HYDERABAD: In a the last two years, there has been a massive 300% increase in non-duty paid liquor (NDPL) cases in the state.
In 2023 alone, authorities reported around 2,000 cases, leading to the arrest of over 1,000 individuals. An NDPL case is registered for bringing alcohol from other states into Telangana violating local excise laws.
Initially, after the state’s formation, about 100 NDPL cases used to be reported each year.
According to data available with TOI, 100 NDPL cases were recorded in 2014, resulting in 161 arrests. The numbers remained below 100 till 2021. Then the cases began to rise sharply, reaching 579 in 2022 and peaking at 1,874 cases in 2023, with 1,000 persons arrested, translating to 324% (approximately) increase. Till Sept-end this year, 659 cases were registered and 351 persons have been caught.
Major gangs not involved in NDPL cases
Transporting liquor from other states is against the rules yet many people do so due to a price difference of nearly 30%-40% for liquor brought in from states such as Delhi, Haryana and Goa. When stopped at railway stations and airports, most persons feign ignorance about the legality of bringing in alcohol from other states,” an official said.
While no major organised gangs were involved in these cases, sources revealed that individuals hosting large parties at their homes and small event managers were often found to be involved in these violations. Till date, 2,695 individuals have been arrested in these cases.
