ED Seizes Rs 38 Lakh Cash, Evidence During Multi-City Raids In Andhra Liquor ‘Scam’

Last Updated:September 19, 2025, 19:52 IST

The search operations were carried out on Thursday at around 20 locations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002

ED conducts raids in Andhra Pradesh liquor scam case | Representative Image

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized unaccounted cash worth Rs 38 lakh along with several documents and digital evidence during a series of raids conducted across multiple cities in connection with the alleged Andhra Pradesh liquor scam.

The search operations were carried out on Thursday at around 20 locations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

The raids spanned Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Thanjavur, Surat, Raipur, Delhi-NCR, and several parts of Andhra Pradesh.

Officials said the searches targeted entities and individuals suspected of facilitating kickbacks through inflated or bogus transactions.

Firms Under the Scanner

Premises linked to several companies and institutions came under scrutiny, according to reports, including Arete Institute of Medical Sciences, Shree Jewellers Eximp, NR Udhyog LLP, The India Fruits Pvt. Ltd. (Chennai), and Venkateshwara Packaging.

The ED launched its money-laundering investigation after taking note of an FIR filed by a special investigation team (SIT) of Andhra Pradesh Police.

The SIT has already filed three chargesheets and arrested YSRCP MP PV Midhun Reddy in connection with the alleged scam.

According to the chargesheets, kickbacks worth an estimated ₹50–60 crore per month were generated after the 2019 liquor policy placed retail sales under the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL).

The policy was approved in a meeting chaired by then Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, though he has not been named as an accused in the case.

Investigators allege that funds were routed through junior employees and office staff, with some shown as receiving the money as “salaries" before being asked to pass it along to others.

Former special chief secretary (excise) Rajat Bhargava is said to have flagged irregularities to the Chief Minister’s Office, but his warnings were allegedly ignored.

The ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has dismissed the allegations, calling them politically motivated and without merit.

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