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Jagan is the ultimate beneficiary of ‘liquor scam’, says A.P. Minister Veeranjaneya Swamy
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The YSRCP had come to power promising total prohibition, but later turned the liquor trade into a major source of income for itself, alleges Social Welfare Minister Dola Sri Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy. | S. Jagan Mohan Reddy was the ultimate beneficiary of the alleged ₹3,500-crore liquor scam.The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) had come to power promising total prohibition, but later turned the liquor trade into a major source of income for itself, he said while addressing the media at the TDP central office near Mangalagiri on Saturday (June 13, 2026).Mr. Veeranjaneya Swamy said the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into the liquor scam was progressing and its trail was now reaching the doors of the ‘Tadepalli Palace’, and that Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy was resorting to diversionary politics in an attempt to escape from the case.He alleged that Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy had allowed the sale of adulterated liquor brands for his own gain, and the consumption of such liquor severely affected the health and lives of thousands of people and caused immense suffering to their families. ”The huge revenue earned through the liquor scam was diverted to shell companies operating in foreign locations such as Dubai and some parts of Africa,” the Minister claimed and said the funds were later invested in real estate ventures and film projects.He also accused former Minister Karumuri Nageswara Rao of playing a key role in alleged irregularities in the liquor transportation contracts. Highlighting the coalition government’s initiatives, Mr. Swamy said a progressive liquor policy was introduced to protect public health and ensure quality standards. The government was conducting 13 different chemical and quality tests based on international standards before approving any liquor brand for sale in the State, he said. The government had also launched the ‘AP Excise Suraksha’ mobile application which was enabling consumers to verify the authenticity and quality of liquor products directly through their smartphones. This was part of the government’s commitment to transparency and consumer protection, he added. Published - June 14, 2026 12:53 pm IST
At least 15 people have died in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad after consuming spurious liquor over the last three days, police said on Friday. Eight people have been arrested, including the main accused, Colonel Virkha Singh. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the police commissioners of both cities to conduct a coordinated investigation and find the cause of the deaths, vowing to punish all those responsible.Opposition leaders have alleged a failure in law enforcement, with Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar vandalising a liquor store in protest and accusing the police of a cover-up to protect a “big fish”.Preliminary investigations found that a Yogesh Wankhede brought ethanol from Mumbai without permission and mixed it to prepare the spurious liquor at a location in Hadapsar and then supplied it to four vendors operating in the Dapodi, Hadapsar, and Chatushrungi areas.The first five deaths occurred on Wednesday (May 27), seven on Thursday (May 28), and three on Friday (May 29, 2026) morning. Some patients are still undergoing treatment in hospitals. Deaths have been reported from Dapodi, Phugewadi, Hadapsar, and Kalepadal.Overnight raidsThe police have arrested eight people and said that more arrests are likely soon. The Excise Department has joined the investigation and raids were conducted at multiple liquor shops in the city overnight. The location where the liquor was prepared and the areas where it was sold are under investigation.Residents have expressed anger at the police and administration, alleging that liquor prepared without a permit was sold in the area. Former Pimpri Chinchwad mayor Yogesh Behl, a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party which is part of the State’s ruling alliancehas demanded an probe, alleging that citizens have died because the police turn a blind eye towards such businesses.‘Police protecting big fish’Opposition leaders have also alleged a failure in the State’s law enforcement Mr. Rohit Pawar and NCP(SP) workers vandalised a liquor store, breaking the counter, removing the signage and damaging the premises. He demanded action against the store owners, holding them responsible for a mass massacre. Mr. Pawar also expressed doubts about the police investigation, accusing the police of trying to protect someone. The accused had been asked to surrender to the police to allow a “big fish” to escape, he claimed.Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also criticised the law-and-order situation in Maharashtra, alleging that authorities have taken action only for “show.” Published - May 29, 2026 12:33 pm IST
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