In a shocking update from Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has ordered a full investigation into a huge scam in the liquor business under the last YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government. According to reports, the state lost around ₹18,860 crore between 2019 and 2024 because of shady practices.

What Happened:

Cash-Only Sales: Even though most places are using digital payments now, almost all liquor sales in Andhra Pradesh were done with cash. Out of ₹99,413 crore in sales, only ₹615 crore was through digital payments. This raises big questions about where the rest of the money went.

Few Companies Took Over: Most of the liquor the government bought (74%) came from just 16 companies, even though there were over 100 registered suppliers. Many of these companies are said to be connected to YSRCP leaders, suggesting favoritism and a setup for profits.

Low-Quality Liquor: Good brands were slowly removed, and customers had to buy poor-quality liquor at high prices. This not only affected people's choices but also put their health at risk.

Misuse of Funds: The previous government even raised loans using future liquor sales as security. Shockingly, they made power companies use employees’ provident funds and gratuity money to buy bonds related to this liquor business.

What the Government is Doing Now:

Because of these serious issues, the current government has asked the Crime Investigation Department (CID) to start a full investigation. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) may also step in, especially because so much cash was involved.

This scandal is a big deal for Andhra Pradesh, showing why clear rules and honesty are so important when it comes to public money.