The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Andhra Pradesh police, probing the multi-thousand-crore liquor scam allegedly linked to the previous Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy government, has moved to the next stage of legal action by seeking permission to prosecute two senior officials.
The SIT has formally written to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) seeking approval to prosecute former IAS officer K Dhanunjaya Reddy.
It has also approached the Indian Railways Traffic Service (IRTS) authorities for sanction to prosecute officer D Vasudeva Reddy.
Both officials were earlier arrested in connection with alleged irregularities in the liquor policy and distribution system and are currently out on bail.
Dhanunjaya Reddy served as secretary to the Chief Minister during the YSRCP government, while Vasudeva Reddy was brought on deputation to head the Andhra Pradesh Beverages Corporation Ltd (APBCL), the nodal agency for liquor trade in the state.
According to SIT officials, prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act requires prior sanction from the competent authority overseeing the officers’ service cadre. Without such approval, charges cannot be formally pursued in court.
In the case records, Vasudeva Reddy has been named as Accused No. 2, indicating a key role in the alleged scam, while Dhanunjaya Reddy is listed as Accused No. 31.
Sources said the investigation is entering a decisive phase, with authorities preparing to initiate full-fledged prosecution proceedings once the necessary approvals are secured.
