Liquor case a diversion from DSC scam: YSRCP's Sudhakar Babu
YSRCP leader Sudhakar Babu accuses the TDP-led coalition of using the liquor case to hide the DSC scam and alleges witness coercion.
The YSRCP has launched a scathing attack on the ruling coalition, alleging that the ongoing liquor scam investigation is merely a smokescreen designed to distract the public from the DSC scam. Addressing a media briefing at the YSRCP Central Office in Tadepalli, TJR Sudhakar Babu, the YSRCP SC Cell State President and former MLA, claimed that Chandrababu Naidu and Nara Lokesh are manufacturing daily narratives to shift focus away from administrative irregularities.
Shifting Figures and Questionable Evidence
Sudhakar Babu highlighted what he described as a pattern of fluctuating numbers regarding the alleged liquor scam. He noted that while the coalition initially claimed a massive ₹1 lakh crore scam during the election campaign, the figure was later reduced to ₹44,000 crore, then to ₹33,000 crore in their Assembly White Paper, and has now plummeted to just ₹3,000 crore according to the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
"I challenge Chandrababu, Lokesh, and Pawan Kalyan to explain these changing figures and provide evidence of even a single rupee of corruption after two years of investigation," Babu stated. He further questioned the validity of statements being attributed to various individuals, including retired IAS officer Rajat Bhargava, noting that certain claims appeared in the media months after being absent from official chargesheets.
Allegations of Witness Coercion and Harassment
The YSRCP leader leveled serious accusations against the SIT, claiming it is operating under the direct influence of the TDP leadership to target political opponents. He alleged that the investigation is being used to harass YSRCP leaders, officials, and their families through late-night intimidations and pressure tactics.
Sudhakar Babu cited several instances of alleged misconduct during the investigation:
- Coercion: He claimed that witnesses are being pressured to provide predetermined statements through detention and inducements.
- Physical Abuse: He alleged that gunman Madan Mohan Reddy was subjected to third-degree treatment for refusing to cooperate.
- Bribery: He mentioned that Venkatesh Naidu informed the court that he was offered ₹2 crore to provide a false statement.
- Evidence Planting: The YSRCP leader claimed that data is being planted in seized electronic devices like laptops and phones to frame individuals.
The Current Liquor Regime Under Fire
Turning the tables on the government, Sudhakar Babu defended the previous YSRCP administration, stating they never increased the basic price of quarter bottles and actually raised distillery taxes to boost state revenue. He contrasted this with the current situation, claiming that while the previous government maintained strict control with only 2,934 shops, the current coalition has allowed over 64,000 "belt shops" to operate, making liquor available in villages from early morning.
He further alleged that the current liquor system is controlled by TDP syndicates and specific leaders. He claimed that:
- Liquor is being sold at rates ₹20–₹40 above the MRP.
- One out of every three bottles in the state is potentially spurious or adulterated.
- The government cancelled previous tenders to renew licenses for existing operators, depriving the state exchequer of significant revenue.
Concluding his address, Sudhakar Babu demanded that the coalition government stop using the SIT for political vendetta and instead provide transparency regarding its own liquor policies and the ongoing DSC controversy.