In a significant development in the high-profile Andhra Pradesh liquor scam, two senior officials from the former Chief Minister’s Office have been arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). Former CM Secretary Dhanunjay Reddy and Jagan Mohan Reddy’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Krishnamohan Reddy, were taken into custody after three days of intensive questioning by SIT officials in Vijayawada.
The arrests, which were confirmed on Thursday evening, follow a detailed investigation into their alleged roles in the ₹1,000 crore liquor scam that unfolded during the YSR Congress Party’s (YSRCP) tenure. The SIT interrogated the duo for nine hours on Thursday alone. They have now been formally named as Accused 31 (A31) and Accused 32 (A32) in the case.
The case has been closely watched, especially in light of recent Supreme Court directions. While the apex court had earlier instructed that no coercive action be taken until May 16, it had also required the accused to appear for hearings. During this window, SIT proceeded with questioning, citing critical leads and evidentiary clarity that emerged during the sessions.
The SIT had earlier arrested Govindappa Balaji, full-time director at Bharathi Cements, who is listed as Accused 33 (A33) in the same case. His arrest on Tuesday added momentum to the investigation, which is now honing in on alleged financial irregularities and kickbacks involving senior officials.
Supreme Court Denies Anticipatory Bail
Adding a legal twist to the ongoing probe, the Supreme Court on Thursday rejected anticipatory bail pleas filed by Dhanunjay Reddy and Krishnamohan Reddy. The bench led by Justice Parthiwala cited the presence of substantial evidence against the two and stated that granting bail at this stage could hinder the ongoing investigation.
The duo had earlier approached the AP High Court seeking anticipatory bail, which was denied. Their appeal to the apex court met the same fate, with the bench emphasizing that anticipatory bail would “tie the hands of the investigating officer” during a crucial phase of the probe.
However, the court clarified that both accused may pursue regular bail, and directed that any such applications be decided by the High Court or trial courts based on their individual merits and legal standing.
