305-page chargesheet claims ex-CM got ₹50–60 crore monthly; Reddy calls case “manufactured narrative”
In a development that could shake Andhra Pradesh politics once again, former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has been named in a massive ₹3,500 crore liquor scam case—not as an accused, but as a “kickback recipient.” The startling revelation, made in a 305-page chargesheet filed by the Andhra Pradesh Police, claims that Reddy received an average of ₹50 to ₹60 crore each month during the alleged scam period.
Though Reddy’s name figures prominently, the chargesheet stops short of naming him as an official accused. Instead, the primary blame has been directed at Kesireddy Rajasekhar Reddy, who is listed as Accused No. 1 (A-1) and described as a crucial link in the network that collected and distributed illicit funds.
The Court Is Yet to Act
Filed in a local court in Amaravati over the weekend, the chargesheet is awaiting formal cognizance. Legal experts say it’s unusual—but not unprecedented—for an individual to be listed in such a way without being formally charged.
“The prosecution has options. Naming someone as a recipient without listing them as accused offers wiggle room for future legal maneuvers,” said a senior lawyer with knowledge of the case, speaking on condition of anonymity.
‘Manufactured Narrative’: Jagan Strikes Back
Reacting sharply, Jagan Mohan Reddy took to X (formerly Twitter) to slam the case as a political vendetta. Calling the chargesheet a “manufactured narrative”, the YSRCP chief accused the current government of using coercive tactics to fabricate evidence.
In his post, Reddy alleged that statements used against him were obtained through:
-
“Third-degree torture”
-
Threats
-
Bribes
-
Inducements
He framed the move as an attempt to divert public attention from core issues, even as his party continues to regroup after suffering defeat in the 2024 assembly elections.
A Familiar Pattern?
Political watchers say the tactic of naming a senior leader without formally charging them is part of a well-worn playbook in Indian politics. The aim is often to generate headlines and sow public doubt without triggering immediate legal consequences.
| Key Details from the Chargesheet | Information |
|---|---|
| Scam Value | ₹3,500 crore |
| Number of Pages | 305 |
| Court Status | Filed in Amaravati, yet to take cognizance |
| Jagan Reddy’s Status | Not accused, listed as ‘kickback recipient’ |
| Alleged Monthly Kickbacks | ₹50–60 crore |
| Key Accused (A-1) | Kesireddy Rajasekhar Reddy |
| Jagan’s Reaction | Claims evidence extracted via coercion |
Timing Raises Eyebrows
The timing of the chargesheet’s filing—just weeks into the new TDP-led government’s tenure—has raised questions about political motivations. Supporters of Jagan argue that the sudden activation of long-dormant investigations is a tactic to blunt his political resurgence.
“Jagan garu is still one of the tallest leaders in the state. They want to break that image,” said a YSRCP spokesperson who declined to be named. “But the people of Andhra know what’s real and what’s not.”
Who Is Kesireddy Rajasekhar Reddy?
Described as the “central conduit” for funds, Kesireddy allegedly handled the cash trail for the entire operation. According to investigators, amounts collected from liquor contractors were laundered through shell companies and eventually passed to powerful figures—including, the chargesheet claims, Jagan himself.
The document alleges that Kesireddy would oversee the redistribution of illicit funds from multiple districts, with a consistent monthly portion delivered to “higher authorities.” Jagan’s name features in that tier, but investigators reportedly lacked sufficient prosecutable evidence to press formal charges—at least for now.
Political Stakes High as Monsoon Session Begins
This revelation comes just as Parliament’s Monsoon Session kicks off in New Delhi. YSRCP’s national credibility, already dented after electoral losses, may suffer further. Meanwhile, the ruling NDA government in Andhra Pradesh—led by N. Chandrababu Naidu—has not officially commented but is reportedly monitoring the legal proceedings closely.
Behind the scenes, party leaders across the aisle are gauging whether Jagan’s non-accused-yet-named status could evolve into something more serious down the road.
A Flashback to Other Scandals
The episode is also reigniting comparisons with earlier political scandals involving senior leaders in India who were named—but not charged—in corruption cases:
-
Mulayam Singh Yadav in the disproportionate assets case
-
Sharad Pawar in the Lavasa land deal
-
Mayawati in the Taj Heritage Corridor scandal
Many of those cases faded after prolonged legal stasis, but the shadow often lingered—damaging reputations, at the very least.
