Kasireddy Rajasekhar Reddy, popularly known as Raj Kasireddy, a former IT advisor during the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government in Andhra Pradesh, has come under fresh scrutiny amid allegations linking funds from a multi-crore liquor scam to the Telugu film Spy.
Currently absconding, Kasireddy is being investigated by the Andhra Pradesh Special Investigation Team (SIT) for his alleged role in a liquor scam that reportedly ran into thousands of crores. He is accused of channeling illicit earnings from the liquor racket into film production as a method of laundering black money.
Sources suggest that Kasireddy used his production banner, ED Creations, to invest in the 2023 action-thriller Spy, directed by Garry BH and starring Nikhil Siddhartha. The film, which failed commercially, is now being looked at as one of several ventures possibly funded through illicit means.
The SIT’s investigation has reportedly uncovered evidence that Kasireddy funneled large sums—allegedly collected as monthly commissions from liquor companies—into various business fronts, including the film industry. It is estimated that the scam involved the supply of lesser-known liquor brands to government outlets, with Kasireddy’s network allegedly raking in at least ₹60 crore per month. These funds, totaling around ₹3,000 crore, were believed to be routed to top YSRCP leaders. He reportedly operated from an office in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.
Though Spy has been dragged into the controversy, officials have clarified that there is no direct evidence implicating Nikhil Siddhartha or the film’s crew in any wrongdoing.
Nikhil Siddhartha has so far remained silent on the issue.
However, he is known to share close ties with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). During the 2024 elections, he actively campaigned for his uncle, M.M. Kondaiah (also known as Madduluri Malakondaiah Yadav), who contested and won the Chirala constituency on a TDP ticket. Kondaiah is currently serving as an MLA. Given these political associations, Nikhil is unlikely to face any immediate trouble.