In a major breakthrough in the investigation of the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam, Balaji Govindappa, Director of Bharathi Cements, has been remanded to judicial custody till May 20. The Vijayawada ACB Court issued the remand order on Wednesday after hearing arguments from the prosecution and defense.
Govindappa, reportedly close to Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s family, is alleged to have been at the forefront of the multi-crore liquor scam. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) found that he was involved in routing illegal kickbacks using a web of shell companies to cover up the sources of the money.
After summons for interrogation, Govindappa is said to have gone underground in order to avoid arrest. Yet, on sound intelligence, SIT officers traced and arrested him in Mysuru. He was then brought to Vijayawada and presented before the ACB Court.
The court’s order for judicial remand implies that Govindappa will stay in police custody as the probe heats up. He has been shifted to Vijayawada Central Jail. Officials are likely to get more information as the investigation into the liquor scam continues.