A total of 39,176 toddy-related incidents have been reported across the State between 2014 and June this year.
| Photo Credit: Graphics: M. Venkat Rao
With 28 people falling ill after allegedly consuming adulterated toddy in Kukatpally, Hyderabad, the menace of illicit liquor in Telangana has come under lens again.
Data from the Telangana Prohibition and Excise Department reveals that between 2014 and June this year, 39,176 toddy-related incidents have been reported across the State. These mainly included illegal brewing of toddy, unauthorised toddy shops, and cases of adulteration by using pharmaceutical and chemical substances. Over 13,338 people fell ill due to such cases in this period.
The cases peaked in 2015, with 11,257. A sharp decline followed, with just 362 and 361 cases in 2021 and 2022, respectively. However, 2023 saw a spurt, with 4,832 cases, nearly 13 times the previous year’s tally. In the first half of 2025 alone, 516 cases have been registered.
According to the data, 1,277 cases involved adulterated toddy and over 47 lakh litres of spurious toddy have been seized. Toddy has been mostly found laced with substances such as chloral hydrate (a sedative), alprazolam (anti-depressant), and diazepam (commonly used in sleeping pills) to enhance potency or mimic the intoxicating effects of alcohol.
15,500 kgs harmful drugs seized in over 10 years
Around 15,500 kgs of these harmful drugs have been seized from 2014 to June 2025. In 2024 alone, 29 such cases led to the seizure of 1,529 kgs of chloral hydrate, nearly 29 kg alprazolam, and 1.52 kg diazepam.
Although fewer cases of adulterated toddy have been reported till June 2025, only 13 so far, officials recovered over 437 kgs of chloral hydrate, nine kgs of alprazolam, and 17 grams of diazepam.
Despite consistent and careful sampling by Excise officials (over 62,865 samples tested since 2014), new and innovative ways to spike liquor have startled them. So far, the department had shut down 12,175 illegal toddy shops in Telangana.
2 major cases
A senior Excise official, who requested anonymity, said that Telangana has seen two major cases of adulterated toddy in a span of three months — one in Banswada in April and the latest in Kukatpally. “The department is concerned and will take stringent action against those involved in the sale of spurious toddy,” he said.
When toddy samples test positive for banned substances like alprazolam or diazepam, cases are booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985. In cases, where toddy is diluted with water, or mixed with sugar, no action is taken. In cases of adulteration with non-NDPS substances such as chloral hydrate, cases are booked under 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 outlets.
Published – July 10, 2025 12:52 pm IST
