Andhra liquor scam: SIT raids Hyderabad farmhouse, seizes Rs 11 crore in cash

In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the multi-crore Andhra Pradesh liquor scam, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has seized Rs 11 crore in cash from a farmhouse on the outskirts of Hyderabad, according to PTI.

The raid, conducted at a property in Kacharam, Shamshabad Mandal, Rangareddy district, Telangana, marks a crucial escalation in the probe, according to officials.

Acting on information provided by Varun Purushotham, a key accused, designated as A-40 in the case, the SIT uncovered the cash concealed in 12 cardboard boxes on the premises. Purushotham’s confession detailed how the funds were hidden, guiding authorities directly to the stash.

Investigators believe the liquor scam, which allegedly unfolded during the previous YSR Congress Party government's tenure, runs into thousands of crores of rupees. According to the SIT, commissions collected from distillery companies were allegedly channelled into shell firms, resulting in an estimated Rs 3,500 crore loss to the state exchequer.

The operation forms part of a broader clampdown in the sensational case, which has already seen the arrest of YSRCP MP Mithun Reddy for his alleged involvement, TimesNow reported. The Rajampet MP has been named as Accused No. 4 in the case. The probe is also examining illegal kickbacks and money laundering activities that reportedly spanned state borders.

Apart from Mithun Reddy, investigators have reportedly identified former government advisor Kesireddy Rajasekhar Reddy as the ‘kingpin’ behind the operation. As per media reports, former YSRCP MP Vijayasai Reddy and several others have also been named as accused for running a vast kickback network. To date, twelve individuals have been arrested and the Enforcement Directorate has taken over parts of the investigation.