The Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into the alleged liquor transport and procurement scam in Andhra Pradesh has intensified, with fresh arrests and widening financial scrutiny under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The case has become one of the most discussed political and administrative controversies in the state, including strong ripple effects in regions like East Godavari, where political debate and public discussions have increased significantly.
At the center of the latest development is the arrest of Karumuri Sunil Kumar, son of former Andhra Pradesh minister Karumuri Nageswara Rao, who was taken into custody by ED officials in connection with alleged manipulation of liquor transportation contracts awarded through the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL).
Investigators allege that the scam involves a systematic manipulation of liquor transport tenders, where contracts were reportedly structured in a way that benefited select private entities. These arrangements are suspected to have resulted in large-scale financial irregularities and kickbacks, with estimates in related investigations suggesting losses running into hundreds of crores for the state exchequer.