The ongoing investigation into the alleged liquor scam in Andhra Pradesh has raised several questions in political circles, with opposition leaders alleging that the coalition government headed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is selectively targeting some individuals while protecting others allegedly involved in the case.
Opposition leaders and sections of the political establishment have claimed that the investigation has focused on selected individuals, while some influential figures have not yet been brought under its purview.
Sources allege that certain people who may have benefited from the system have not been proceeded against.
According to them, the investigation has not yet reached what they describe as the alleged “key players” behind the scam.
“Certain individuals have been arrested, while others, despite allegedly being linked to the transactions, have escaped arrest. They include a person who was reportedly operating from Dubai and another individual who is said to have played a significant role in the alleged liquor scam,” a TDP source said.
The allegations also extend to liquor transportation tenders. Political sources claim that some YSRCP leaders benefited financially from the contracts and that crores of rupees were allegedly involved.
Former minister Karumuri Venkata Nageswara Rao was arrested in August in connection with the liquor transportation case and is currently facing investigation by enforcement agencies.
According to political sources, another senior YSRCP leader was also expected to be arrested in the same case, but the proposed action was allegedly halted at the last moment.
Sources further allege that funds linked to liquor transportation tenders were transferred into the bank accounts of members of the leader’s family.
The circumstances surrounding the reported decision not to proceed with the arrest have since become a subject of discussion in political circles.
These claims remain allegations and have not been independently established.
Investigating agencies have continued to pursue the liquor transportation case, including through arrests, remand proceedings and further questioning of political figures.
The broader question now being raised is whether political considerations could influence the manner in which some aspects of the case are pursued.
Ultimately, any such allegations will have to be established through evidence, due process and the findings of the investigating agencies and courts.
