Police present the accused to the media along with seized liquor bottles in Hyderabad on Sunday.
Two members of an Odisha-based gang have been arrested for allegedly refilling premium bottles of lower-priced liquor and selling them as high-end brands to customers at private parties and social gatherings in Hyderabad.
The arrested accused have been identified as Chikun Swain and Sonu Mahanti, while another accused, Prapul Kumar Naik, is absconding.
The racket was arrested by the Secunderabad Excise District Task Force during a raid near Rasoolpura Metro station following specific intelligence inputs about illegal liquor blending operations.
During the initial check, excise officials seized six bottles marked as premium liquor from the accused. Upon investigation, officials discovered that the bottles had allegedly been tampered with and filled with cheaper alcohol.
Based on the information provided during the interrogation, the excise team conducted a follow-up search at the liquor blending unit operating from Madhapur.
Officials at the spot seized 41 full bottles of adulterated liquor and 63 bottles of premium liquor of various brands, which were allegedly refilled for resale. Excise officials said the gang targeted customers seeking premium liquor at discounted prices and allegedly supplied counterfeit bottles to private events and wealthy buyers.
Investigators said bottles of several high-end brands, including labels of premium international liquors, were found at the site and allegedly reused to sell the counterfeit product.
Published – 10 May 2026 18:34 IST
