Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Courts Address Liquor Scams in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh
The Supreme Court of India is dealing with two big liquor scam cases from Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh.
In the Chhattisgarh case, the court will hear more than 40 petitions on January 28, including bail pleas from accused individuals like Saumya Chaurasia and Kawasi Lakhma.
The scam allegedly happened between 2019 and 2022 and caused a huge loss to the state's money.
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a final prosecution complaint against 59 people, making the total number of accused 81.
In the Andhra Pradesh case, the Supreme Court extended interim protection to three accused who were asked to surrender by the high court.
The high court had canceled their default bail and asked them to apply for regular bail.
The scam in Andhra Pradesh allegedly involved a political-business nexus and manipulation in liquor procurement between 2019 and 2024, causing a loss of Rs 3,500 crore.
The accused include a retired IAS officer and former officials from the Chief Minister's Office.
The Supreme Court will hear over 40 petitions in the Chhattisgarh liquor scam cases on January 28, including bail pleas from accused individuals.
The Enforcement Directorate challenged the grant of bail to Chaitanya Baghel, son of former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, in the Chhattisgarh scam.
The alleged Chhattisgarh liquor scam occurred between 2019 and 2022, causing a significant loss to the state exchequer.
The Supreme Court extended interim protection to three accused in the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam, directing them to apply for regular bail.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court canceled the default bail granted to the accused and asked them to surrender before the trial court.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, Chhattisgarh government, Enforcement Directorate, Saumya Chaurasia, Chaitanya Baghel, Kawasi Lakhma, Balaji Govindappa, Pellakuru Krishna Mohan Reddy, K Dhanunjaya Reddy, Andhra Pradesh government
- What
- Hearing of petitions related to liquor scams in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh
- When
- January 28 (Chhattisgarh), November 19 (Andhra Pradesh)
- Where
- Supreme Court of India
- Why
- To address bail pleas and other petitions related to alleged liquor scams in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh
Accused's Defense
Prosecution's Allegations
Bail Grants
Accused's Defense
Accused argue that allegations have not changed since 2019, seeking bail.
Prosecution's Allegations
Prosecution challenges bail grants, alleging continued involvement in the scam.
Scam Operations
Accused's Defense
Accused deny involvement in the alleged liquor scam.
Prosecution's Allegations
Prosecution alleges a political-business nexus and systematic manipulation in liquor procurement.
- Date of Hearing (Chhattisgarh)
- January 28
- Number of Petitions (Chhattisgarh)
- Over 40
- Accused in Final Prosecution Complaint (Chhattisgarh)
- 59
- Total Accused in Money Laundering Case (Chhattisgarh)
- 81
- Alleged Scam Period (Chhattisgarh)
- 2019-2022
- Alleged Loss to State Exchequer (Chhattisgarh)
- Over Rs 3,500 crore
- Chaitanya Baghel's Alleged Share (Chhattisgarh)
- Rs 200-250 crore
- Chaitanya Baghel's Alleged Handling (Chhattisgarh)
- Nearly Rs 1,000 crore
- Date of Hearing (Andhra Pradesh)
- November 19 (High Court), Extended by Supreme Court
- Accused in Andhra Pradesh Scam
- Balaji Govindappa, Pellakuru Krishna Mohan Reddy, K Dhanunjaya Reddy
- Alleged Scam Period (Andhra Pradesh)
- 2019-2024
- Alleged Loss to State Exchequer (Andhra Pradesh)
- Rs 3,500 crore
