metro india news  I amaravati

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday took a firm stance against the rising spurious liquor crisis in the state, unveiling the AP Excise Suraksha App and announcing the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the Mulakalacheruvu counterfeit alcohol scandal.

Addressing the media at his camp office, Naidu said the SIT will be led by senior IPS officer GVG Ashok Kumar, Aluru Range IG, and include Rahul Dev Sharma, Enforcement Director of Excise; K. Chakravarthi, CID SP; Mallika Garg of RTGS; and an expert from the Excise Department. “The SIT’s mandate is to conduct a comprehensive investigation to expose all individuals and networks involved in this criminal enterprise,” the Chief Minister said.

The Suraksha App, he explained, will allow both retailers and consumers to verify liquor authenticity. Shopkeepers must scan every bottle before sale, while consumers can scan holograms to access batch numbers, production dates, quantity, and price details. Geo-tagging and geo-fencing of retail outlets will help identify illegal “belt shops” and curb unauthorized distribution, Naidu said, calling it a key tool in revamping the excise system.

Naidu launched a sharp attack on the opposition, blaming the previous regime for institutionalizing the spurious liquor trade. “The previous government legalized and promoted illicit liquor networks, handing over distilleries and shops to select interests. Ganja was treated as a commercial crop, worsening the drug and alcohol crisis,” he said.

He also accused them of exploiting tragedies for political gain. “Some are donning political disguises to commit crimes and then demand CBI inquiries to evade accountability. We will not allow political theatrics to derail justice,” Naidu warned.

Authorities have already arrested 16 of the 23 accused in the Mulakalacheruvu case, including the prime accused Janardhan. A TDP leader implicated in the scandal has also been suspended. The Chief Minister issued a stern warning to Excise officials, emphasizing strict action against any laxity in enforcing the law.

Naidu described the combined approach of SIT investigation and Suraksha App enforcement as part of a total systemic overhaul. “Our goal is to dismantle criminal networks, remove political cover, and restore public confidence in regulation,” he said.

The Chief Minister’s announcements mark the state’s most aggressive attempt yet to combat the deadly spurious liquor menace, combining technology, policing, and administrative vigilance to ensure accountability and prevent further loss of life.