Post by : Shakul
The Excise Department of Andhra Pradesh has unveiled a comprehensive chargesheet related to a vast interstate counterfeit liquor scheme that reportedly spans Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Authorities indicated that this illicit operation involved the production, packaging, transport, and distribution of fake liquor, utilizing counterfeit branding and chemical additives.
The investigation began at the Bhavanipuram Prohibition and Excise Station in Vijayawada, where 25 individuals have been implicated, including liquor merchants, spirit suppliers, transport operators, and printing agents associated with the fraudulent operation. Officials assert that the syndicate established a complex supply chain to distribute counterfeit alcohol to select bars and wine shops.
As detailed in the chargesheet, the illicit operation utilized rectified spirits mixed with various chemicals, colorants, and artificial flavors to craft fake liquor. Duplicate labels, counterfeit holograms, imitation bottle caps, and packaging that mimicked well-known liquor brands were allegedly employed to give the products an authentic appearance before being released into the market.
Excise officials highlighted Addepalli Janardhana Rao and his brother Addepalli Jagan Mohan Rao from Ibrahimpatnam in NTR district as the primary suspects. Investigators accused the siblings of initially establishing clandestine manufacturing sites in Ibrahimpatnam prior to broadening their operations to Mulakalacheruvu in Annamaiah district.
The inquiry also pointed to potential links with political figures and local liquor syndicates. Former Andhra Pradesh minister and ex-YSRCP MLA Jogi Ramesh, along with his brother Jogi Ramu, were cited within the context of the case. Allegations indicate that they offered political protection and logistical assistance to the illegal liquor operations while maintaining relations with the accused.
Officials went on to assert that fraudulent GST invoices and parcel transport services were utilized to facilitate the movement of spirits and liquor across state lines without raising alarms among enforcement agencies. Supplies such as counterfeit labels, PET bottles, caps, and packaging materials were reportedly procured from a coordinated inter-state network.
Significant raids conducted by excise officials in October 2025 reportedly uncovered substantial amounts of suspected counterfeit liquor, bottling machinery, blending tools, and packaging materials. Authorities indicated that more than 4,500 liters of liquor blend, along with thousands of fake labels and empty bottles, were seized during operations in Ibrahimpatnam and Mulakalacheruvu.
This case has ignited political tensions in Andhra Pradesh. Leaders from the ruling TDP alliance have accused opposition members of enabling activities related to the liquor mafia, while the YSRCP claims the investigation is driven by political motivations. Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and further legal actions may ensue depending on additional findings.
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