The SIT probing the AP Liquor Scam has once again served notices to former Excise Minister Narayana Swamy. Last month he skipped the hearing citing health reasons, but today officials reached his house in Puttur and issued fresh notices. Political circles are abuzz with speculation that he may be arrested after questioning.
The liquor policy introduced soon after YSR Congress came to power is under scrutiny. The government pushed for its own liquor brands, and the SIT is investigating why the ordering system was shifted from online to manual and why digital payments were sidelined.
Narayana Swamy was given the Excise Ministry mainly due to his closeness to Peddireddy Rama Chandra Reddy. He rarely conducted review meetings and was known to sign off on files from Tadepalli Palace and Peddireddy. During his term, he mostly targeted TDP in press conferences with caste-based criticism. His role as the authorised signatory on crucial files now leaves him with no escape from accountability.
If arrested, Narayana Swamy’s statements could prove crucial, possibly linking the case to Peddireddy and Jagan Mohan Reddy. Peddireddy’s son and Rajampet MP Mithun Reddy has already been arrested and remains in Rajahmundry Central Jail. Narayana Swamy is seen as a vital link, and his testimony may either shield YSR Congress or push the investigation deeper.
The SIT has already filed two charge sheets in the case. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s name has surfaced multiple times in these documents, though he has not yet been officially named as an accused. The next steps of the probe may decide the political fallout.
