ANDHRA PRADESH: YSRCP Leader Arrested in Rs. 1000 Crore Liquor Scam
Key Arrests in High-Profile Case
On June 17, 2025, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested Chevireddy Bhaskara Reddy, a prominent YSRCP leader and former Chandragiri MLA, in connection with a Rs. 1000 crore liquor scam. Alongside him, his associate Venkatesh Naidu was detained at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport while attempting to flee to Sri Lanka.
Alleged Role in Financial Misconduct
The SIT investigation revealed that Chevireddy orchestrated the transfer of illicit funds from distilleries and liquor supply companies to YSRCP candidates during the previous elections. Approximately Rs. 250-300 crore was allegedly funneled through collection points, including an apartment near Tadepalli Palace.
Venkatesh Naidu’s Involvement
Venkatesh Naidu, a close associate of Chevireddy, played a pivotal role in moving and concealing bribe money. The SIT found evidence of his coordination in transporting funds, including Rs. 8.36 crore seized at Garikapadu check post on May 9, 2024, linked to the scam.
Seizure of Illicit Cash
The Garikapadu seizure involved cash hidden in a pipe lorry, intended for delivery in Guntur. CCTV footage and witness statements confirmed Naidu’s role in transferring the funds from Hyderabad to Anajpur, exposing the scale of the operation.
SIT Faces Resistance
As the investigation intensified, Chevireddy allegedly attempted to obstruct the SIT by leveraging associates to file false accusations against officials. Despite these efforts, key evidence prompted the issuance of lookout circulars, leading to his detention.
Additional Accused Named
The SIT’s court memo listed six individuals, including
- Chevireddy Bhaskara Reddy (A-38): Alleged mastermind distributing bribe money.
- Chevireddy Mohit Reddy (A-39): Facilitated fund collection via TUD vehicles.
- Venkatesh Naidu (A-34): Managed fund transfers and concealment.
- Balaji Yadav (A-35), **Naveen (A-36), and *Harish (A-37)*: Key operatives in the money transfer network.
Political Implications
The YSRCP has accused the NDA government of framing Chevireddy, labeling the arrests as politically motivated. The SIT has denied these claims, asserting the investigation’s impartiality and focus on evidence-based findings.
Ongoing Investigation
With nine arrests made, the SIT continues to probe the scam’s financial trails across Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The case highlights systemic issues in political funding and regulatory oversight in Andhra Pradesh’s liquor industry.