Despite the tall claims being made by Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu that stringent action was taken on the spurious liquor manufacturing in the state, there is no effective impact at the ground level.
A violent clash erupted between two illegal liquor outlets (belt shops) in SS Konda village of Gangadhara Nellore mandal recently, after one shop began selling liquor at heavily discounted rates, drawing large crowds and triggering business rivalry.
According to locals, the belt shop run by a YSRCP-backed group was selling a quarter bottle of liquor for just Rs 70, far below the official retail price, resulting in daily sales exceeding Rs 1 lakh.
This caused massive losses to another nearby shop, whose owner allegedly launched a physical attack on his competitor. One person was seriously injured in the ensuing fight and was rushed to a nearby hospital.
Though community elders attempted to mediate a compromise, the tension persisted. A video of the fight came to light and went viral on social media, indicating that the spurious liquor was still flowing in several belt shops.
Residents said the mandal earlier had only one licensed wine shop. However, after the coalition government assumed power, four shops were sanctioned — two each allegedly aligned with the TDP and YSRCP camps.
The belt shops operated as a syndicate, ignoring political divides and official pricing regulations.
The authorities are now investigating whether illicit liquor from Mulakalacheruvu was being distributed through these unlicensed outlets.
The sale of alcohol below the government-mandated price and the open rivalry among politically backed belt shop owners have raised serious questions about law enforcement and political patronage in the district’s liquor trade.