The CBI and ED are tightening their investigations into several high-profile cases linked to Andhra Pradesh, with fresh action against officials, politicians and businesses. From the alleged liquor scam and the Tirumala laddu ghee case to the Vivekananda Reddy murder investigation and disproportionate assets cases, multiple developments have put these cases back in the spotlight. Yet one question continues to draw attention: as investigators pursue different links in these cases, why has there been no clear indication of fresh questioning of former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in connection with these latest developments?
In a series of developments, a special court decided to hear the CBI and ED cases related to Jagan’s alleged disproportionate assets on a day-to-day basis. In the Obulapuram mining case, retired IAS officer Y. Srilakshmi appeared before the CBI court. Kadapa MP YS Avinash Reddy also appeared before the ED for questioning in connection with the Vivekananda Reddy murder case and was asked to return for another round of questioning. Separately, the ED moved against assets worth around Rs 130 crore belonging to dairy companies in the Tirumala adulterated ghee case. The agency also issued a summons to former Excise Department special chief secretary Rajat Bhargava in the alleged Andhra Pradesh liquor scam.
The real question is whether investigators will establish the full chain of responsibility and bring these long-pending cases to a conclusion. More importantly, will the CBI and ED eventually question YS Jagan Mohan Reddy again in connection with these allegations, or will that question remain unanswered?
