The arrest of Kaduru Chinnappanna, one of the main accused in the Tirumala ghee adulteration scandal, by the Andhra Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in a disproportionate assets case on Monday has triggered speculation that another top leader, who was closely associated with the YSRCP till last year, could be the next target.
Chinnappanna served as personal assistant to former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) chairman YV Subba Reddy before being appointed Special Liaison Officer at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi during the previous YSR Congress Party government.
ACB officials took Chinnappanna into custody on Monday following allegations that he had amassed assets far beyond his known sources of income while holding a government position.
Chinnappanna had earlier been arrested in the alleged adulterated ghee supply case linked to Tirumala during the previous government’s tenure.
During his stint at AP Bhavan, complaints surfaced alleging that he had accumulated huge wealth and purchased several real estate properties, despite drawing a monthly salary of Rs 75,000 along with allowances.
After the completion of his initial tenure in October 2022, his appointment was extended for another two years. He stepped down from the position after the coalition government came to power following the 2024 Assembly elections.
During the raids, officials reportedly identified several properties linked to him. These include five 160-square-yard plots purchased at Tagarapuvalasa in 2023, three more 160-square-yard plots at Marripalem village in Paravada mandal of Anakapalli district in 2024, a flat in Pebble Beach Towers being developed by Blue Nile Developers at Rushikonda, and another apartment in KPR Residency.
Investigators also found that Chinnappanna had allegedly invested Rs 45.15 lakh in Zerodha Broking Company. Officials estimated the total value of the identified assets at over Rs 3 crore.
Sources said the investigating authorities are now focusing on the role of a former Rajya Sabha member, who played a major role in the YSR Congress Party till 2024 and called the shots during the Jagan Mohan Reddy government.
“He was questioned a couple of times in connection with the Rs 3,500-crore liquor scam, as it was at his residence that the alleged changes in the liquor policy were made during the Jagan regime. Speculation is rife that he might be arrested at any time,” sources said.
