ANDHRA PRADESH: Liquor Scam: Vijayasai Reddy framed Mithun Reddy
Key Allegations Surface
Former YSRCP leader V. Vijayasai Reddy (V. Vijayasaireddu) has made startling revelations about a multi-crore liquor scam during the YSRCP regime under Jagan Mohan Reddy (Jagan Mohan Reddi). He implicated Adan Distilleries Private Limited (Adan Distilleries Praivet Limited), allegedly backed by Raj Kasireddy (Raj Kasireddi) and Rajampet MP Peddireddy Mithun Reddy (Peddireddi Mithun Reddi), as a major beneficiary.
Adan Distilleries reportedly secured undue profits through illicit practices. Vijayasai Reddy admitted to facilitating Rs. 100 crore in loans from Aurobindo Pharma (Arbindo Pharma) for Adan (Rs. 60 crore) and Decart (Rs. 40 crore) at the behest of Mithun Reddy, Raj Kasireddy, and Sajjala Sridhar Reddy (Sajjala Sridhar Reddi).
Meetings and Loan Arrangements
Vijayasai Reddy confirmed that two key meetings to discuss the new liquor policy in 2019 were held at his residences in Hyderabad (Haidarabad) and Tadepalli (Tadepalli). Attendees included APSBCL MD Vasudeva Reddy (Vasudeva Reddi), Excise Department official Satya Prasad (Satya Prasad), Mithun Reddy, Raj Kasireddy, and Sajjala Sridhar Reddy.
He facilitated the Rs. 100 crore loan from Aurobindo’s Sarath Chandra Reddy (Sarath Chandrareddu) at 12% interest. While Adan repaid Rs. 60 crore with interest, Decart repaid the principal but owes interest, sparking a dispute.
SIT Investigation Details
On Friday, Vijayasai Reddy appeared before the SIT in Vijayawada (Vijayavada) for a three-hour questioning session. He faced over 20 questions but provided evasive answers, particularly about the scam’s masterminds and beneficiaries, directing investigators to Raj Kasireddy.
The SIT expressed dissatisfaction with his responses and plans to summon him again. Vijayasai Reddy claimed no direct involvement in the scam, limiting his role to the initial liquor policy discussions in 2019.
Role of Raj Kasireddy
Vijayasai Reddy described Raj Kasireddy as a “smart criminal” who misled the YSRCP and the public. Initially tasked with managing the party’s NRI wing and social media, Kasireddy allegedly orchestrated a hawala network involving his brother-in-law Muppidi Avinash Reddy (Muppidi Avinash Reddi) and associates like Chanakya Raj (Chanakya Raj), Kiran (Kiran), Sumit (Sumit), and Saif (Saif).
He expressed regret for promoting Kasireddy, unaware of his “criminal brain.” However, he dodged questions about who empowered Kasireddy, claiming ignorance.
Evasive Responses on Kickbacks
When questioned about kickbacks in the liquor policy, Vijayasai Reddy denied knowledge, stating only the policy itself was discussed in the meetings. He refuted claims by Vasudeva Reddy and Satya Prasad that he explained kickback mechanisms, insisting such topics never arose.
He also denied awareness of illicit liquor sales, including untaxed liquor from Odisha (Odisha) misrecorded as Tamil Nadu (Tamil Nadu) produce or sold through belt shops, deferring all such queries to Raj Kasireddy.
Media Interaction and Big Boss Mystery
Post-investigation, Vijayasai Reddy addressed the media, refusing to directly answer questions about the scam’s orchestrators. When asked about the “Big Boss” behind the scam, he cryptically remarked he would be “happy to know” who it was, urging journalists to reveal any leads.
He reiterated that only Raj Kasireddy could clarify the scam’s details and expressed confidence that the SIT was satisfied with his answers, offering to return for further questioning if needed.
Mithun Reddy’s Role Questioned
When pressed about MP Mithun Reddy’s involvement, Vijayasai Reddy deflected, noting that the SIT had already issued a notice for Mithun Reddy’s questioning on Saturday. He advised the media to direct their queries to the MP himself.
The allegations and ongoing SIT probe have intensified scrutiny on YSRCP’s governance, raising questions about accountability and transparency in Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape.