The Excise Department busted a liquor adulteration racket operating from Kondapur and arrested two persons for allegedly refilling premium liquor bottles with cheaper liquor and selling them at discounted rates to software employees. Adulterated liquor worth over ₹3 lakh, along with bottles and caps used in the operation, was seized. Efforts are underway to nab the third accused.

Two accused, Lalu Prasad Biswal and Sharath Chandra, have been arrested and handed over to Kondapur Excise Station, while efforts are on to trace the third accused, Rajeshwar Meher.

According to excise officials, the accused collected empty bottles of premium liquor from parties and events attended by affluent customers. They allegedly refilled the bottles with low-cost liquor mixed with water, resealed them and sold them as premium brands at heavily discounted prices.

Investigators said the accused had rented a room in Guttala Begumpet of Kondapur, where they carried out the adulteration and repackaging operation.

Officials said the racket specifically targeted software professionals, with Sharath Chandra, himself employed in the software sector, allegedly using his contacts to market the adulterated liquor.

During investigation, officials found that bottles of high-end brands such as Royal Salute, priced at over ₹25,000, were being refilled with cheaper liquor and sold as genuine products. Similarly, bottles of other premium brands were allegedly sold at nearly half their market price.