Vijayasai Reddy attends SIT probe in Andhra liquor scam

Former YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) Rajya Sabha MP V. Vijayasai Reddy appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) at the Vijayawada Police Commissionerate today for questioning in connection with the alleged multi-crore liquor scam that occurred during the YSRCP government’s tenure (2019–2024). 

During the probe, Reddy reportedly named Kasireddy Rajasekhar Reddy, also known as Raj Kasireddy, a former IT advisor to then-Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, as the primary orchestrator of the scam.

Kartha, Karma, Kriya!

According to sources close to the investigation, Vijayasai Reddy, summoned under Section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code, cooperated with the SIT and provided details about the liquor scam, which is estimated to have caused a loss of Rs 4,000 crore to the state exchequer. Reddy, who resigned from YSRCP and his Rajya Sabha seat in January 2025, reiterated his earlier public statement that Raj Kasireddy was the “kartha, karma, kriya” (architect, executor, and beneficiary) of the scam.

Reddy allegedly told investigators that Raj Kasireddy, a distant relative of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, operated a kickback network from a special office in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, controlling the state’s liquor distribution system by dictating brands, quantities, and suppliers. He is said to have secured liquor supply contracts worth thousands of crores by extracting bribes from manufacturers, with evidence suggesting coordination with senior YSRCP leaders.

Raj Kasireddy evades investigation

Raj Kasireddy has repeatedly evaded SIT summons, ignoring notices issued. Reports indicate he fled to the United States days before a scheduled appearance on April 9, despite lookout notices issued by authorities. On April 14, the SIT conducted raids on 15 locations in Hyderabad, including Kasireddy’s residence and offices in Raidurgam and the Financial District, uncovering documents linked to illegal investments, including his film production venture, ED Entertainments, which produced the 2023 film Spy.