YSRCP demands CBI Probe Into fake liquor sales in Andhra

Allegations of widespread fake liquor sales in Andhra Pradesh have surfaced, with Penukonda YSRCP coordinator Ushasri Charan accusing former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and TDP leaders of turning the state into a hub for counterfeit alcohol.

Charan staged a protest at the Prohibition and Excise Office in Penukonda on Monday, smashing bottles of illicit liquor to draw attention to the issue. She claimed that TDP leaders are selling fake alcohol in both government-licensed liquor shops and belt shops, and criticized Chandrababu Naidu for allegedly becoming the “brand ambassador” of counterfeit liquor.

Highlighting a recent fake liquor production incident in Mulakalacheruvu, Charan described it as evidence of TDP’s alleged wrongdoing. She accused them of prioritizing profits over public safety, distributing money gained from harmful liquor sales across political networks.

“Counterfeit liquor operations have become systematic,” she said, adding that disinformation campaigns under the guise of “liquor cases” have been aimed at tarnishing the YSRCP’s image. Charan claimed that one in every three bottles sold contains fake alcohol, all allegedly produced and distributed by TDP-affiliated networks.

Referring to a recent CAG report, she stated that despite rampant illegal sales under TDP leadership, alcohol sales grew by only three percent, suggesting that government revenue was being diverted to party leaders’ pockets rather than public coffers.

Charan questioned whether public safety should be sacrificed for private profit and accused Minister Savitha of openly selling alcohol in Sonturu Rampur. She demanded a thorough CBI investigation into fake liquor production and called for immediate arrests of those involved.

She also urged the government to take over liquor shop operations, reduce operating hours, and provide support to families affected by deaths caused by counterfeit alcohol.