of other accused individuals, including Dhanunjay Reddy, Krishna Mohan Reddy, and Balaji Govindappa. In May, the Enforcement Directorate initiated a money laundering investigation into the alleged liquor scam by filing an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

YSRCP Leaders Condemn Arrest

Several YSRCP leaders have criticised Midhun Reddy's arrest, labelling it as political vendetta orchestrated by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Former ministers Botcha Satyanarayana, Perni Venkatramaiah Nani, Ambati Rambabu, Merugu Nagarjuna, and party general secretary G Srikanth Reddy expressed concerns over what they see as misuse of power to target opposition figures. They argue that such actions will not deter public support for YSRCP.

The SIT's remand report for Kasireddy Raja Sekhar Reddy, the main suspect in the alleged liquor scam during the previous YSRCP regime, names several key figures involved between 2019 and 2024. These include Vasudeva Reddy, Satya Prasad, Midhun Reddy, former YSRCP leader V Vijay Sai Reddy, Sajjala Sridhar Reddy, retired IAS officer Dhanunjaya Reddy, Krishna Mohan Reddy, and Balaji Govindappa.

Allegations of Political Conspiracy

YSRCP leaders claim that Naidu committed numerous irregularities in liquor sales from 2014 to 2019 and is now diverting attention by creating a false narrative around arrests based on coerced statements. They assert that during the YSRCP government, liquor policy was transparent and state-controlled. The number of liquor shops was reduced, and belt shops and permit rooms were eliminated.

Kasireddy Raja Sekhar Reddy allegedly played a significant role in discontinuing popular liquor brands while promoting favoured ones. The SIT claims that up to Rs 60 crore in kickbacks were extorted monthly. These proceeds were reportedly sent to Midhun Reddy and others involved in various irregularities.

Support for Midhun Reddy

Senior YSRCP leader L Appi Reddy expressed confidence that justice will prevail for Midhun Reddy due to his family's long-standing political legacy. "I am confident that justice will prevail and that the judiciary will act fairly," he stated. Midhun Reddy's decision to attend the inquiry demonstrates his commitment to proving his innocence and respect for the rule of law.

The opposition party has accused Naidu of engaging in vindictive behaviour by filing false cases against those close to YSRCP leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. Senior YSRCP leader Malladi Vishnu described the case against Midhun Reddy as part of a broader conspiracy targeting individuals close to party leadership. "But we will bounce back to call the bluff of Chandrababu Naidu," he said.

The YSRCP leaders warned that fabricated cases or forced arrests cannot stop their party. They maintain that the liquor scam allegations are based on fabricated evidence and coerced confessions. They pledged to continue supporting the people and fighting against political conspiracies with determination and courage.

With inputs from PTI