Mumbai bullion trader caught up in Andhra liquor scam

India Dec 03, 2025

Anil Chokhara, a Mumbai-based bullion trader, has been arrested for allegedly helping funnel over ₹77 crore in kickbacks through shell companies as part of the massive ₹3,500-crore Andhra Pradesh liquor scam.
Investigators believe he played a key role in moving money for major suspects Kesireddy Rajasekhar Reddy and Muppidi Avinash Reddy.

How the scam worked—and what's next

Chokhara reportedly set up 35 fake companies to help distilleries like Leela Distilleries turn black money into white, using bogus paperwork and dummy directors.
After his arrest, a Thane court issued a transit warrant so he can be questioned further in Vijayawada—where officials hope to uncover more about his political links and just how deep this scheme goes.