ED Questions Accused, Seizes Assets in AP Liquor Scam

Vijayawada, March 9: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today intensified its probe into the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam, questioning several accused in Vijayawada and examining financial records linked to the alleged ₹4,000 crore fraud. Officials pressed the accused on transactions routed through shell companies and property acquisitions made between 2021 and 2025.

Assets worth ₹461.33 crore have already been attached, including properties valued at ₹95.80 crore linked to Vasudeva Reddy and his relatives. Fresh notices were issued to Dhanunjaya Reddy, Venkatesh Naidu, and Chanakya, directing them to submit bank statements, PAN details, and property records.

The scam, which allegedly unfolded during the YSRCP government’s tenure, involved irregularities in liquor policy changes that allowed select manufacturers to dominate the market. ED maintains that bribes were funneled through shell companies before being converted into personal assets.

Further summons are expected in the coming days, with the seized assets to be presented before the adjudicating authority under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. With elections approaching, the case is poised to become a major political flashpoint in Andhra Pradesh.