In a dramatic turn following the Andhra Pradesh coalition government’s decision to crack down on the state’s high-profile liquor scam, five key suspects allegedly involved in the multi-crore scandal have fled India. Four are believed to be hiding in the UAE, while another has reportedly taken refuge in Thailand. Lookout circulars have been issued, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has ramped up surveillance at all major airports and ports.
In a recent breakthrough, one of the accused—Buneeti Chanakya—was caught attempting to escape via Chennai airport, signaling that law enforcement is closing in.
Tech Brains, Shell Games: Kiran Kumar Reddy Under the Scanner
Among those under investigation is Kiran Kumar Reddy, a tech-savvy individual from Tirupati and a graduate of IIT Kharagpur. Officials claim he masterminded a complex financial web using at least eight shell companies, such as Techkar Innovations, AirArc Space Technologies, and Texi Smart Mobility, to allegedly siphon off public funds overseas.
Bribes & Ledgers: Saif Ahmad’s Digital Trail
Another name drawing serious attention is Saif Ahmad of Srikalahasti. Allegedly acting under instructions from scam kingpin Raj Kesireddy, he is said to have collected hefty bribes from distilleries and meticulously recorded transactions. He also served as a director at a suspected shell firm, Fly Pigeon Digital Technologies Private Limited.
Master of the Purse: Buneeti Chanakya’s Financial Ties
Chanakya, the man recently nabbed at Chennai airport, is believed to have handled financial operations within the network. Linked to Austin Holdings LLP and White Shark Brew Private Limited, he is accused of managing the flow of illicit funds.
Distillery Links and Disguised Deals
Purushottam Varun Kumar, from Secunderabad, allegedly acted as the Andhra Pradesh head for Leela Distilleries, overseeing operations from sub-leases to banking. Meanwhile, Bollaram Shivakumar, director at Adan Distillery Private Limited and White Deer Spirits, is accused of pushing sales through personal liquor brands and diverting the profits.
Avinash Reddy (aka Sumith), a cousin of Raj Kesireddy, is under the lens for his alleged involvement in laundering bribe money. He is said to have directly managed operations at Adan Distillery and is tied to another entity, Golden Valley Brews and Distilleries LLP.
The Hunt Continues
Officials remain confident that the international manhunt will yield results soon. With the scam’s financial tentacles reaching across borders, investigators expect even deeper layers of the conspiracy to be revealed in the coming weeks.
