The investigation into the AP liquor scam that took place during the previous government has reached a crucial stage. While the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has already arrested and interrogated key accused in the case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also stepped in to find out with solid evidence.
The SIT and the ED have decided to cooperate in the investigation of this case. They are preparing to jointly trap the real thief who extorted and hid Rs 3,500 crore from the poor in the scam. A key step was taken in this direction at the ‘SIT’ office in Vijayawada on Tuesday. ED officials met the SIT team.
The two had a lengthy discussion on the manner in which financial transactions and irregularities took place in this scam. From the way the bribes were collected to the ways in which they were diverted, the SIT officials explained to the ED. In what form were the commissions taken from the distilleries? Which company gave how much to whom? Details were provided.
The central and state investigation agencies, which have come to the conclusion that money laundering was taking place through hawala operators in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi in the form of promotional goods, have decided to conduct a joint investigation. Recently, ED officials cooperated with SIT officials in Mumbai. They will now cooperate to uncover the route through which the bribes reached and the ultimate beneficiary.
The SIT has prepared a special note on how the entire scam took place. It has shared these details with ED officials. It has handed over five layers of data containing details of huge properties purchased in Bengaluru through real estate links and benami to the ED.
Based on the statements given to the SIT by A-1 Raj Kasireddy, who is considered the kingpin in the liquor scam, as well as other accused, liquor traders and former officials, it has become clear who the bribes ultimately reached. However, solid evidence has to be collected for this.
The investigation of three key people who were recently arrested revealed how many stages the bribes collected by the cash handlers set up by Raj Kasireddy went through before reaching their destination. The SIT has interrogated retired IAS officer Dhanunjay Reddy, who ran the Tadepalli Palace for five years, former CM Jagan OSD Krishna Mohan Reddy, and Bharathi Cements permanent director Balaji Govindappa.
The ED will investigate based on the details collected by the SIT. As part of the hunt for the ‘ultimate beneficiary’, the ED officials will interrogate Raj Kasireddy in Vijayawada jail on Wednesday. The officials have prepared a questionnaire for this. The information given by the kingpin will be crucial in the investigation of the case.