Two members of an Odisha-based gang were arrested for allegedly refilling premium liquor bottles with lower-priced alcohol and selling them as high-end brands to customers at private parties and social gatherings in Hyderabad.

The arrested accused were identified as Chikun Swain and Sonu Mahanti, while another accused, Prapul Kumar Naik, is absconding.

The racket was busted by the Secunderabad Excise District Task Force during a raid near Rasoolpura Metro Station following specific intelligence inputs about illicit liquor mixing operations.

During the initial inspection, excise officials recovered six bottles labelled as premium liquor from the accused. On examination, officials found that the bottles had allegedly been tampered with and filled with cheaper liquor.

Based on information provided during questioning, the excise team conducted a follow-up search at a liquor mixing unit operating from Madhapur.

At the premises, officials seized 41 full bottles of adulterated liquor and 63 premium liquor bottles of various brands that had allegedly been refilled for resale. Excise officials said the gang was targeting customers seeking premium liquor at discounted rates and was allegedly supplying the adulterated bottles at private functions and to affluent buyers.

Investigators said bottles of several high-end brands were found at the site, including labels of premium international liquor, which were allegedly being reused to market the adulterated product.