Massive Fake Liquor Operation Uncovered in Five States

The Andhra Pradesh Prohibition and Excise Department has unveiled a comprehensive chargesheet linked to a significant interstate fake liquor operation that allegedly spanned Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Officials reported that this illicit network was involved in the production, packaging, transportation, and distribution of counterfeit liquor with the help of fabricated branding and chemical enhancements.

The complaint was lodged at the Bhavanipuram Prohibition and Excise Station in Vijayawada, naming 25 defendants, including liquor vendors, spirit suppliers, transporters, and printing agents alleged to be involved in the unlawful enterprise. Investigators assert that the group established a complex supply chain to disseminate fake alcohol through select bars and wine retailers.

According to the chargesheet, the operation utilized rectified spirit laced with chemicals, colorants, and artificial flavorings to concoct counterfeit liquor. To mislead consumers, the racket employed duplicate labels, bogus holograms, counterfeit caps, and packaging that closely mirrored recognized liquor brands before distribution.

Excise authorities pinpointed Addepalli Janardhana Rao and his sibling Addepalli Jagan Mohan Rao from Ibrahimpatnam of Andhra Pradesh's NTR district as key players in this case. Investigators believe that the brothers initially ran covert manufacturing operations in Ibrahimpatnam before extending their reach to Mulakalacheruvu in Annamaiah district.

The inquiry also hinted at the potential involvement of political figures and regional liquor networks. Former Andhra Pradesh minister and ex-YSRCP MLA Jogi Ramesh along with his sibling Jogi Ramu have been mentioned in association with this case. Officials allege that the brothers offered political cover and logistical backing to the illicit liquor ventures while maintaining relations with those indicted.

Enforcement officials also reported that counterfeit GST invoices and parcel transport services were used to discreetly transfer liquor and spirit stock across state lines, evading attention from regulatory agencies. Materials, such as fake labels, PET bottles, caps, and packaging supplies were supposedly procured from various states through a well-organized network.

Significant raids conducted by excise authorities in October 2025 reportedly uncovered substantial amounts of suspected counterfeit liquor, bottling apparatus, blending tools, and packaging supplies. Authorities noted that over 4,500 liters of liquor blend, alongside thousands of fraudulent labels and empty bottles, were confiscated from facilities in Ibrahimpatnam and Mulakalacheruvu.

This case has ignited political unrest in Andhra Pradesh. While leaders of the ruling TDP alliance accused opposition members of harboring liquor mafia interests, the YSRCP insisted that the ongoing investigation is politically charged. Authorities confirmed that the probe is ongoing, with further legal actions anticipated based on new evidence.