Former APSBCL MD Arrested in Andhra Pradesh Liquor Scam Probe
In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the alleged Andhra Pradesh liquor scam, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested Vasudeva Reddy, the former Managing Director of the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Ltd (APSBCL). Reddy, who is listed as Accused No. 2 in the case, was taken into custody following the rejection of his anticipatory bail petitions by both the Vijayawada Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) court and the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
Court Proceedings and Remand Details
SIT officials produced Vasudeva Reddy before the ACB court in Vijayawada, where he was remanded in judicial custody until February 27. He is expected to be transferred to the Guntur district jail. During the remand hearing, the defence counsel argued that Reddy had cooperated fully with the investigation and had even expressed a willingness to turn approver in the case. The counsel also contended that his anticipatory bail plea was still pending before the high court, suggesting there was no immediate necessity for his arrest.
However, the court was not persuaded by these submissions and granted the SIT's plea for remand, allowing for further custodial interrogation.
Key Allegations and SIT Findings
The remand report filed by the SIT outlines critical findings from the investigation. According to officials, technical evidence, forensic reports, and witness statements implicate Vasudeva Reddy as a key architect of the alleged Rs 3,500-crore scam. The SIT alleges that, despite APSBCL's liquor operations being mandated to function entirely online, Reddy played a pivotal role in shifting the system to manual mode without obtaining the necessary approvals. This move allegedly created opportunities for large-scale manipulation and fraud.
Investigators further claim that a syndicate of officials, under Reddy's influence, manipulated orders for supply (OFS), altered brand allocations, moved kit bags, and monitored sales to favor select liquor brands. Companies were reportedly coerced into paying commissions, while others were systematically sidelined. The SIT has described these actions as a "grave abuse of official position" and is seeking extended custodial interrogation to unravel the larger conspiracy behind the alleged liquor scam.
Background and Implications
The arrest marks a crucial step in the SIT's probe into the AP liquor scam, which has drawn widespread attention due to its scale and the involvement of high-ranking officials. The investigation continues to focus on uncovering the full extent of the alleged irregularities and identifying all parties involved. As the case progresses, further developments are anticipated, potentially leading to more arrests and revelations about the scam's mechanisms.
