Former AP minister Ambati Rambabu questioned by ED in liquor scam case
The Enforcement Directorate interrogated the YSRCP leader in Hyderabad regarding an alleged Rs 195.33 crore liquor transport tender scam.
Former Andhra Pradesh Irrigation Minister and YSRCP leader Ambati Rambabu appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad on Wednesday. According to the Deccan Chronicle, officials recorded his statements at the agency's zonal office regarding money laundering allegations in an Andhra Pradesh liquor scam case.
The investigation concerns an alleged Rs 195.33 crore loss to the government exchequer involving liquor transport tender contracts. The case follows an FIR filed by the Andhra Pradesh CID regarding structural modifications to policy frameworks made during the previous YSRCP government's tenure.
The ED had previously issued notices to Rambabu, who had deferred appearing by presenting medical reports regarding heart stent placements. The agency subsequently issued electronic and physical notices ordering him to appear on November 4.
The probe follows the June 18 arrest of Karumuri Sunil Kumar, son of former minister Karumuri Venkata Nageswara Rao. On June 11, the ED conducted search operations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at five premises in Hyderabad.
During those searches, the agency seized a luxury car, unaccounted cash, and watches valued at Rs 94.5 lakh. The operation covered premises belonging to Sunil Kumar, his father, Kessireddy Raja Shekhar Reddy, Dontireddy Vasudeva Reddy, Vijaya Narasimha Reddy, and Vallu Sandeep.
On the same day as the searches, the ED arrested Kessireddy Raja Shekhar Reddy and Dontireddy Vasudeva Reddy. The investigation alleges that tender conditions for the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL) were tailored to benefit specific entities.