Vijayawada: In a significant breakthrough in the Andhra Pradesh (AP) liquor scam, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested key accused Govindappa Balaji, Director of Bharathi Cement Corporation Pvt. Ltd. in Mysuru yesterday.

The SIT will produce Govindappa before a Court in Vijayawada today.

Govindappa Balaji, listed as A33 in the case, is alleged to be a close aide of former Andhra Pradesh CM Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and is accused of distributing kickbacks among liquor syndicate members through   shell companies.

The SIT remand report alleges that Govindappa, along with Jagan Mohan Reddy, Mithun Reddy, Raj Kesireddy, Vijay Sai Reddy, Dhanunjay Reddy and Krishna Mohan Reddy, facilitated a network that received kickbacks from distilleries and liquor firms.

The SIT’s remand report also indicated that most manufacturers confirmed of being forced to pay between Rs. 150 to Rs. 200 per case of liquor, amounting to approximately Rs. 80 crore in monthly kickbacks.

Despite being summoned for questioning four days ago, Govindappa, Dhanunjay Reddy (A31) and Krishna Mohan Reddy (A32) evaded SIT officials and filed for anticipatory bail in the AP High Court, which was dismissed. A subsequent appeal to the Supreme Court seeking protection from arrest was also rejected.

With Govindappa’s arrest, the number of accused in custody has risen to five, including Raj Kesireddy (A1), B. Chanakya (A8), Sajjala Sridhar Reddy (A6) and P. Deelip, PA to Raj Kesireddy. Further interrogations are expected as the investigation progresses.