Vijay Sai Reddy, Mithun Reddy… Who Is Next?

The Enforcement Directorate has stepped up its investigation into the AP liquor scam, bringing more senior YCP leaders under the scanner. After issuing notices to former Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Sai Reddy, the central agency has now summoned sitting MP Mithun Reddy for questioning.

Mithun Reddy has been asked to appear before ED officials on January 23. Earlier, Vijay Sai Reddy was directed to attend questioning on January 22. The back to back summons have drawn strong political attention, as both leaders are believed to have played an important role during the previous government’s liquor policy decisions.

Investigating agencies allege that the liquor policy framed and implemented during the YS Jagan government was closely influenced by a small group of political leaders. While Vijay Sai Reddy is named as an accused in the case, he was not arrested earlier as he was cooperating with the state appointed Special Investigation Team. Mithun Reddy, however, faced a tougher course. The SIT identified him as a key accused, leading to his arrest after legal relief attempts failed. He later secured bail from the ACB court.

According to investigators, Mithun Reddy’s involvement includes financial dealings linked to the liquor policy, participation in high level meetings, and actions that allegedly caused losses to the state exchequer. The ED is now focusing on possible money laundering angles, including how funds were collected, routed, and allegedly passed on to higher levels.

With two influential leaders being questioned in quick succession, political circles believe the liquor case has entered a more serious and decisive phase, indicating that the ED probe is far from over.