ED summons former minister Ambati Rambabu in Andhra Pradesh liquor scam case
The YSRCP leader is required to appear at the Hyderabad zonal office on November 4 to record his statement.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader and former minister Ambati Rambabu on November 4. According to reports from Deccan Chronicle, ANI, and The News Mill, Rambabu must appear at the agency's Hyderabad zonal office to provide a statement regarding an alleged liquor scam in Andhra Pradesh.
The investigation concerns how liquor transport contracts were granted and carried out during the YSRCP government's term in the state. This follows the June 18 arrest of Karumuri Sunil Kumar, the son of former minister Karumuri Venkata Nageswara Rao, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The case stems from an FIR filed by the Andhra Pradesh CID following a complaint from the Additional Secretary to the Government of Andhra Pradesh (Vigilance). The FIR alleges that the government lost Rs 195.33 crore. On June 11, the ED conducted searches at five Hyderabad locations, seizing a luxury car, property records, and watches worth Rs 94.5 lakh.
The agency identified Kessireddy Raja Shekhar Reddy, a former IT advisor to the state government, as a principal conspirator. Investigators claim tender conditions for the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL) were modified to benefit specific entities, including Sigma Supply Chain Solutions Pvt Ltd (SSCSPL) and Prasaad Transports, which allegedly acted as front companies.