In a significant development, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the TDP government has made notable arrests in connection with the alleged liquor scam during the previous YSRCP regime. Former Chief Minister’s Secretary K. Dhanunjay Reddy and Officer on Special Duty (OSD) P. Krishnamohan Reddy, both prominent figures in the Chief Minister’s Office from 2019 to 2024, were taken into custody on Friday.
The arrests came after an extensive three-day interrogation period, during which the SIT reportedly uncovered compelling evidence implicating them in the liquor scam. Dhanunjay Reddy and Krishnamohan Reddy have been designated as Accused No. 31 and Accused No. 32, respectively, in the ongoing investigation. Their apprehension followed the Supreme Court’s decision to reject their anticipatory bail pleas, asserting that granting bail could impede the investigation at a crucial juncture.
Govindappa Balaji, a full-time Director at Bharati Cements and listed as Accused No. 33, was arrested earlier in the week in connection with the same case. Both Dhanunjay Reddy and Krishnamohan Reddy were recognised for their influential roles as close aides to former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, wielding significant administrative authority during their tenure.
The arrests have sparked strong reactions from the opposition YSRCP, condemning them as politically motivated acts aimed at undermining democratic institutions. Botsa Satyanarayana, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, accused Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of pursuing vendetta-driven politics, alleging fabricated evidence and baseless charges against retired officials and sincere administrators.
Former Chief Whip Gadikota Srikanth Reddy expressed concern over what he described as escalating political retaliation in Andhra Pradesh, highlighting a series of suspensions targeting IAS and IPS officers. He criticized the arrests of Dhanunjay Reddy and Krishnamohan Reddy, cautioning that such actions would not divert attention from governance issues and unfulfilled promises under the current administration.
