After Kukatpally deaths, crackdown begins on illicit liquor shops across Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Following the Kukatpally illicit liquor incident that claimed eight lives, the Excise Task Force launched sweeping raids on liquor compounds across the GHMC limits. Over 100 outlets were inspected for unauthorised operations and sample collection.

Excise teams found several shops operating without valid licences. The raids follow public outrage and state government intervention after spurious toddy laced with toxic chemicals led to multiple deaths.

Nineteen victims are still under treatment at Gandhi Hospital, according to deputy superintendent Dr Sunil.

The Telangana government has initiated disciplinary action against excise officials over alleged negligence. Balanagar SHO Venu Kumar has been suspended, while an inquiry is underway against DTF officer Narsireddy and AEs Madhavayya, Jeevan Kiran, and ES Fayaz.

On July 10, the licences of three outlets in Hyderabad’s Kukatpally zone – located in Hydernagar, Sardar Patel Nagar, and HMT Hills—were cancelled. These shops were confirmed to have mixed alprazolam, a potent sedative, into toddy. All three have been sealed by excise authorities.