In a jolt to the YSRCP, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) officials arrested former Minister Jogi Ramesh in connection with the sensational spurious liquor case on Sunday. The SIT also took Ramesh’s aide, Arepalli Ramu, from the former minister’s residence in Ibrahimpatnam.
The former minister was shifted to the Excise Department office in Vijayawada for rigorous questioning, a move that has intensified the political climate in Andhra Pradesh.
Key charges: Racket operated under former minister’s direction
The arrest follows crucial statements and a widely circulated video from the prime accused, Addepalli Janardhana Rao. Janardhana Rao alleged that the manufacture of spurious liquor was orchestrated under Ramesh’s direct supervision.
- Timeline of operation: Janardhan Rao reportedly informed the police that the production of spurious liquor in Ibrahimpatnam commenced in 2023 during Ramesh’s tenure as a Minister.
- The Continuation claim: The prime accused claimed that although he stopped the operation after the TDP-led NDA coalition came to power, Ramesh called him in April this year and instructed him to continue the manufacturing, allegedly to defame the new (TDP-led NDA) government.
- Financial incentive: Rao also claimed that Jogi Ramesh offered him financial assurance of ₹3 crore to set up a distillery in Africa. Rao further noted that he had met Ramesh at his house on September 23 before leaving for Africa.
Ramesh cites ‘political framing’ and demands CBI probe
The arrest has fueled the political blame game, with the YSRCP leader strongly denying any involvement in the case.
Jogi Ramesh’s arrest came just one day after he filed a petition in the Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter. This demand for a CBI investigation into spurious liquor aims to transfer the investigation of two FIRs registered at Mulakalacheruvu and Bhavanipuram police stations to the central agency.
The YSRCP leader argued that only a central agency can conduct a fair and impartial probe, calling the ongoing state police investigation biased and politically influenced. Ramesh alleged that the coalition government is deliberately trying to frame him in the case for political reasons.
Furthermore, Ramesh urged the High Court to permit the CBI to investigate his October 15 complaint, alleging that authorities filmed the prime accused’s statement under duress while Janardhana Rao remained in police custody.
TDP and YSRCP trade accusations over illicit liquor
The sensational spurious liquor case has sparked a wave of mutual recrimination, as both the TDP and YSRCP continue to trade accusations over the illicit liquor racket uncovered in the state.
The YSRCP had earlier lodged a complaint with the Director General of Police (DGP), alleging a politically motivated IVRS campaign by the ruling coalition. They claimed this campaign was an effort to divert public attention from the ruling alliance’s own alleged involvement in the Andhra Pradesh spurious liquor case.
The investigation by the SIT continues as the political and legal showdown escalates over the spurious liquor manufacturing case.
