Vijayawada: The special investigation team (SIT) probing the alleged liquor scam that reportedly took place during the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) regime has named three more individuals as accused, bringing the total number of accused in the case to 33. This development marks another significant step in the ongoing investigation that already unearthed the alleged involvement of senior govt officials and political figures.In a memo submitted to the anti-corruption bureau (ACB) special court in Vijayawada, SIT officials formally recorded the names of the newly added accused: Dhanunjaya Reddy, who served as secretary in then chief minister’s office; Krishnamohan Reddy, officer on special duty (OSD) to former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy; and Govindappa Balaji, a full-time director at Bharathi Cements. Their inclusion is based on new evidence reportedly linking them to key decisions and transactions related to the alleged scam.The SIT’s investigation indicated a nexus between political leadership, bureaucrats, and private business entities in allegedly manipulating liquor policies and procurement procedures for personal and political gain. The remand reports of the arrested accused suggest that the scam involved preferential allotment of liquor distribution zones, kickbacks from contractors, and misuse of govt authority to benefit select companies and individuals.Raj Kasireddy has been named as the prime accused (A1) in the case. He is alleged to have played a central role in coordinating between political decision-makers and business entities to facilitate the irregularities. Among the high-profile names already listed as co-accused are YSRCP member of parliament Peddireddy Mithun Reddy and former YSRCP Rajya Sabha MP V Vijayasai Reddy, both of whom are under scrutiny for their alleged roles in influencing liquor policy decisions.So far, the SIT arrested four individuals in connection with the case, with further arrests not being ruled out. Investigators are continuing to examine financial trails, land records, internal govt communications, and statements from witnesses and whistle-blowers to build a stronger case.Officials have stated that the probe revealed systematic efforts to centralise liquor procurement and distribution under a few favoured entities, bypassing competitive norms and regulations. Several shell companies and benami transactions have also come under the scanner.
