The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the liquor scam that allegedly took place during the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) regime appears to be moving systematically to close in on party president and former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.
This became evident from the way the SIT has been interrogating Devaraju, the personal assistant of Jagan’s cousin Y S Anil Reddy, over the last three days.
According to sources, investigators identified that Devaraju played a key role in the illegal transactions of kickbacks generated from the liquor trade.
During questioning, the SIT reportedly gathered evidence that Devaraju, a native of Shanthipuram mandal in Chittoor district, had been in regular contact with several accused in the case.
They also found that he maintained close links with Anil Reddy, the second son of Jagan’s uncle Y S George Reddy, and a long-time associate of Jagan.
The SIT has already mentioned in its chargesheet that Raj Kesireddy, the prime accused, collected kickbacks of ₹50–60 crore every month from liquor supply companies and distilleries.
Investigators now suspect that these funds were routed to then Chief Minister Jagan through intermediaries, including Anil Reddy, Balaji Govindappa (A-33), MP Mithun Reddy (A-4), V. Vijayasai Reddy (A-5), P. Krishnamohan Reddy (A-32), and K. Dhanunjaya Reddy (A-31).
Probes are underway to determine how the money collected by Kesireddy was transferred to Anil Reddy, which channels were used, and where the funds ultimately ended up. SIT officials believe that Devaraju played a crucial role in these financial dealings.
Although Devaraju reportedly denied knowledge of or involvement in the scam, investigators confronted him with technical evidence, after which he allegedly fell silent. His formal statement has since been recorded.
Anil Reddy, who resides in Chennai, is considered not only Jagan’s cousin but also a close confidant, believed to have managed several of Jagan’s financial operations.
He was previously linked to the liquor trade in Africa and his name also surfaced in the sand scam during the YSRCP regime, where he was accused of running operations through JKC and Pratima companies.
Complaints further allege that in the run-up to the last general elections, Anil Reddy oversaw extensive party surveys and distributed large sums of cash to candidates.
SIT investigators now suspect that the money used for these election-related expenses may have been sourced from liquor kickbacks.
