In a significant ruling today, the ACB Special Court in Vijayawada granted a two‑week extension to the judicial remand of seven individuals accused in the sprawling Andhra Pradesh liquor racket. The remand, which was set to expire this afternoon, is now extended through June 3, following a detailed hearing this morning.
Key Accused Brought Before Court
The accused—Kasireddy Rajasekhar Reddy, Sajjala Sridhar Reddy, Chanakya, Paila Dilip, Balaji Govindappa, Krishna Mohan Reddy, and Dhanunjaya Reddy—were presented by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to the Anti‑Corruption Bureau (ACB) court. Their continued detention underscores the case’s complexity and the court’s insistence on thorough investigation.
Defense Raises Concerns on Investigation Progress
During proceedings, defense attorneys voiced frustration over a lack of updates from the SIT. They argued that without clear evidence of investigative milestones—such as forensic reports, asset verifications, or witness interviews—their clients’ extended custody lacked justification.
In response, the presiding judge ordered the investigation officer to furnish a comprehensive written report by the next hearing, outlining all steps taken to date and the timeline for forthcoming inquiries.
Humanitarian Concession
Recognizing the emotional toll of prolonged remand, the court approved a 30‑minute family call for each accused. This concession, granted on humanitarian grounds, allows the detainees to briefly reconnect with loved ones amid ongoing legal proceedings.
Public Outcry and Next Steps
The liquor scam, which erupted earlier this year, has drawn widespread public ire and prompted multiple arrests across political and administrative circles. With the remand extended, investigators have additional time to follow leads, freeze assets, and build a robust case for eventual prosecution.
The next court date is scheduled for June 3, when the SIT’s progress report will be scrutinized and the remand reviewed again. Observers anticipate that these developments will bring the investigation closer to major breakthroughs in one of Andhra Pradesh’s most high‑profile corruption probes.
