In a significant development in the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam investigation, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has unearthed critical information detailing how nearly ₹78 crore was allegedly laundered through a network of shell companies. The revelations came from the interrogation of a key accused, whose methods are said to resemble the plot of a popular South Indian film.
The Kingpin and His Modus Operandi
Anil Chokhara, the 44-year-old accused designated as A49, was arrested on November 14 from his residence in Sanpada, Navi Mumbai. A native of Bijaynagar in Rajasthan's Ajmer district, Chokhara is alleged to be a central figure in creating and operating shell companies used to convert legitimate funds into black money and vice versa.
Investigators stated that his technique closely mirrored the storyline of the blockbuster movie Kubera, involving the establishment of fake firms under the identities of unsuspecting individuals. Police records indicate a history of similar financial crimes involving large-scale cash movements through fraudulent accounts.
The SIT disclosed that Chokhara exploited vulnerable people by offering them financial assistance, gaining their trust, and subsequently collecting their identity documents. These documents were then used to open companies and bank accounts in their names without their knowledge, forming the backbone of the laundering operation.
The ₹78 Crore Money Trail
According to SIT officials, Chokhara played a crucial role in assisting the prime accused, Kesireddy Rajasekhar Reddy (A1) and Muppidi Avinash Reddy (A7). The funds in question were generated through entities named Adan Distilleries, Leela Distilleries, and SPY Agro Industries.
The probe found that these distilleries diverted approximately ₹78 crore from payments made by the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL). This money was routed to shell company accounts in Mumbai. Once in these accounts, the funds were converted into unaccounted cash. Investigators suspect this cash was later used by the liquor syndicate to pay kickbacks to influential figures in the previous YSRCP government.
Interrogation Reveals New Layers
Following his arrest, the SIT was granted three days of police custody to trace the complex money flow. During a fresh round of interrogation on Monday, Chokhara reportedly disclosed previously unknown aspects of the laundering network.
He told investigators that a Mumbai-based bullion trader first approached him with the proposal. Several Andhra Pradesh distilleries intended to route large sums of "white money" through bank transfers into specific accounts linked to the bullion trade. Chokhara then provided the account details of four shell companies he operated: Olwik, Kripati, Nysna, and Vishal.
Funds deposited into these accounts were allegedly converted into cash or gold through an entity named Chamunda Bullion. The cash or gold was then handed back to the trader after deducting a commission, completing the cycle of converting accounted money into untraceable assets.
Offshore Links and Future Probe
In a crucial disclosure, Chokhara informed the SIT that the bullion trader's father maintained financial links with individuals in Dubai. This hints at possible offshore connections within the laundering chain, a lead that could significantly widen the scope of the investigation beyond domestic networks.
The SIT is now meticulously examining the exact processes used for conversion, the commissions earned at each stage, and whether any of the cash was cycled back to the distilleries or their political handlers. Further interrogation of Chokhara and other key suspects is expected in the coming days as investigators attempt to fully map the network of conduits and beneficiaries involved in this extensive financial fraud.
