Hyderabad police arrested three individuals for illegal liquor procurement and sale, seizing 70.2 litres of Indian Made Foreign Liquor and uncovering a repeat offender during a targeted South Zone Task Force operation—a case that highlights ongoing struggles with local prohibition enforcement.
Crackdown on Illicit Liquor Network
In a concerted operation this week, the South Zone Task Force of Hyderabad Police, in collaboration with Chatrinaka Police, apprehended three suspects for illegally acquiring and selling Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). Acting on a tip-off, officers launched an evening raid that resulted in the seizure of 70.2 litres—equivalent to 195 bottles—of assorted IMFL brands, collectively valued at Rs 50,000. The suspects were intercepted while actively transporting the bottles for distribution within city limits.
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Repeat Offender at the Center
At the heart of the investigation is N Shobha Rani, known as Lalithamma, aged 50 and a resident of Lalithabagh, Chatrinaka. Rani is no stranger to local law enforcement, as police confirmed she is a habitual offender with as many as 33 cases registered against her under the Excise Act and Prohibition Acts. Her operating method involved bulk purchases of liquor from legitimate wine shops. She then resold these bottles from her residence after business hours, targeting customers willing to pay premium prices for the prohibited goods. This pattern had allowed her to evade previous enforcement efforts over an extended period.
Support System and Logistics Uncovered
The other two accused, Deepak Kumar (26) and Nitish Kumar (21), also residents of Chatrinaka, functioned as logistical support within the illicit network. According to police reports, these individuals were responsible for the physical transport of the seized liquor bottles using motorcycles, enabling swift delivery and clandestine sales to local buyers. Their involvement provides a glimpse into the operational mechanics that sustain illegal alcohol distribution despite regulatory controls.
Legal Action and Continuing Investigation
Following the raid and arrests, all accused and the confiscated property were handed over to Chatrinaka Police Station for further processing. Authorities confirmed two separate cases were booked under Section 34(a) of the Telangana Excise Act. Law enforcement remains focused on deepening its investigation to identify possible links to broader distribution channels and other recurring offenders within the city’s underground liquor trade.