Gang Arrested for Selling Cheap Liquor in Branded Bottles in Hyderabad
A gang that deceived alcohol enthusiasts by selling cheap liquor in branded bottles has been caught by the Hyderabad Excise Enforcement Police. The police arrested five individuals involved in the act after a series of investigations and raids in the city.
Discovery of the Racket
The incident came to light on Wednesday, when two suspicious individuals were spotted in Krishna Nagar, Ameerpet. The Excise Enforcement Police, acting on a tip-off, stopped and searched the suspects.
Upon inspection, they found nine liquor bottles hidden in their bags. During subsequent questioning, the suspects admitted that they were filling inexpensive, low-quality liquor into branded bottles and selling them to unsuspecting customers. This revelation led the police to launch a wider investigation into the operation.
Police Raid and Arrests
Based on the information provided by the suspects, the police then raided a house located in Sai Nagar, Ayyappa Society, Madhapur, where they arrested three more individuals.
In the house, police recovered 14 bottles of cheap liquor already filled and ready for sale, along with 63 empty branded liquor bottles. The individuals arrested in this raid were identified as Rudrapatrapp Routh, Satyaprakash Routh, Rinkujan, Manish, and Pawan, all hailing from Odisha.
How the Racket Operated
The gang’s style involved collecting branded empty bottles, labels, and caps from various events and bars. They would refill these bottles with substandard liquor, which they sold at a fraction of the original price.
The counterfeit liquor was being sold at ₹16,000, while the genuine product typically retailed for ₹25,000, deceiving consumers into purchasing low-quality alcohol under the impression that they were buying a premium product.
Ongoing Investigation
Following the arrests, police have warned consumers to be vigilant when purchasing alcohol and to report any suspicious activities related to counterfeit products.
Authorities are also continuing to investigate the gang’s operations and have launched a manhunt for three additional suspects believed to be involved in the racket but are still at large.
The bust highlights the growing issue of illegal practices in the alcohol trade, with consumers being unknowingly sold inferior products. The police remain committed to ensuring that such illegal operations are stopped, and those responsible are brought to justice.
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