AP Liquor Scam: Retired IAS Officer Rajat Bhargava Gives Key Statement Before Vijayawada Court

Retired IAS officer Rajat Bhargava, who served as the Special Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh’s Excise Department from May 2020 to June 2024, reportedly gave a statement before a Vijayawada magistrate on Tuesday in connection with the ongoing liquor-scam investigation. According to reports, Bhargava told the court that several decisions relating to liquor pricing, supply orders and brand selection were influenced by officials in the then Chief Minister’s Office. He reportedly alleged that he had raised concerns over irregularities but faced pressure when seeking action against officials associated with the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation. The court recorded his statement under Section 183 of the BNSS, corresponding to the earlier Section 164 of the CrPC. Andhrajyothy Telugu News

According to the reported contents of his statement, Bhargava alleged that basic prices of certain liquor brands were increased despite his view that raising the additional retail excise duty would have been a more appropriate way to increase government revenue. He also reportedly alleged that the authority to issue Order for Sale (OFS) orders was shifted from the Excise Commissioner and that the process was subsequently changed from an automated system to a manual one. Bhargava further claimed that he had repeatedly raised concerns over the allocation of liquor supply orders and brand selection, but that his objections were not acted upon. The allegations form part of the ongoing investigation and have not, by themselves, established criminal liability against any individual.