Vijayawada/Annamayya: Andhra Pradesh excise authorities on Friday arrested Addepalli Janardhana Rao, accused of manufacturing and supplying spurious liquor in the state, officials said. Rao, who is facing charges in the Mukalacheruvu spurious liquor racket, was taken into custody at Gannavaram airport upon his return from South Africa, following a tip-off.
Spurious liquor racket under investigation
The investigation by the Prohibition and Excise (P&E) Department revealed that Rao was allegedly supplying counterfeit liquor stocks to Ibrahimpatnam in Vijayawada, which were bottled and distributed through a bar and restaurant run by him and his brother Addepalli Jaganmohan Rao.
Earlier raids at ANR Bar and Restaurant in Ibrahimpatnam, NTR district, uncovered a substantial quantity of spirit, unlabelled liquor bottles, empty bottles, and stickers of various liquor brands, pointing to large-scale operations.
Jaganmohan Rao, along with two others – Badal Dasu and Pradeep Dasu – had already been arrested and produced before the local court, while Janardhana Rao was named as a key accused in the case linked to Mulakalacheruvu in Annamayya district.
Custody and questioning
An official involved in the probe said, “We are questioning Janardhana Rao. The case is being investigated from all angles.” The authorities are examining the supply chain, manufacturing processes, and distribution networks to determine the full scale of the racket.
The arrests come amid growing concerns over spurious liquor circulation in Andhra Pradesh, which has previously led to deaths and health hazards. Excise officials have been actively monitoring bars, restaurants, and liquor manufacturing units, with special focus on unlicensed operations.
Legal proceedings and next steps
Janardhana Rao has been produced before the court and is expected to remain in custody during the ongoing investigation. The authorities have indicated that further raids and questioning may lead to the identification of additional accomplices and sources of counterfeit liquor.
The case highlights the challenges faced by regulatory authorities in curbing illegal alcohol production and distribution, particularly in rural areas, and underscores the importance of public vigilance and swift law enforcement action.