Former AP Minister Karumuri Nageswara Rao Arrested by ED in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday arrested former Andhra Pradesh minister and YSR Congress Party leader Karumuri Venkata Nageswara Rao in a money-laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in liquor transportation tenders. Rao arrested in Hyderabad ED sources said officials arrested Rao in Kondapur, Hyderabad. They later took him to the agency’s Basheerbagh office [...]<strong>HYDERABAD:</strong> The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday arrested former Andhra Pradesh minister and YSR Congress Party leader <a href="https://x.com/GUMMALLALAKSHM3/status/2091507329829331207?s=20">Karumuri Venkata</a> Nageswara Rao in a money-laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in liquor transportation tenders. <h3>Rao arrested in Hyderabad</h3> ED sources said officials arrested Rao in Kondapur, Hyderabad. They later took him to the agency’s Basheerbagh office for further proceedings. The case follows an FIR registered by the Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (CID) based on a vigilance report. Investigators are probing alleged manipulation of liquor transportation tenders issued by the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Ltd (APSBCL). The ED alleges that officials modified tender conditions to favour selected entities. The agency is also probing alleged subcontracting arrangements and the movement of funds through front entities. <h3>ED alleges ₹195.33 crore loss</h3> The ED had earlier searched properties linked to Rao and his son, Karumuri Sunil Kumar, in Hyderabad. During the searches in June, the agency said it seized unaccounted cash, watches worth ₹94.5 lakh and documents linked to alleged financial transactions. The agency has estimated that the alleged irregularities caused a loss of ₹195.33 crore to the government exchequer. The ED is investigating the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency is also examining the alleged money trail and the financial interests of those involved in the transport contracts. Rao’s arrest follows the rejection of his anticipatory bail pleas by the Andhra Pradesh High Court and the Supreme Court, according to reports. The allegations are part of an ongoing investigation, and the accused will have the opportunity to contest the charges before the court.