In a dramatic pre-dawn operation, Prohibition and Excise (P&E) police have apprehended former Minister and prominent YSR Congress Party leader Jogi Ramesh, along with his brother Jogi Ramu and aide Arepalli Ramu. The arrests are linked to an extensive investigation into an alleged spurious liquor racket.
Police teams descended on Jogi Ramesh’s residence in Ibrahimpatnam, on the outskirts of Vijayawada, in the early hours of Sunday, November 2, 2025, taking the trio into custody. This development follows a series of cases filed by the P&E department in Bhavanipuram (Vijayawada) and Mulakalacheruvu (Annamayya district) concerning the illicit production and distribution of fake liquor.
Investigators claim that Addepalli Janardhana Rao, his brother A. Jaganmohan Rao, and several others were central figures in this illegal operation. Excise police previously conducted raids on distillery units and liquor outlets suspected to be run by this syndicate across both districts.
The Andhra Pradesh government had established a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Eluru Range Inspector General of Police (IGP) G.V.G. Ashok Kumar, to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter.
According to reports, Janardhana Rao, who is already under arrest in connection with the case, informed investigators that the former Minister, Jogi Ramesh, was the mastermind behind the scheme. Rao alleged that Ramesh not only instigated the criminal activity but also pledged comprehensive support for the illegal manufacturing and sale of spurious liquor.
Following their arrest, Jogi Ramesh, his brother, and assistant were transferred to the Prohibition and Excise East Police Station in Gurunanak Colony. The arrests, however, were not met without resistance, as a tense atmosphere enveloped Ibrahimpatnam. Supporters of Jogi Ramesh quickly gathered outside his home, staging a dharna to protest the detentions. Similar demonstrations by YSRCP activists also took place at the East Excise Police Station.