SC Exempts Three In ₹3,500 Crore AP Liquor Scam
The Supreme Court has granted temporary protection from surrender to three accused in the alleged ₹3,500 crore Andhra Pradesh liquor scam. The order pauses the High Court’s earlier directive that required the accused to surrender by November 26 after their default bail was cancelled.
Background Of The Case
The Andhra Pradesh High Court had earlier quashed the default bail granted to Balaji Govindappa, Pellakuru Krishna Mohan Reddy and retired IAS officer K. Dhanunjaya Reddy. The trio was asked to surrender before the trial court and seek regular bail. They face allegations linked to irregularities in liquor procurement and supply contracts between 2019 and 2024.
SC Questions Bail Cancellation Amid Long Trial
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned the practicality of repeated surrender and bail cancellations in a case involving “hundreds of witnesses.” The Court asked the state government to file its response within 10 days and extended protection to the accused until the next hearing.
Impact On Ongoing Investigation
The Supreme Court’s order offers short-term relief but does not alter the ongoing investigation into alleged kickbacks, manipulation of supply chains and misuse of procurement systems. The case continues to draw attention due to the scale of the alleged fraud and the involvement of senior officials and private sector executives.
