Former Managing Director of Andhra Pradesh Beverages Corporation Ltd (APBCL), Donthireddy Vasudeva Reddy, has reportedly been arrested by the state Crime Investigation Department (CID) in connection with alleged irregularities during his tenure under the regime of YSR Congress Party president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
According to YSRCP sources and statements from Vasudeva Reddy's family, CID officials, including Ghattamaneni Srinivas, allegedly detained him illegally three days ago and have been interrogating him on the outskirts of Hyderabad.
Sources claim that his family is deeply concerned about the treatment he is receiving in custody, alleging that he is being subjected to severe torture.
"There are allegations that CID officials are pressuring Vasudeva Reddy to reveal names of key individuals from the previous government, leading to his mistreatment," said a source.
Vasudeva Reddy's family has announced plans to approach the State High Court and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to seek justice.
While there were earlier reports of his arrest in August, CID authorities had denied those claims at the time. However, the current detention appears to confirm renewed action against him.
After the Telugu Desam Party, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, came to power in Andhra Pradesh, Vasudeva Reddy became one of the first targets of the new government.
He resigned from his position and moved to Hyderabad. Subsequently, based on a complaint filed by a Vijayawada resident, the CID registered a case against him and conducted searches at his residence in Nanakramguda, Hyderabad. Vasudeva Reddy sought anticipatory bail from the High Court, but his request was denied.
The case revolves around alleged irregularities involving the establishment of illicit filling stations, distilleries, and liquor depots over the past five years. The magnitude of the alleged liquor scam is estimated to exceed â¹60,000 crore.
Vasudeva Reddy faces allegations of large-scale irregularities in liquor purchases, tenders, and sales, including permitting the sale of non-duty paid liquor through government outlets.
He is also accused of allowing cash transactions amounting to â¹99,000 crore in liquor sales over the last five years, raising serious questions about his management practices and accountability.