Mulakalacheruvu spurious liquor case - Investigation and key developments

T he Mulakalacheruvu spurious liquor case has emerged as a significant public health and law enforcement issue in Andhra Pradesh, India. This case, involving the production and distribution of adulterated alcohol, has led to multiple deaths and sparked widespread outrage. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the state government has taken decisive action, including arrests, the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), and the launch of a technological solution to curb such incidents.

Background of the Issue

The issue of spurious liquor alcohol adulterated with toxic substances like methanol has plagued India for decades, often resulting in mass casualties due to its affordability and illegal distribution. In Andhra Pradesh, the problem gained renewed attention following a series of incidents linked to illicit brewing operations. The Mulakalacheruvu case, centered in the Annamayya district, is part of a broader pattern of illicit liquor trade that has been exacerbated by weak enforcement and alleged political patronage in previous administrations.

Historically, Andhra Pradesh has witnessed similar tragedies, such as the 2022 Jangareddygudem illicit liquor deaths in Eluru district, where 20 people perished due to contaminated alcohol. Investigations into these incidents revealed a nexus between local manufacturers, distributors, and corrupt officials. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), under Naidu’s leadership, has repeatedly criticized the previous Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) government for failing to curb this menace, alleging that the liquor trade was politicized and legalized under "own brands" during their tenure (2019–2024).

The Mulakalacheruvu case specifically came to light in early October 2025, when reports of deaths and hospitalizations due to consumption of fake liquor surfaced. Initial investigations pointed to an organized racket mimicking African brewing techniques, using cheap raw materials and counterfeit labels to deceive consumers. This incident has reignited calls for stringent action and systemic reform in the state's excise and enforcement mechanisms.

What is the Mulakalacheruvu Liquor Case?

The Mulakalacheruvu spurious liquor case involves the illegal production and sale of adulterated alcohol in the Mulakalacheruvu area of Annamayya district, Andhra Pradesh. The liquor, laced with methanol and other harmful chemicals, was distributed through a network of local sellers, leading to several deaths and numerous cases of poisoning. Preliminary reports suggest the operation was sophisticated, with the accused using imitation African brewing methods to produce large quantities of counterfeit alcohol.

The case gained prominence when it was linked to a parallel bottling operation in Ibrahimpatnam, raising concerns about a statewide illicit liquor syndicate. The Andhra Pradesh government, under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has described the incident as a serious public health crisis, prompting immediate intervention. The Excise Department, in coordination with the police, seized significant quantities of spurious liquor, fake labels, and production equipment, exposing the scale of the operation.

Key Developments in the Case

• Initial Reports and Seizures (October 2025) The case broke in early October 2025 when local authorities received reports of deaths and illnesses linked to contaminated liquor in Mulakalacheruvu. On October 9, Andhra Pradesh Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra announced that enforcement teams had seized 30 cans of spurious liquor, along with fake labels, cartons, and sealing equipment. One sub-inspector was suspended for negligence, and action was initiated against bar owners and Excise staff involved in the racket.

• Identification and Arrests of Accused (October 12, 2025) On October 12, Chief Minister Naidu provided a detailed update, revealing that 23 individuals had been identified as suspects in the Mulakalacheruvu case, with 16 arrested. In the Ibrahimpatnam bottling case, 12 suspects were identified, and 7 were apprehended. Among the key figures was Addepalli Janardhana Rao, a prime suspect who was arrested at Gannavaram Airport upon his return from South Africa. Seizures worth over ₹1.75 crore, including cash and materials, were reported, indicating the financial scale of the operation.

• Formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) To conduct a deeper probe, the government constituted an SIT headed by Inspector-General of Police G. V. G. Ashok Kumar. The team includes senior officials such as the Director of Enforcement, Prohibition and Excise Rahul Dev Sharma, CID SP K. Chakravarthy, IPS officer Malika Garg, and an Excise Department expert. The SIT’s mandate includes investigating the supply chain, identifying higher-level conspirators, and reviewing past spurious liquor cases from 2019–2024.

• Launch of AP Excise Suraksha App (October 13, 2025) As a preventive measure, Naidu announced the launch of the AP Excise Suraksha App, set to be available for download on the Google Play Store from October 13, 2025. The app, fully operational from October 16, allows consumers to scan liquor bottles to verify their authenticity and report suspicious sales. This technological intervention aims to empower the public and enhance real-time monitoring of the liquor trade.

• Political and Legal Ramifications The case has sparked a political controversy, with Naidu accusing the previous YSRCP government of enabling a liquor scam through the legalization of "own brands" and capturing distilleries. The SIT’s ongoing investigation may implicate high-profile figures, as hinted by recent seizures of ₹11 crore in cash linked to a related Andhra Pradesh liquor scam probe in July 2025. Legal action against those spreading fake news about the incident has also been threatened under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 353 and 356.

How the Police caught the accused

The Andhra Pradesh police employed a combination of intelligence gathering, technical surveillance, and inter-state coordination to apprehend the accused in the Mulakalacheruvu case:

• Intelligence Inputs and Raids : Initial leads came from local complaints and hospital reports of poisoning victims. The Excise Department and police conducted coordinated raids, seizing evidence of spurious liquor production and distribution. This led to the identification of key locations, including Mulakalacheruvu and Ibrahimpatnam.

• Inter-State Tracking : The arrest of Addepalli Janardhana Rao, a suspected mastermind, showcased the police’s ability to track international movements. Intelligence suggested his involvement in sourcing raw materials from South Africa, prompting authorities to monitor his travel. He was apprehended at Gannavaram Airport upon his return, highlighting the use of immigration data and real-time alerts.

• Confessions and Network Mapping : Interrogations of initial arrestees provided critical information about the syndicate’s hierarchy and operations. This led to the identification of 23 suspects in Mulakalacheruvu and 12 in Ibrahimpatnam, with arrests following swift police action.

• Seizure of Assets : The recovery of over ₹1.75 crore in cash and materials was facilitated by tracing financial transactions and conducting searches based on suspect profiles. This financial trail helped dismantle parts of the racket.

• Collaboration with SIT : The newly formed SIT enhanced the investigation by deploying specialized teams to analyze evidence, including counterfeit labels and brewing equipment, ensuring a thorough pursuit of all involved parties.

Conclusion

The Mulakalacheruvu spurious liquor case underscores the persistent challenge of illicit alcohol in Andhra Pradesh and the urgent need for robust enforcement and public awareness. With 23 arrests, the formation of an SIT, and the innovative AP Excise Suraksha App, the Naidu government is taking significant steps to address the crisis. However, the case’s links to past administrations and potential high-profile involvement suggest that the investigation is far from over. As the SIT digs deeper and the app empowers consumers, the outcome of this case could set a precedent for tackling spurious liquor across India, balancing law enforcement with technological innovation.