Vijayawada | October 12, 2025 — Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday launched the Excise Suraksha App, a new initiative aimed at protecting consumers from fake and unsafe liquor. The app allows people to check the authenticity and quality of alcohol sold at licensed shops.
The app will be fully functional from October 16 and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store starting October 13.
Speaking to the media at his camp office near Vijayawada, Mr. Naidu said the app will help track the manufacturing and sales details of each liquor bottle scanned by users or sellers. It is also geo-tagged with authorised retail outlets, which will help prevent the illegal diversion of liquor to unauthorised “belt shops.”
The Chief Minister also addressed the recent Mulakalacheruvu spurious liquor case in Annamayya district, calling it a serious issue. He revealed that the racket was connected to traders operating out of Ibrahimpatnam near Vijayawada, with links extending as far as Africa.
“So far, 16 out of 23 accused have been arrested, and transit warrants have been issued for four suspects hiding abroad,” he said.
To ensure a thorough investigation, Mr. Naidu announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Inspector-General of Police G.V.G. Ashok Kumar. The team also includes Excise Director Rahul Dev Sharma, CID SP K. Chakravarthy, IPS officer Malika Garg, and a senior expert from the Excise Department. The SIT will investigate the Mulakalacheruvu incident and recommend measures to strengthen excise administration.
Taking a swipe at the previous YSRCP government, Mr. Naidu accused it of legalising private “own brands” and misusing distilleries, which he said had led to widespread corruption in the liquor trade.
He also urged Excise Department officials to maintain integrity and warned them against any involvement in illegal liquor activities.
Consumers can report complaints about liquor quality or suspicious sales through the toll-free helpline 14405. The government is also introducing track-and-trace systems to ensure strict quality control at distilleries before liquor reaches the market.
