Overview

• The SIT directed Dr Rajat Bhargava to appear in Vijayawada this Friday for detailed questioning on his tenure as Special Chief Secretary for Excise, Industries and Finance
• Investigators believe Dr Bhargava may have approved policy clearances that facilitated a liquor monopoly and inflated prices, contributing to estimated kickbacks of nearly Rs 3,500 crore
• Allegations include the granting of supply contracts to distilleries without valid licences and the unauthorised appointment of an MIS division official who reportedly relayed sales data for kickback calculations
• The probe has already led to multiple raids and the arrests of key figures such as Balaji Govindappa and Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy alongside the recent summons of former MP Vemubaka Vijayasai Reddy
• Parallel Enforcement Directorate money-laundering proceedings continue as authorities expect further arrests and evidence gathering in coming weeks