QR codes cannot stop spurious liquor mafia

Tadepalli, October 16: YSRCP Guntur Parliament constituency observer Pothina Mahesh strongly criticized the coalition government’s move to introduce QR codes on liquor bottles, calling it a gimmick to cover up the massive fake liquor scam operating across the state under the protection of TDP leaders. 

Speaking at the YSRCP central office in Tadepalli, he said the government is trying to mislead people instead of acting against the real criminals behind spurious liquor manufacturing and distribution.

Mahesh said fake liquor sales do not take place in official outlets but are rampant in illegal belt shops and permit rooms, which operate openly under TDP political protection. “What is the use of QR codes when most fake liquor is sold in loose form without bottles? Is the government trying to fool people?” he questioned. He said the sudden move to print QR codes on bottles is an indirect admission by the government that fake liquor has been in circulation for months. He pointed out that massive fake liquor factories were already exposed in Molakalacheruvu, Ibrahimpatnam, Anakapalli, Eluru, yet the government did not conduct raids, collect samples or test liquor quality in surrounding shops.

He stated that nearly 70% of liquor sold in the state is cheap liquor, which is being used to mix and distribute fake brands. “Daily wage workers who consume such liquor neither have smartphones nor know how to scan QR codes. So who will detect fake liquor?” he asked. Mahesh accused Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of handing over the liquor trade to private mafia groups and allowing permit rooms and belt shops to loot people and destroy poor families. He also questioned the silence of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who once shouted about prohibition but is now silent when fake liquor is destroying lives.

Mahesh demanded immediate closure of all belt shops and illegal permit rooms, statewide quality checks, and strict action against those involved in the scam. He challenged Chandrababu Naidu to prove his integrity by punishing those arrested in fake liquor cases instead of protecting them. “The QR code drama is only to divert public attention while the fake liquor mafia loots thousands of crores under this government,” he said.