The Directorate of Enforcement, which is investigating the multi-thousand-crore liquor scam that allegedly took place during the previous YSR Congress Party regime in Andhra Pradesh, is now probing the alleged links between Raj Kesireddy, the prime accused in the scam, and present Telugu Desam Party MP from Vijayawada Kesineni Shivanath, alias Chinni.
It may be recalled that Kesineni Chinni’s elder brother and former MP Kesineni Nani had written to the Central Bureau of Investigation and the ED seeking an investigation into the alleged links between the present TDP MP and Raj Kesireddy, claiming that they were business partners.
On Sunday, the ED issued notices to a company associated with Kesineni Chinni. Initial reports claimed that the ED had issued notices to the MP’s wife in connection with the case and directed her to appear for questioning on May 27.
According to sources, ED officials are probing the alleged links between businessman Raj Kesireddy and Pride Infracon LLP. Investigators suspect that the MP’s wife had shares and profit participation in the company.
Responding to the controversy, the Vijayawada MP clarified on Monday that the notice was not issued personally to his wife, but to a real estate company jointly floated by Ishanvi and Kesineni Developers.
Addressing the media in Vijayawada, the MP said Pride Infra was established in 2021 to undertake a real estate venture, as the land parcels owned by the companies were adjacent to each other.
He stated that transactions worth Rs 35 lakh had taken place through the company. However, Kesineni asserted that after learning about the alleged background of Raj Kesireddy, they exited the company in 2022 itself.
He further clarified that the ED notice pertains only to the Rs 35 lakh transaction related to architect fees and that no other financial dealings had taken place.
The MP strongly denied reports claiming that his wife had been personally issued notices in the AP liquor scam case.
He said his wife was only a director in the company at that time and maintained that the notice was served only on the company, not on her individually.
Kesineni added that all relevant explanations and documents would be submitted to the ED during the scheduled appearance on May 27.
