In a major breakthrough in the alleged liquor scam, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the TDP-led Andhra Pradesh government has arrested two key officials who once held influential positions in the Chief Minister’s Office under the previous YSRCP regime. K. Dhanunjay Reddy, a former IAS officer and Secretary to the CM, along with P. Krishnamohan Reddy, the former Officer on Special Duty (OSD), were taken into custody on Friday.
The arrests followed a rigorous three-day questioning session, during which the SIT reportedly gathered substantial evidence linking the duo to the liquor scam. They have now been officially listed as Accused No. 31 and Accused No. 32 in the ongoing probe.
Their detention comes shortly after the Supreme Court dismissed their anticipatory bail petitions, stating that bail could compromise the integrity of the investigation at a critical stage.
Earlier this week, Govindappa Balaji, a full-time Director at Bharati Cements and identified as Accused No. 33, was also arrested in connection with the case. Both Dhanunjay Reddy and Krishnamohan Reddy were known for their close proximity to former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and held considerable sway over administrative decisions from 2019 to 2024.
The arrests have ignited a political storm, with the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) decrying them as politically driven. Botsa Satyanarayana, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, accused Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of using state machinery for personal vendetta, claiming the charges were baseless and the evidence fabricated.
Former Chief Whip Gadikota Srikanth Reddy echoed similar sentiments, warning against what he termed an increasing trend of political persecution. He pointed to recent suspensions of IAS and IPS officers as evidence of a targeted campaign and argued that such tactics would not distract the public from the pressing governance challenges facing the current administration.
