A massive spurious liquor network allegedly operating under the protection of top leaders of the coalition government has come to light across Andhra Pradesh. What began with the sensational Mulakalacheruvu fake liquor bust in September has now widened into a disturbing pattern of organised manufacturing, distribution and sale of adulterated liquor. The latest revelations from Amudalavalasa place TDP MLA Kuna Ravikumar at the heart of a sprawling illegal trade endangering lives and looting public money.
Kuna Ravikumar’s Network in Amudalavalasa
Fresh evidence indicates that Amudalavalasa MLA Kuna Ravikumar is running extensive fake liquor operations through liquor shops and belt shops in his constituency. Of the 20 liquor outlets in the area, over 15 are reportedly controlled directly by Kuna. Several unauthorised belt shops further extend his reach into villages. Counterfeit liquor mixed with colouring agents is being sold as branded alcohol, resulting in huge illegal profits for the MLA and his associates. Recently surfaced photographs show Kuna and his followers celebrating lavishly, allegedly using money earned through this illicit trade.
Operations Run by Close aide Mukhulinga
Sources reveal that the fake liquor activities are being overseen by Kuna’s close associate Mukhulinga, who manages the distribution and sales network. The racket has reportedly generated crores of rupees, enabling the MLA to fund extravagant parties and even a recent leisure trip to Goa with wine shop owners. The scale of the operation suggests systematic and long-running illicit activity with little fear of enforcement.
A Statewide Syndicate Under Political Patronage
The allegations extend far beyond one constituency. According to field reports, TDP leaders have established nearly a dozen units across Andhra Pradesh to manufacture country-made spurious liquor. Each cluster of two to three districts is said to be serviced by one such unit, supplying fake liquor in bulk. There are also reports of cross-border supply to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
To pass off counterfeit liquor as branded products, the TDP syndicate has set up highly organised distribution channels. All 3,396 private liquor shops in the state are believed to be under a single political syndicate’s control, with several of them selling adulterated liquor. Fake labels of brands such as AC Black, Old Admiral, SPY and 999 are pasted onto low-quality alcohol and sold openly to unsuspecting consumers.
Alarming Scale of Spurious Liquor Sales
The magnitude of the operation is staggering. In 2024–25, liquor sales generated revenue of ₹28,500 crore. In 2025–26, beer alone accounted for ₹35,000 crore in sales.
Out of 4.26 crore IML liquor cases sold, 70% were quarter bottles, amounting to 143 crore quarter bottles. Based on field inspections and seized stock, nearly 48 crore quarter bottles are estimated to be counterfeit.
At the retail price of ₹110 per quarter, the syndicate is believed to have earned more than ₹5,280 crore in a single year through spurious liquor.
Threat to Public Health and Safety
The rampant sale of adulterated liquor has created panic among consumers, who can no longer distinguish between genuine and fake bottles in retail shops. With fake liquor flooding the market, even routine purchases have become a life-threatening risk. Public health experts warn that such adulterated alcohol can cause severe organ damage, long-term illness and even death.
Mulakalacheruvu Case: The Turning Point
The current scandal comes in the aftermath of the Mulakalacheruvu case, where a fake liquor manufacturing plant was uncovered under the supervision of local TDP leaders. Instead of punishing the real culprits, enforcement agencies allegedly diverted the case and targeted YSRCP leader Jogi Ramesh. This incident, critics argue, strengthened the impunity with which fake liquor operations are now flourishing across the state.
Conclusion
The growing evidence of a politically backed fake liquor syndicate has raised serious concerns about governance, public health and law enforcement in Andhra Pradesh. As counterfeit liquor continues to flood the market, calls are rising for an independent investigation and immediate action to dismantle what appears to be one of the state’s largest organised illegal networks.
