With 28 individuals falling ailing after allegedly consuming adulterated toddy in Kukatpally, Hyderabad, the menace of illicit liquor in Telangana has come below lens once more.
Information from the Telangana Prohibition and Excise Division reveals that between 2014 and June this 12 months, 39,176 toddy-related incidents have been reported throughout the State. These primarily included unlawful brewing of toddy, unauthorised toddy retailers, and instances of adulteration by utilizing pharmaceutical and chemical substances. Over 13,338 individuals fell ailing because of such instances on this interval.
The instances peaked in 2015, with 11,257. A pointy decline adopted, with simply 362 and 361 instances in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Nonetheless, 2023 noticed a spurt, with 4,832 instances, almost 13 instances the earlier 12 months’s tally. Within the first half of 2025 alone, 516 instances have been registered.
Based on the information, 1,277 instances concerned adulterated toddy and over 47 lakh litres of spurious toddy have been seized. Toddy has been largely discovered laced with substances corresponding to chloral hydrate (a sedative), alprazolam (anti-depressant), and diazepam (generally utilized in sleeping drugs) to reinforce efficiency or mimic the intoxicating results of alcohol.
15,500 kgs dangerous medication seized in over 10 years
Round 15,500 kgs of those dangerous medication have been seized from 2014 to June 2025. In 2024 alone, 29 such instances led to the seizure of 1,529 kgs of chloral hydrate, almost 29 kg alprazolam, and 1.52 kg diazepam.
Though fewer instances of adulterated toddy have been reported until June 2025, solely 13 to date, officers recovered over 437 kgs of chloral hydrate, 9 kgs of alprazolam, and 17 grams of diazepam.
Regardless of constant and cautious sampling by Excise officers (over 62,865 samples examined since 2014), new and revolutionary methods to spike liquor have startled them. Thus far, the division had shut down 12,175 unlawful toddy retailers in Telangana.
2 main instances
A senior Excise official, who requested anonymity, stated that Telangana has seen two main instances of adulterated toddy in a span of three months — one in Banswada in April and the newest in Kukatpally. “The department is concerned and will take stringent action against those involved in the sale of spurious toddy,” he stated.
When toddy samples take a look at constructive for banned substances like alprazolam or diazepam, instances are booked below the Narcotic Medicine and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985. In instances, the place toddy is diluted with water, or blended with sugar, no motion is taken. In instances of adulteration with non-NDPS substances corresponding to chloral hydrate, instances are booked below separate sections.
“To curb this menace, we have now been directed to collect toddy samples from across the State for testing. The department will carry out inspections to monitor outlets operating without licences or engaging in illicit mixing practices,” he added. Hyderabad has 97 licenced toddy shops.
Revealed – July 10, 2025 12:52 pm IST
