Counterfeit Liquor Racket Busted in Hyderabad; ₹1.48 Lakh Worth of Adulterated Alcohol Seized

Hyderabad, April 25 (Maxim News): In a significant crackdown, the Telangana Excise Enforcement officials busted a liquor adulteration racket operating out of a bar in Hyderabad’s Lingampally area.

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During a surprise inspection on Friday, the authorities caught bar staff red-handed while mixing low-cost liquor into premium alcohol bottles. The bar, located in Ayyappa Society and identified as Troops Bar, had neither renewed its license nor paid the required operational fees, prompting an official visit by the excise department.

Upon entering the premises, the officials discovered two individuals – V. Satyanarayana from Kukatpally and Punit Patnaik – engaged in refilling high-end liquor bottles such as Jameson (worth ₹2,690) with cheaper alternatives like Oakesmith (priced around ₹1,000). This illegal operation aimed to sell the mixed alcohol at premium rates to unsuspecting customers. During the raid, the team seized 75 filled bottles and 55 empty ones, all part of the adulteration scheme.

The investigation further revealed that the bar operators were purchasing low-cost liquor from nearby retail shops and refilling branded bottles to maximize profit. The total value of the seized adulterated liquor is estimated at ₹1.48 lakh. Based on the findings, cases have been registered against the bar license holder Uday Kumar Reddy, manager V. Satyanarayana Reddy, and staff member Punit Patnaik. All three were taken into custody and handed over to the Lingampally Excise Station for further legal proceedings.

The operation was led by Excise Enforcement Officer Jeevan Kiran and supported by CI Subhash Chandra Rao, SI Venkateshwarlu, and a team of constables. Their swift and efficient action was praised by Excise Enforcement Director V.B. Kamalasan Reddy, Deputy Commissioner P. Dasharath, and Assistant Commissioner R. Kishan, who commended the team’s efforts in curbing such illegal practices.

This incident highlights the growing concern over adulteration not just in food and household items, but now even in alcoholic beverages. Authorities are urging the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities related to liquor sales to ensure safety and protect public health. (Maxim News)

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