YSRCP MP Midhun Reddy Arrested In Rs 3,200-Crore Andhra Liquor 'Scam'

Midhun Reddy represents Rajampet constituency in Andhra Pradesh. He was arrested by the Andhra Police after he arrived in Vijayawada earlier today to attend the liquor 'scam' probe.

The Andhra Police on Sunday arrested YSRCP leader Midhun Reddy in the Rs 3,200 crore alleged liquor scam. The Lok Sabha MP from Rajampet in Andhra Pradesh had appeared before the Special Investigation Team probing the alleged scam during the previous YSRCP regime.

Reddy had arrived in Vijayawada today to participate in the probe. He was arrested at around 7:30 PM after being grilled for hours today by the SIT. His arrest comes following after other accused persons, including Dhanunjay Reddy, Krishna Mohan Reddy and Balaji Govindappa were arrested. 12 arrests have been made so far.

His arrest also comes after the Andhra Pradesh High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea. The case pertains to alleged corruption in the State Beverages Corporation during the YSRCP regime.

"Yes (he has been arrested). The process (to produce him before a court) is going on," Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha told news agency PTI.

Senior YSRCP leaders have alleged that the case against Reddy is part of a conspiracy and accused the Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of indulging in vindictive behaviour and forcing 'false' cases against those close to YSRCP supremo YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.

YSRCP leader Malladi Vishnu in a party release said, "But we will bounce back to call the bluff of Chandrababu Naidu." He also said that the party will fight back and expose the 'failures and corruption' of the coalition government, PTI reported.

Earlier today, YSRCP leader Appi Reddy said that Midhun Reddy voluntarily appeared before the SIT for questioning, claiming that "he was neither brought in by force nor arrested."

“Midhun Reddy comes from a family with a long and distinguished political history and has served as an outstanding parliamentarian for three terms. I am confident that justice will prevail and that the judiciary will act fairly," Appi Reddy told news agency PTI.

"Even when it appears that the law is being twisted to suit the interests of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders, Midhun Reddy voluntarily appeared before the SIT for questioning — he was neither brought in by force nor arrested. His decision to attend the inquiry shows his determination to prove his innocence and his respect for the rule of law,” he added.