Hyderabad: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered more cases in connection with the 'massive irregularities' being unearthed during its ongoing
probe into the liquor auctions conducted in Andhra Pradesh.
The agency has registered six more cases regarding the fraud (like traders having liquor licenses in name of PDS card holders), allegedly committed in auction of liquor shops in the districts of Srikakulam, East Godavari, Nellore, Chittoor, Kadapa and Kurnool.
A division bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Monday expressed displeasure over the manner in which the liquor auctions were being conducted in the state.
The ACB probe has created a stir in the state with the instances of the involvement of some bigwigs coming to the fore.
A statement issued by ACB in this regard on Tuesday said that though the agency is aware of "financially sound people owning white ration cards" that is not the focus of the investigation. "This irregularity will be taken care of by the district administration," it said.
"ACB applied this primary filter only to initiate investigation and reach the core offenders who obtained licences in the name of innocent people with an intention to gain control over liquor trade in the districts," the release said.
ACB learnt that in some districts, the "core offenders" asked the innocent people to go on 'pilgrimage' and be not available for investigation, the statement said, adding that the local elders are requested to counsel them not to be afraid of ACB but to assist in investigation.
As per the release, in Srikakulam district, out of 232 'A4' shop licence holders, 69 persons were from other districts whereas out of 163 licences, 61 per cent possess white ration cards.
In East Godavari district, out of 555 'A4' shop licence holders, 365 persons possess white ration cards which is about 66 per cent of the total licence holders, while 43 persons were from other districts.
In Nellore district, out of 348 'A4' licensees, 151 persons possess white ration cards which is about 47 per cent of the total licence holders, while 26 persons were from other districts.
In Chittoor, out of 458 'A4' shop licence holders, 192 persons possess white ration cards which is about 49 per cent of the total licence holders and 64 persons were from other districts.
In Kadapa district, out of 269 'A4' shop licence holders, 175 persons possess white ration cards, which is about 69 per cent of the total licence holders, while 15 persons were from other districts.
In Kurnool district, out of 194 'A4' shop licence holders, 121 persons possess white ration cards which is about 65 per cent of the total licence holders and nine persons were from other districts, the statement said.
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