VIJAYAWADA: The ACB Court in Vijayawada on Monday closed the case filed against Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, which alleged irregularities in granting permissions to certain distilleries, purportedly causing a loss of about Rs 1,300 crore per year to the State exchequer.
According to sources, the case was closed after Andhra Pradesh Criminal Investigation Department (APCID) officials informed the court that their investigation had been completed and there was no necessity for further prosecution.
Subsequently, the CID requested the Excise Commissioner to submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for closing the case.
The NOC was issued and produced before the court. After examining both the submissions and responses, the ACB Court formally closed the case, granting relief to Naidu and bringing the matter to an end.
The case dates back to October 28, 2023, when CID Mangalagiri police registered an FIR under Crime No. 18/2023, based on a complaint lodged by D. Vasudeva Reddy, former Commissioner of Distilleries and Breweries and Managing Director of the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation.
In the FIR, IAS officer I S Naresh was named as the prime accused, former minister and TDP senior leader Kollu Ravindra as the second accused, and Naidu as the third accused.
High Court studies NOC issued by Excise dept
The complainant alleged that between 2014 and 2019, certain policy decisions were taken that reduced State revenues while disproportionately benefiting select licencees.
It was further alleged that, contrary to the recommendations of a government-appointed committee, a few distilleries were deliberately favoured through the issuance of Letters of Intent (LoI). Additionally, new brands were reportedly permitted after March 18, 2019, following the announcement of the general election notification, without any stated public interest or transparency.
The First Information Report (FIR) also alleged that the then government favoured SPY Agro Industries Limited, located in Nandyal, by extending the validity of its LOI for establishing a manufactory.
It further claimed that permissions were granted to set up distilleries beyond the capacity recommended by the committee, allegedly benefiting PMK Distilleries, Visakha Distilleries, and three other companies. Through these acts, the accused allegedly obtained undue favours and advantages from liquor suppliers, the FIR reads, raising questions about fairness, accountability, and misuse of official authority.