Vijayawada: YSR Congress Party MP Peddireddy Mithun Reddy has been arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with the multi-crore liquor scam in Andhra Pradesh. SIT officials confirmed that Mithun Reddy, listed as Accused No. 4 (A4) in the case, was taken into custody following nearly seven hours of questioning at the SIT office in Vijayawada on Saturday.
The arrest comes after the Andhra Pradesh High Court dismissed his anticipatory bail petition earlier this week. On Friday, the Supreme Court also rejected his plea, paving the way for SIT officials to proceed with the arrest. Authorities have already issued a Lookout Circular (LoC) against him to prevent any attempt to evade investigation.
According to the SIT findings, Mithun Reddy allegedly played a pivotal role in strategizing and implementing the liquor scam. The probe revealed that he collaborated with Raj Kesireddy to create a hawala network to collect kickbacks from distilleries and liquor supply firms. These funds were reportedly funneled to a key individual referred to as “Big Boss.”
The SIT further stated that Mithun Reddy, considered a close confidant of former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, monitored the functioning of the hawala network and supervised its execution. The investigative team claims to have secured substantial evidence corroborating his involvement.
His arrest has triggered significant political reactions across Andhra Pradesh, with opposition parties calling for greater accountability within the ruling party’s ranks.