The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Rs 3,500 crore liquor scam that allegedly took place during the previous YSR Congress Party regime is reportedly preparing to arrest K Nageshwar Reddy, alias KNR, personal assistant to YSRCP chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, in connection with the case.
On Thursday, SIT officials grilled KNR for the second consecutive day on suspicion that he was one of the beneficiaries of the kickbacks generated through the liquor scam.
According to sources, the SIT has gathered specific information that former YSRCP MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy and his son Mohith Reddy, both accused in the liquor scam, had purchased 47 acres of land in the name of KVR Infra at Olluru village in KVB Puram mandal of Tirupati district using alleged liquor kickback money.
Out of these 47 acres, around 10 acres were allegedly registered in the name of KNR’s wife, Shashikala.
According to official records, the land was purchased at Rs 8 lakh per acre, but its market value is said to run into several crores of rupees.
The SIT suspects that this land was transferred to KNR’s family as part of his alleged share in the liquor bribes.
Investigators reportedly identified deposits worth Rs 19.85 crore in the bank account of KNR’s wife, Shashikala, between 2019 and 2024.
When questioned about the source of the funds, KNR allegedly claimed they were generated through business activities.
The SIT also found that KNR had allegedly invested around Rs 2-3 crore in a car showroom located at Ramavarappadu on the outskirts of Vijayawada and secured a 50 percent stake in the business.
Investigators questioned how such a large ownership share was obtained with a relatively small investment.
According to the probe, KNR, along with his wife and a relative based in the United States, also floated a software company.
Officials reportedly identified several other companies linked to the family and questioned him about the origin of investments in those ventures.
The SIT reportedly identified several properties linked to KNR, including a flat in Begumpet, Hyderabad; two flats in Tirupati; a flat in Bengaluru; a house in Kadapa; a flat in Vijayawada; and 10 acres of land in Darsi in Prakasam district.
Investigators questioned him about when the properties were purchased and the sources of funds used for the acquisitions.
The SIT reportedly wondered how KNR, who came from a modest background in Kamalapuram mandal of Kadapa district and worked as a small-time journalist in various newspapers for a meagre salary, could afford to buy such huge properties.
Investigators suspect that some of the properties were purchased using proceeds from the liquor scam.
