Hyderabad: In a major crackdown following a string of deaths and hospitalisations, the Telangana Excise Department has cancelled the licenses of several toddy outlets in Kukatpally after forensic tests confirmed the presence of alprazolam—a powerful sedative—in samples of the locally sold drink.
The move comes after five people died and many others were hospitalised over the past three days, triggering alarm across the region. Special excise teams carried out raids on toddy shops in Hydernagar, HMT Colony, Sardar Patel Nagar, and Bhagyanagar.
The samples underwent testing at the forensic lab in Narayanguda. The tests reportedly confirmed that toddy from Hydernagar, HMT Colony, and Sardar Patel Nagar contained traces of alprazolam. Only the batch from Bhagyanagar came back clean. Following the results, excise authorities swiftly pulled the licenses of shops operating in Hydernagar, HMT Hills, Shamsheeguda, and Sardar Patel Nagar, all linked to the adulterated supply.
Four people—Raviteja Goud (29), Kona Sai Teja Goud (31), Chettu Kindi Nagesh Goud (51), and Batti Srinivas Goud (39)—have been arrested and remanded in connection with the spurious liquor racket.
The Balanagar Excise Police confirmed the cancellations and said more legal action is in the pipeline. Officials suspect that the tainted toddy was deliberately laced to enhance its intoxicating effect, with tragic consequences for unsuspecting consumers.
