Andhra Liquor Scam: ED Attaches Properties Worth Rs 441 Crore, Rs 1,048 Crore Money Trail Found

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached properties worth Rs 441.63 crore in connection with the alleged Andhra Pradesh liquor scam, intensifying the investigation into a large financial irregularity linked to the state’s liquor procurement system. The action was taken under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

According to the investigation, the ED has traced a money trail of Rs 1,048.45 crore, which was allegedly collected from several distilleries as kickbacks. The funds were reportedly generated through manipulation of the liquor procurement process and illegal financial arrangements.

The attached assets belong to several accused individuals and their associated entities. Among those named in the case are Kessireddy Rajasekhara Reddy, Booneti Chanakya, and Donthireddy Vasudeva Reddy. These properties include both movable and immovable assets that were allegedly acquired using proceeds from the illegal activities.

The alleged scam took place between 2019 and 2024, during the period when the state was governed by the YSR Congress Party. Investigators claim that the accused played key roles in manipulating the liquor supply chain and procurement procedures of the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL).

Authorities say the scam involved a well-organised network of individuals who allegedly influenced procurement decisions and forced distilleries to pay kickbacks in exchange for supply orders. These payments were reportedly collected through intermediaries and routed through multiple channels to hide their origin.

Kessireddy Rajasekhara Reddy has been identified as the main accused in the case. During the investigation, several other individuals were also linked to the alleged scheme. These include Chanakya, Avinash Reddy, Kiran Kumar Reddy, Paila Dileep, and Saif Ahmed, who are suspected of playing roles in facilitating the kickback system and managing the financial flows.

Investigators believe the manipulation of the procurement system caused a significant financial loss to the state government. Preliminary estimates suggest that the scam resulted in losses of nearly Rs 3,500 crore to the Andhra Pradesh exchequer.

The ED has been examining financial records, company transactions, and property acquisitions linked to the accused to track how the alleged illegal funds were generated and distributed. Officials are also analysing bank transactions and corporate structures that may have been used to conceal the proceeds of the crime.

The attachment of properties worth Rs 441 crore is considered a major step in the investigation. Authorities say the action is aimed at preventing the accused from disposing of assets that are suspected to have been purchased using illicit funds.

The investigation is still ongoing, and further actions may follow as agencies continue to examine the financial network involved in the alleged liquor scam.