In a major breakthrough in the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested Balaji Govindappa, one of the primary accused, in Mysore on Tuesday. Govindappa, who holds a lifetime directorship in Bharathi Cements, is now being brought to Vijayawada for further interrogation.
According to SIT sources, Govindappa, along with Dhanunjaya Reddy (former CMO secretary) and Krishnamohan Reddy (ex-CM Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s OST), had been summoned to appear at the SIT office in the Vijayawada Police Commissionerate on May 11. However, they failed to do so voluntarily.
The Supreme Court had recently denied their request for interim protection from arrest, paving the way for the SIT to take action.
The investigation alleges that Govindappa and his associates were instrumental in collecting kickbacks and routing illicit funds through shell companies, ultimately benefiting ex-CM Jagan. According to remand reports filed by SIT, Raj Kasireddy served as the financial conduit, transferring the proceeds to Jagan via this core group.
All three accused are considered close confidants of the former chief minister, with deep involvement in financial operations linked to the alleged liquor-related corruption.
Further arrests and interrogations are expected as the probe intensifies.
