Andhra Pradesh | August 4 2025
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has released video evidence showing large bundles of cash recovered in the ongoing Andhra Pradesh liquor scam probe. These visuals are stirring controversy and political attention.
What the Videos Reveal
- The footage was retrieved from *Venkatesh Naidu’s mobile phone, identified as *Accused No. 34 in the case.
- It shows him counting huge amounts of money—including ₹35 crore in bundles of ₹500 and old ₹2,000 notes.
- The ₹11 crore stash seized earlier from a Shamshabad farmhouse is separate, but linked in the SIT investigation.
Who Is Venkatesh Naidu?
Venkatesh, a businessman and real estate player in Hyderabad, is a close aide to former MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy (Accused No. 38). Both were arrested at Bengaluru airport while intending to travel abroad.
SIT documents suggest ₹200–250 crore in bribe money flowed through them from liquor dealers to fund politics during the 2024 election campaign.
What Raises Eyebrows?
- Naidu’s declared annual income in his election affidavit was just ₹4.95 lakhs. So how did he handle crores in cash?
- Massive amounts of currency appear in the video. But only part of the cash was seized later. Are there more hidden stashes?
- The virus of demonetised ₹2,000 notes in the videos contradicts claims that such notes had largely disappeared.
Political Reactions & Legal Drama
- ACB court has ordered the State Bank of India to preserve the seized ₹11 crore intact and document serial numbers.
- Jagan Mohan Reddy calls the misdemeanors fabricated and claims the allegations are politically motivated.
Why This Case Matters
- SIT reports accuse YSRCP’s former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of being the final recipient of kickbacks collected under this large liquor racket.
- Alleged monthly kickbacks totaled ₹50–60 crore, laundered via hawala and shell companies using fake transactions.