Jagan Named as Kickback Beneficiary in ₹3,500 Cr Scam Chargesheet
The Andhra Pradesh Police has filed a 305-page chargesheet in the alleged ₹3,500 crore liquor scam, naming former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy as one of the recipients of the kickbacks, averaging ₹50-60 crore per month. The development has sparked a fresh controversy, with Jagan terming the allegations as a “manufactured narrative” created for “media theatrics”.
The chargesheet, which was filed in the Special Court for CBI Cases in Hyderabad, reveals that Jagan received kickbacks from the liquor industry between 2004 and 2014, during his tenure as a Member of Parliament. The police have alleged that Jagan, who is currently the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, accepted the kickbacks in exchange for favors and concessions granted to the liquor companies.
The chargesheet is the culmination of a two-year investigation by the Andhra Pradesh Police, which was initiated in 2020. The police have alleged that Jagan and his associates received kickbacks from the liquor industry, including from companies such as Empee Distilleries, Novel Distilleries, and Jagathi Publications, among others.
The police have also alleged that Jagan used the kickbacks to fund his political activities, including his election campaigns. The chargesheet states that Jagan received a total of ₹3,500 crore in kickbacks, with an average of ₹50-60 crore per month.
Jagan has, however, denied all allegations, terming them as “baseless” and “false”. In a statement, he said, “The alleged liquor scam is nothing but a manufactured narrative, created purely for media theatrics. The chargesheet is a product of a witch-hunt and is aimed at tarnishing my image.”
The development has sent shockwaves through the political circles in Andhra Pradesh, with opposition parties demanding Jagan’s resignation. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) have accused Jagan of corruption and demanded a thorough investigation into the allegations.
The Congress party, which Jagan is a part of, has, however, defended him, terming the allegations as “politically motivated”. “The chargesheet is a product of a political vendetta and is aimed at discrediting Jagan’s government,” said a Congress spokesperson.
The Special Court for CBI Cases is yet to take cognisance of the chargesheet. The court will now examine the evidence presented by the police and decide whether to proceed with the trial.
The alleged liquor scam has raised questions about the state of governance in Andhra Pradesh and the role of the police in investigating such cases. The opposition parties have demanded a thorough investigation into the allegations and have accused the ruling party of trying to suppress the truth.
The case is a major embarrassment for Jagan, who has been accused of corruption and nepotism during his tenure as Chief Minister. The alleged liquor scam is the latest in a series of corruption allegations made against Jagan, who has been facing opposition from various quarters.
The development has also highlighted the need for strict vigilance and enforcement of anti-corruption laws in the country. The case is a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, and the need for politicians to be held accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the allegations against Jagan are serious and warrant a thorough investigation. The Special Court for CBI Cases must take cognisance of the chargesheet and proceed with the trial. The people of Andhra Pradesh deserve to know the truth and demand accountability from their leaders.
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