AP Liquor Scam: Key Accused Balaji Govindappa Arrested in Mysuru
Arrest follows court rejection of anticipatory bail
In a major development in the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested a key accused, Balaji Govindappa, in Mysuru. Acting on specific intelligence, officials apprehended Govindappa and are currently bringing him to Vijayawada for further interrogation. Govindappa previously served as a full-time director at Bharathi Cements.
Accused ignored SIT summons
Earlier this week, the SIT had issued summons to three individuals — Balaji Govindappa, former CMO secretary Dhanunjaya Reddy, and former OSD to ex-CM Jagan Mohan Reddy (referred to as Jagan). All three were directed to appear for questioning at the SIT office in Vijayawada on Sunday at 10:00 AM. However, they failed to comply with the notice and did not attend the inquiry.
Legal relief denied by courts
Anticipatory bail petitions filed by the trio were dismissed by the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The Supreme Court too refused to grant interim protection from arrest, paving the way for SIT to initiate action.
📝 SIT Findings So Far
| Allegation | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Accusation | Collection of kickbacks from liquor suppliers and distilleries |
| Individuals Involved | Close aides of Jagan Mohan Reddy |
| Fund Flow | Liquor companies → Shell companies → Political beneficiaries |
| Meeting Locations | Hyderabad, Tadepalli |
| Middlemen Role | Raj Kesireddy allegedly delivered funds to the accused, who passed them to Jagan |
Direct links to former CM’s aides
According to SIT remand reports of previously arrested individuals, Balaji Govindappa, along with Dhanunjaya Reddy and Krishnamohan Reddy, was actively involved in holding meetings with liquor company owners in Hyderabad and Tadepalli. They allegedly coordinated bribe payments and diverted the proceeds through shell companies.
The arrest of Govindappa is expected to provide further insights into the money trail and political links in the ongoing investigation.