ED arrests former AP Minister’s son in liquor transport scam probe

On June 18, 2026, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Karumuri Sunil Kumar, the son of former Andhra Pradesh (AP) Civil Supplies Minister Karumuri Nageswara Rao, as part of its ongoing investigation into a liquor transport scam. This arrest marks a significant escalation in the probe, which has already seen multiple high-profile individuals taken into custody. The allegations center around alleged irregularities in the awarding of liquor transportation contracts by the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL). According to the ED, these contracts were manipulated to favor specific companies, leading to a substantial financial loss to the state treasury.

The investigation began with a series of raids conducted by the ED on June 11, targeting properties associated with Mr. Sunil Kumar, his father, and several other accused individuals. During these searches, authorities recovered a luxury vehicle, watches valued at ₹94.5 lakh, cash, and documents detailing financial transactions and property holdings. These findings suggest a potential involvement in large-scale financial misconduct. The ED claims that contracts were awarded at inflated prices, enabling a syndicate to generate illicit profits amounting to approximately ₹195.33 crore.

This case has drawn attention due to the prominence of those implicated. In addition to Mr. Sunil Kumar, the ED had previously arrested Raj Kesireddy and former APSBCL managing director D. Vasudeva Reddy in the same investigation. These arrests highlight the scope of the corruption allegedly taking place within the state's beverage corporation. The ED continues to investigate further, aiming to uncover more details about the extent of the scam and identify all those involved.

The liquor transport scam involves the manipulation of tender processes, where contracts were allegedly awarded without proper competition or transparency. This practice allowed certain firms to secure lucrative deals at higher costs than necessary, thereby siphoning off public funds. The ED's actions indicate a broader effort to root out systemic corruption within government procurement systems, particularly in sectors involving essential goods such as alcohol.

The involvement of former officials and their families underscores the deep-rooted nature of the alleged malfeasance. It also raises questions about the integrity of the procurement process and the oversight mechanisms in place to prevent such abuses. As the investigation progresses, it will likely bring to light more information regarding how these contracts were structured and who benefited from them.

Reactions to the arrests have been varied. While some political figures have expressed concern over the implications of these developments, others remain silent, possibly waiting to see how the situation unfolds. Legal experts anticipate that the case could lead to further arrests and potentially influence policy changes aimed at strengthening accountability measures in public sector dealings. The outcome of this probe may set a precedent for future investigations into similar cases across the country.

As the ED continues its investigation, it is expected that more evidence will emerge, shedding light on the full scale of the scandal. The results of this inquiry could prompt reforms in how public contracts are managed, ensuring greater transparency and reducing opportunities for corruption. Until then, the focus remains on unraveling the intricate web of connections and financial dealings that underpin the alleged liquor transport scam.