Andhra HC Reverses Bail in ₹3,500 Crore Liquor Scam, Orders Accused to Surrender

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The Andhra Pradesh high court has dealt a blow to three high-profile accused in the ₹3,500 crore liquor scam, cancelling their default bail. Retired IAS officer K Dhanunjay Reddy, former officer-on-special duty P Krishna Mohan Reddy, and Bharathi Cements director Balaji Govindappa had been granted bail by a special court in Vijayawada, citing the special investigation team's (SIT) failure to file a complete chargesheet on time. However, the SIT challenged this decision, arguing that the court's order was premature. After a lengthy hearing, the high court bench headed by Justice Venkata Jyothirmayi reserved its judgment and has now set aside the bail order. The accused are required to surrender before the ACB court by November 26, although the judge initially set the deadline for November 24 before extending it following a defence request. While the high court has partially allowed the SIT's petitions, it has also clarified that the accused can still file regular bail applications, which will be examined on merit by the ACB court.