In a blistering attack, Andhra Pradesh Excise and Mines Minister Kollu Ravindra on Thursday accused Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy of resorting to malicious politics over the fake liquor racket that has created a sensation across the state. He alleged that Jagan was using the issue to incite fear and spread lies among the public for political mileage.

Speaking at the Secretariat in Amaravati, Ravindra said, “Jagan is directing his party workers through teleconferences to link every death to fake liquor and tarnish the government’s image. These are deliberate and dangerous attempts to mislead people. Strict action will be taken against those who indulge in such fake propaganda.”

Ravindra revealed that on October 3, Enforcement officials reported illegal liquor manufacturing in Mulakalacheruvu of Annamayya district. Swift raids followed, resulting in the seizure of 30 cans of spirit and other materials. He said the Chief Minister had ordered a thorough investigation.

The Minister named Addhepalli Janardhan Rao from Ibrahimpatnam in NTR district as the kingpin behind the operation, which allegedly ran under the banners Rock Star and Andhra Wines. He also linked Kodali Srinivas of Tenali and others from Tamil Nadu and Odisha to the racket. Jaya Chandrara Reddy, who faced allegations, has already been suspended from the party, he added.

Ravindra hit back at the opposition, accusing them of trying to exploit the issue. “Jagan began his political journey after Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy’s death by politicising deaths. He is doing the same now with fake liquor,” he said.

He made it clear that strict legal action under BNS Sections 353 and 356 would be taken against those spreading fake narratives through print, electronic, or social media. The Minister highlighted that since the coalition government came to power, enforcement has been strengthened with upgraded check-posts and five new testing labs across the state.

“Twenty-one districts have already been declared liquor-free under Navodayam. This government is ensuring the supply of quality liquor while crushing fake manufacturing rackets,” Ravindra stated. He also criticised the previous regime for its negligence on illicit liquor and vowed a full investigation into fake liquor activities between 2019 and 2024.