Andhra Pradesh is taking a bold step to combat the pervasive threat of counterfeit liquor with the launch of the innovative AP Excise Suraksha App. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu officially unveiled this crucial initiative on Sunday, empowering citizens to verify the authenticity and quality of alcohol purchased from licensed vendors. The app is set to become fully operational on October 16, with downloads available on the Google Play Store starting October 13.
During a press conference, Mr. Naidu explained that this advanced application will meticulously track the journey of every liquor bottle, from its manufacturing facility to the point of sale. Consumers and sellers alike can scan bottles to access vital information, ensuring transparency. Furthermore, the app incorporates geo-tagging technology, linking liquor sales to authorized shops, thereby staunchly preventing the diversion of products to illicit “belt shops” – unauthorized outlets that often fuel the spurious liquor trade.
The Chief Minister highlighted the urgency of this measure by referencing a recent crackdown on a major spurious liquor operation in Mulakalacheruvu, Annamayya district. This illicit network had alarming ties to traders in Ibrahimpatnam near Vijayawada, with connections even stretching as far as Africa. “We are relentlessly working to expose everyone involved in this elaborate scheme,” Mr. Naidu asserted.
To date, authorities have apprehended 16 of the 23 individuals implicated in the Mulakalacheruvu scandal, with transit warrants issued for four suspects currently hiding abroad.
In a decisive move, the government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Inspector-General of Police G. V. G. Ashok Kumar. This elite team comprises key officials, including Director of Enforcement, Prohibition and Excise Rahul Dev Sharma, CID SP K. Chakravarthy, IPS officer Malika Garg, and a specialized Excise Department expert. Their mission is not only to thoroughly investigate the Mulakalacheruvu incident but also to develop a comprehensive strategy for overhauling the entire excise administration system.
Mr. Naidu didn’t shy away from criticizing the previous administration, alleging that the YSRCP government had controversially legalized “own brands” and gained control over distilleries, laying the groundwork for the very scam now being uncovered. He issued a stern warning to all Excise Department personnel, emphasizing that any involvement in the illegal liquor trade would be met with severe consequences.
In a bid to foster public participation, Mr. Naidu encouraged liquor consumers to utilize the toll-free helpline, 14405, to report any concerns regarding alcohol quality. Simultaneously, the government is implementing stringent track-and-trace mechanisms at distilleries to guarantee uncompromised quality control before products even reach the market. This multi-pronged approach underscores Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to protecting its citizens from the dangers of spurious liquor.