The special investigation team probing the alleged liquor adulteration case in Andhra Pradesh has filed its preliminary investigation report and chargesheet before a court in Vijayawada, naming former minister Jogi Ramesh, Adddepalli Janardhan Rao and 20 others in what it described as a structured interstate fake liquor network that allegedly caused a loss of about Rs 9 crore to the state exchequer.
Chargesheet Names Political and Operational Accused
According to the report filed before the court, the SIT presented details of the accused and their respective roles, including those of prime accused Adddepalli Janardhan Rao, former minister Jogi Ramesh and 20 others. The chargesheet alleges organised spurious liquor operations, political protection, interstate smuggling and excise fraud.
The probe described the operation as a structured interstate criminal syndicate spread across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Investigators said the network had clearly defined roles for procurement, blending, bottling, packaging, transportation and sale of counterfeit liquor through liquor shops across Andhra Pradesh.
The investigation agency also told the court that Jogi Ramesh and Jogi Ramu allegedly provided political patronage, administrative cover and operational protection to the illegal network, enabling the manufacture and circulation of non duty paid liquor and counterfeit liquor.
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Interstate Network and Manufacturing Units Detailed
The chargesheet highlights what investigators described as the central role played by Adddepalli Janardhana Rao and his brother Adddepalli Jagan Mohan Rao in the fake liquor network. According to the SIT, the brothers coordinated procurement of spirit, counterfeit labels, packaging material and interstate transportation while running illegal manufacturing units.
Investigators alleged that counterfeit labels of brands including Old Admiral, Kerala Malt, Andhra Gold, Royal Lancer and Classic Blue were used to market fake liquor as genuine APSBCL stock. The chargesheet states that illegal manufacturing units were allegedly operated simultaneously from ANR Bar in Ibrahimpatnam and Old RK Dhaba in Mulakalacheruvu.
The probe also recorded that E 7 Bar partners in Telangana were allegedly threatened with serious consequences for questioning the diversion of liquor stock into fake liquor operations. The picture emerging from the chargesheet is of a network that functioned across state borders while relying on coordinated procurement and local distribution mechanisms.
Kickbacks, Cash Deposits and Alleged Cover
According to the chargesheet, the accused allegedly received regular kickbacks ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh every two to three months in exchange for political protection and non interference from authorities. Officials also identified cash deposits exceeding Rs 1 crore into Swarna Developers accounts linked to Jogi Ramesh between 2021 and 2024, along with over Rs 45 lakh in direct transfers and hand to hand cash deliveries allegedly made to the Jogi network.
The SIT further alleged that after the 2024 elections, the Mulakalacheruvu fake liquor episode was planned to create a scandal and discredit the coalition government. Investigators claimed Jogi Ramesh assured political protection, promised Rs 3 crore compensation to the main accused’s family and shared advance information on excise raids.
The agency estimated that organised non duty paid liquor and fake liquor operations caused a tentative loss of around Rs 9 crore to the state exchequer through excise duty evasion, forged documents, illegal transport and unauthorised manufacturing units. The filing of the preliminary report and chargesheet now places the allegations before the court as the case moves into its next legal stage.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
