HYDERABAD : Enforcement Directorate on Thursday arrested Karumuri Sunil, son of former Andhra Pradesh minister Karumuri Nageswara Rao, in connection with the alleged liquor transportation scam being investigated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.According to sources, Sunil played a facilitating role in the alleged syndicate by using his political connections to secure transportation sub-contracts and channel funds among entities linked to the operation.Investigators alleged that Sunil acted as a link between members of the liquor syndicate and local contractors. He is accused of facilitating the execution of a transportation sub-contract from Sigma Supply Chain Solutions Private Limited (SSCPSL), described by investigators as a front entity of the syndicate, in favour of Sudarsana Constructions.Sources said Sunil told business associates V. Sandeep and Kalluri Surya Pratap Reddy that his father enjoyed close relations with APSBCL managing director D. Vasudeva Reddy. Investigators alleged that he used these connections, along with his links to alleged syndicate leaders Raj Reddy and Kiran Kumar, to ensure that transportation sub-contracts were awarded to selected entities.ED is also examining fund transfers made under the sub-contract arrangements. According to sources, payments were transferred through RTGS to Sunil and members of his family from the proceeds generated through the contracts.Investigators further alleged that Karumuri Nageswara Rao was involved in the movement of proceeds generated from the transport tender. Sources claimed that cash ranging between ₹50 lakh and ₹60 lakh per month was allegedly sent to Raj Reddy, from which around ₹20 lakh per month was delivered to D. Vasudeva Reddy as kickbacks.The agency alleges that Sunil functioned as an intermediary who helped secure sub-contracts for entities favoured by the syndicate while also benefiting from fund transfers arising from the arrangements.
