Representative image for an arrest.
Credit: iStock Photo
Yalandur: Balaji Govindappa, the main accused in the Andhra Pradesh multi-crore liquor scam, was arrested from a resort in Yalandur taluk, Chamarajanagar district, police sources confirmed.
Acting on information that Balaji had absconded from Andhra and was hiding in Yalandur, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) officials conducted a raid and arrested him. He was produced before the Yalandur Court. The Police provided all information to the court and took him for inquiry, according to senior police officers.
As he is the main accused in the Rs 3,200 crore liquor scam, the SIT officials had issued a notice, asking him to appear for an inquiry.
However, Balaji was at large and was staying in Bengaluru and Mysuru for a few days and reached B R Hills, with the help of a friend. He stayed at Giridarshini Hotel on May 8. Due to the fear of arrest, he left for the resort under Biligiri Rangana Betta, in Yelandur taluk. However, he returned after a few hours and stayed at the hotel until May 10. Later, he left for the private resort on May 11 and stayed there till May 13, according to sources.
There is a restriction for the movement of vehicles from 6 pm to 6 am at Gumballi checkpost, under BRT Tiger Reserve. There is permission only for ambulances and local vehicles. The accused might have utilised this and had crossed the checkpost in a friend's car, the locals allege.
But, Forest department officials have denied this. They clarified that no private vehicle was allowed during the restricted time.
BRT Deputy Conservator of Forest Sripathy said that there is no entry for private vehicles from 6 pm and 6 am. However, CCTV footage will be checked, he said.