Gudivada Casino case: IT summons TDP leader Varla Ramaiah, asks him to share evidence

Vijayawada: Income Tax (IT) department has summoned TDP senior leader Varla Ramaiah in the Casino case. IT has asked the TDP leader to visit the Vijayawada office on Monday and share information about the casino party in the Gudivada constituency of Krishna district.

If the TDP leader can provide substantial evidence, this case will be a game changer in the 2024 election. During the Sankranthi festival last year, the casino party was allegedly organized in the Gudivada constituency of Andhra Pradesh.

Telugu Desam Party National Spokesperson B Pattabhi released a video with the tagline 'Goa to Gudivada'. The video went viral on social media. In the video, casino-like arrangements and tables were set up at a convention center in Gudivada in Krishna District.

With an entry ticket of Rs 10,000, the convention center was decorated with lights and colors for the YSRCP party. It is said that the convention center belonged to former minister Kodali Nani.

TDP leaders including former MP Konakalla Narayana and member of Legislative Council B Arjunudu alleged that state civil supplies minister Kodali Nani backed the organizers of the Goa-style event and demanded that a case be booked against him. Krishna district Superintendent of Police Siddharth Kaushal directed Nuzvid Deputy Superintendent of Police Srinivasulu to investigate and submit a report.

TDP leaders later complained to CBDT, ED, DRI, and IT about this casino. Later Casino organizer, Chikoti Praveen, was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate in another case.