Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jun 18: In a significant development in the multi-crore Andhra Pradesh liquor scam, YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) general secretary and close aide of Jagan Mohan Reddy, Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, late Tuesday night. The arrest was carried out by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) following a lookout notice issued against him.
Bhaskar Reddy, a former MLA from Chandragiri, was allegedly attempting to flee abroad when he was intercepted by immigration authorities. He, along with his associate Venkatesh Naidu, was taken into custody by the SIT in the early hours of Wednesday. Both were transported to Vijayawada, where they will be presented before the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) court.
According to SIT sources, Bhaskar Reddy is listed as the 38th accused in the high-profile scam. With his arrest, the number of accused detained in the case has reached 39. The SIT submitted to the court on Tuesday that six more names, including that of Bhaskar Reddy, have been formally added to the list of accused.
In his defence, Bhaskar Reddy maintained that he has no involvement in the scam, which reportedly occurred during the YSRCP regime. He has further alleged that the SIT is using intimidation tactics, including physical assault on his longtime gunman, Head Constable N. Madan Reddy, to force a false confession implicating him.
The constable has reportedly lodged a formal complaint with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and the Director General of Police, accusing SIT officials of severe physical assault and coercion.
Reacting strongly to the arrest, Bhaskar Reddy's son and fellow YSRCP leader Chevireddy Mohith Reddy condemned the TDP-led coalition government, alleging a political conspiracy aimed at framing his father in the liquor scam.
Mohith Reddy claimed that SIT officials summoned former security personnel, including Madan Reddy and Giri, and allegedly tortured them when they refused to deliver fabricated statements. He said that Madan Reddy had to be hospitalised due to the severity of the assault and has now approached the High Court seeking protection from further harassment.
“Is refusing to lie against my father now a crime?” Mohith questioned, asserting that the rule of law is being misused under the pretext of investigation. He called for an independent probe into the SIT’s alleged misconduct.
With political temperatures rising in Andhra Pradesh, this high-profile arrest is expected to further fuel tensions between the ruling coalition and the opposition YSRCP.