YSRCP MP Midhun Reddy Arrested in Liquor Scam Case
YSR Congress Party MP P.V. Midhun Reddy was arrested on Saturday evening in connection with the alleged ₹3,200 crore Andhra Pradesh liquor scam. The arrest was carried out by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) after nearly seven hours of questioning at the CID office in Mangalagiri.
Reddy, the sitting MP from Rajampet and a senior leader close to former CM Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, had earlier been denied anticipatory bail by both the Andhra Pradesh High Court and the Supreme Court.
SIT Files Chargesheet, Cites Evidence
Just hours before the arrest, the SIT submitted a preliminary 300-page chargesheet in a Vijayawada court. The report includes testimonies from 268 witnesses, over 100 forensic reports, and financial documents related to Rs 62 crore in seized funds. Reddy is listed as the fourth accused (A-4) in the case.
Investigators allege that Reddy used his political influence between 2019 and 2024 to manipulate the state’s liquor procurement system. He is accused of facilitating kickbacks through shell companies and tweaking excise policies to benefit private firms at the cost of the state exchequer.
Political Reactions and Allegations
YSRCP leaders condemned the arrest, calling it a politically motivated act by the current TDP-led government. Senior party figures claimed that the timing of the arrest and the sudden escalation in legal proceedings suggest an attempt to settle political scores following the recent power transition.
Party supporters staged small protests in parts of Andhra Pradesh demanding Reddy’s release and alleging misuse of state machinery.
What Lies Ahead
Midhun Reddy was remanded to judicial custody and is expected to be produced before a Vijayawada court later today. The SIT has stated that a full chargesheet will be filed within the next three weeks. Further arrests and financial investigations are expected as the probe expands.
The case continues to generate major political ripples in Andhra Pradesh, with both ruling and opposition camps watching closely.
