18,860 Crore Loss to AP, SIT’s Shocking Details on AP Liquor Scam

In a sensational development, a major liquor scam has been uncovered in Andhra Pradesh by a Special Investigation Team, revealing that nearly Rs 4,000 crore was allegedly paid in bribes to YSRCP leaders and officials during the previous government. The SIT reportedly found that liquor manufacturers had to pay Rs 150-200 per case as kickbacks to operate in the state.

According to media reports, these bribes were paid through a sitting Lok Sabha MP and a former Rajya Sabha MP from the YSRCP. The alleged scam gave preferential treatment to local, less-known and newly-formed liquor brands who pay bribes while national and popular liquor brands were pushed out of the market sale. Wines, operated by government, used to sell only selective liquor brands. This had severely upset boozers in the state back then.

The controversy began when Jagan-led YSRCP government introduced a new liquor policy after winning the 2019 elections. Then CM Jagan had initially promised to implement prohibition but instead allowed only government-owned liquor stores to operate. This led to national brands being excluded from the market, making way for local brands like Daaru House, British Empire Beer, and Power Star 99 Whiskey. The SIT’s findings suggest that the sales of these brands grew due to preference, corrupt practices, while concerns over quality remained unaddressed.

Ahead of the 2024 elections, TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu criticized the previous government’s liquor policy and promised reforms. After the regime change, the new administration acted swiftly, and by September 2024, the state’s principal secretary (revenue) filed a formal complaint with the CID. The case was related to alleged financial irregularities in the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited between 2019 and 2024. Following this, the Director General of Police recommended forming an SIT to investigate the matter.

A seven-member SIT, led by SV Rajasekhar Babu, was set up in February 2025 and has now completed its investigation. The final report is expected to confirm the extent of the financial damage and those responsible.

A white paper released earlier by the new government estimated that the YSRCP’s liquor policy had cost the state nearly Rs 18,860 crore. As the case moves forward, the public awaits further action, with many calling for strict legal consequences for those involved.

It can be noted that the Delhi Liquor Scam has created tremors all over the nation. It has put Arvind Kejriwal and several others behind the bars and dethroned the AAP government. Now, all eyes are on AP Liquor Scam and former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and his coterie.