Post by : Shakul

The Andhra Pradesh Prohibition and Excise Department has filed a detailed chargesheet in connection with a massive interstate fake liquor racket that allegedly operated across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Officials said the illegal network involved the manufacturing, packaging, transportation, and distribution of counterfeit liquor using fake branding and chemical additives.

The case was registered at the Bhavanipuram Prohibition and Excise Station in Vijayawada and names 25 accused, including liquor traders, spirit suppliers, transport operators, and printing agents allegedly connected to the illegal business. Investigators claim the syndicate built a sophisticated supply chain to distribute spurious alcohol through selected bars and wine shops.

According to the chargesheet, the racket used rectified spirit mixed with chemicals, colouring agents, and artificial flavours to prepare fake liquor. Duplicate labels, fake holograms, counterfeit bottle caps, and packaging resembling popular liquor brands were allegedly used to make the products appear genuine before being supplied to the market.

Excise officials identified Addepalli Janardhana Rao and his brother Addepalli Jagan Mohan Rao from Ibrahimpatnam in Andhra Pradesh’s NTR district as the main accused in the case. Investigators alleged that the brothers initially operated secret manufacturing units in Ibrahimpatnam before expanding the operation to Mulakalacheruvu in Annamaiah district.

The investigation also mentioned the alleged involvement of political figures and local liquor syndicates. Former Andhra Pradesh minister and ex-YSRCP MLA Jogi Ramesh and his brother Jogi Ramu were named in connection with the case. Authorities alleged that the duo provided political protection and logistical support to the illegal liquor operations while maintaining close ties with the accused.

Officials further claimed that fake GST invoices and parcel transport services were used to move spirit and liquor stock between states without attracting attention from enforcement agencies. Materials including fake labels, PET bottles, caps, and packaging supplies were allegedly sourced from multiple states through a coordinated network.

Major raids carried out by excise officials in October 2025 reportedly uncovered large quantities of suspected counterfeit liquor, bottling machinery, blending equipment, and packaging materials. Authorities said more than 4,500 litres of liquor blend along with thousands of fake labels and empty bottles were seized during operations at Ibrahimpatnam and Mulakalacheruvu.

The case has now sparked political controversy in Andhra Pradesh. While leaders of the ruling TDP alliance accused opposition figures of supporting liquor mafia activities, the YSRCP claimed the investigation was politically motivated. Authorities said the investigation remains active and additional legal action could follow based on further evidence.

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