Massive Fake Liquor Operation Uncovered Across Five Indian States

Post by : Shakul

The Excise Department of Andhra Pradesh has submitted a comprehensive chargesheet regarding a vast interstate counterfeit liquor operation that allegedly flourished across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Authorities disclosed that the illicit network was involved in the production, packaging, transportation, and sale of counterfeit liquor using imitation branding and chemical substances.

The complaint was lodged at the Bhavanipuram Prohibition and Excise Station in Vijayawada, naming 25 defendants, which include liquor dealers, alcohol suppliers, transporters, and printing service providers linked to the illegal trade. Investigators assert that the syndicate developed a complex supply chain to disseminate fake alcohol through select bar establishments and wine outlets.

The chargesheet further reveals that the racket utilized rectified spirit combined with various chemicals, colorants, and artificial flavors to concoct fraudulent liquor. Counterfeit labels, imitation holograms, fake bottle caps, and packaging mimicking reputable liquor brands were reportedly deployed to disguise the products as authentic before being circulated in the market.

Excise officials have pointed to Addepalli Janardhana Rao and his sibling Addepalli Jagan Mohan Rao from Ibrahimpatnam in the NTR district of Andhra Pradesh as the principal culprits. According to reports, the brothers began their operations with clandestine manufacturing facilities in Ibrahimpatnam and later extended their activities to Mulakalacheruvu in Annamaiah district.

The inquiry also suggests the alleged participation of political figures and local liquor rings. Former Andhra Pradesh minister and ex-YSRCP MLA Jogi Ramesh, alongside his brother Jogi Ramu, were implicated in the affair. Authorities contend that the brothers offered political safeguarding and logistical assistance to the illegal liquor trade while keeping close relations with the suspects.

Officials maintained that fabricated GST invoices and parcel transportation services facilitated the movement of spirits and liquor across states without inciting scrutiny from enforcement bodies. Materials such as imitation labels, PET bottles, caps, and packaging supplies were claimed to be procured from numerous states via a well-coordinated operation.

Significant raids conducted by excise officials in October 2025 reportedly exposed vast quantities of suspected counterfeit liquor, bottling machines, blending tools, and packaging materials. Officials asserted that over 4,500 liters of liquor blend, along with thousands of counterfeit labels and empty bottles, were confiscated during operations at Ibrahimpatnam and Mulakalacheruvu.

The case has ignited a political uproar in Andhra Pradesh. Ruling TDP alliance leaders have accused opposition members of endorsing liquor mafia activities, while the YSRCP asserts that the investigation is politically biased. Authorities indicated that the investigation remains ongoing, with further legal action possible as new evidence emerges.