In a decisive move to tighten enforcement, the Andhra Pradesh Excise Department has intensified the Illegal Liquor Crackdown Andhra Pradesh, mandating strict monitoring through digital tools and warning officials of serious action for lapses.
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Eluru/Rajahmundry, April 23: Prohibition and Excise Commissioner Chamakuri Sridhar has ordered strict vigilance against illegal liquor and unauthorized belt shops as part of the ongoing Illegal Liquor Crackdown Andhra Pradesh. During a detailed SHO-wise review meeting covering Eluru and Rajahmundry regions, the Commissioner emphasized accountability, transparency, and the need for strong grassroots enforcement. Districts including Eluru, Bhimavaram, Kakinada, Konaseema, and East Godavari were reviewed extensively, with a sharp focus on crime control, revenue integrity, and digital monitoring through the Surakshaa App.
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SHO Performance Under Scanner
The Illegal Liquor Crackdown Andhra Pradesh gained momentum as the Commissioner conducted individual performance reviews of Station House Officers (SHOs), moving beyond general district-level evaluations. Each SHO’s role in curbing illicit liquor trade, eliminating belt shops, and controlling repeat offenders was critically assessed.
Officials were questioned on enforcement measures such as raids, patrolling efficiency, and case detection rates. The Commissioner made it clear that any failure to control illegal activities within jurisdictions would not be tolerated. Rising crime without proportional enforcement would invite strict departmental action.
Staff strength and its effective utilization were also reviewed to ensure that enforcement teams are actively engaged in field operations rather than remaining underutilized. The Commissioner stressed that the success of the Illegal Liquor Crackdown Andhra Pradesh depends heavily on proactive field-level policing.
Surakshaa App Monitoring Made Mandatory
A major highlight of the Illegal Liquor Crackdown Andhra Pradesh is the compulsory implementation of the Surakshaa App. The Commissioner directed all SHOs to achieve 100 percent compliance in digital scanning of liquor bottles across their jurisdictions.
The Surakshaa App enables real-time tracking of liquor movement from depots to retail outlets and consumers. Authorities will monitor discrepancies between stock offtake and scanned sales to detect diversion of non-duty paid liquor. This digital initiative aims to bring transparency and eliminate illegal supply chains.
In addition, SHOs were instructed to conduct surprise inspections at licensed shops and bars to ensure compliance with operational rules such as timing restrictions and capacity limits. Increased sampling for chemical analysis was also ordered to prevent the sale of adulterated liquor.
During his visit, the Commissioner inspected Ajay Wines in Eluru, personally verifying stock authenticity using the Surakshaa App. He emphasized the importance of random bottle checks to eliminate spurious liquor and protect consumers.
The Commissioner also noted that revenue growth is closely tied to effective enforcement. Controlling illegal liquor trade not only ensures public safety but also strengthens legitimate revenue streams, reinforcing the importance of the Illegal Liquor Crackdown Andhra Pradesh.
Hanumantha Rao is the Editor of Good Morning Andhra English Daily with over 15 years of experience in journalism covering politics, public affairs, and regional news.
