Janardhan Rao alleged that in April this year, Jogi Ramesh reached out to him again, asking him to revive the fake liquor operation — this time with the intention of discrediting the ruling government.
Published Oct 13, 2025 | 10:33 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 13, 2025 | 10:33 PM
A Janardhan Rao alleges that YSRCP minister Jogi Ramesh masterminded the political conspiracy. (Screengrab)
Synopsis: The video, now circulating widely on social media, has triggered a political storm, with the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) likely to seize upon the allegations to attack the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) over its alleged role in orchestrating fake liquor operations.
In a dramatic twist to the spurious liquor case that has rocked Andhra Pradesh recently, one of the key accused, A Janardhan Rao, has released a sensational video statement alleging that former YSR Congress Party minister Jogi Ramesh masterminded a political conspiracy to defame the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP government.
He was arrested at Vijayawada Airport immediately by excise department officials after his arrival from South Africa on Friday, 10 October, and was produced in a court on Saturday, 11 October, which sent him to judicial remand.
In the nearly nine-minute video, Rao confessed that he had earlier been involved in the manufacture of adulterated liquor during the YSRCP regime under Ramesh’s directions. He claimed that the racket was halted soon after the TDP government took charge due to tighter surveillance and enforcement.
“Once the TDP government came to power, surveillance increased, and we stopped the illegal liquor business,” Rao stated.
#AndhraPradesh: In a dramatic twist to the #spuriousliquorcase that has rocked Andhra Pradesh recently, one of the key accused, A Janardhan Rao, has released a sensational video statement alleging that former YSR Congress minister Jogi Ramesh masterminded a political conspiracy… pic.twitter.com/HOKhSKSzzM
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 13, 2025
However, he alleged that in April this year, Ramesh reached out to him again, asking him to revive the fake liquor operation — this time with the intention of discrediting the ruling government.
“Jogi Ramesh told me that to malign the TDP government, I should restart the fake liquor manufacturing. Initially, we planned to set it up in Ibrahimpatnam (Krishna district), but on his orders, we began operations in the Tamballapalle constituency (Annamayya district),” Rao said.
According to Rao, Ramesh reportedly told him that launching the operation in Tamballapalle — a politically sensitive constituency — would help “muddy the image” of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s administration.
Rao said he took liquor shops in the constituency under his name, rented rooms in other people’s names, and procured equipment to begin the illegal production. He alleged that Ramesh promised to handle his financial troubles and assured him of protection from law enforcement.
“After everything was ready, I was sent to meet my friend in Africa. Then, through his associates, Jogi Ramesh leaked information to the department and orchestrated a raid — all to tarnish the government’s image,” he claimed.
Rao further alleged that when the first plan did not have the desired political impact, Ramesh devised another ploy, directing him to shift the liquor stock to a godown in Ibrahimpatnam.
“As per his instructions, all the materials were moved to Ibrahimpatnam a day before the raid. Once again, Ramesh leaked information and had the raid carried out — with Sakshi media already stationed there in advance,” Rao alleged.
The accused said the plan succeeded in creating a negative perception of the TDP government, with visuals of the raid widely broadcast in the media.
“Everything went as planned. The TDP government got a bad name. Ramesh later told me not to return and said he would take care of everything, including bail. But now he has betrayed me,” Rao said, visibly emotional.
He also accused Ramesh of implicating his younger brother in the case and misleading him about their mutual acquaintance, businessman Jai Chandra Reddy, who was dragged into the controversy despite having “no connection whatsoever.”
“I have known Jogi Ramesh since childhood. He deceived me under the guise of trust. That’s why I have now come out to tell the truth,” Rao said.
The video, now circulating widely on social media, has triggered a political storm, with the opposition TDP likely to seize upon the allegations to attack the YSRCP over its alleged role in orchestrating fake liquor operations.
As of now, there has been no official response from Jogi Ramesh or the YSRCP regarding Janardhan Rao’s explosive claims. Police sources said the video would be examined as part of the ongoing investigation into the spurious liquor racket.
If verified, the revelations could reshape the narrative around the case — from a criminal investigation into adulterated liquor to a potential political conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the Naidu government.
Excise officials carried out a series of raids between 1 and 5 October in Annamayya district, where they unearthed a large-scale fake liquor operation in Molakala Cheruvu, seizing over 15,000 bottles of counterfeit alcohol, 1,050 litres of illicit spirit, and thousands of empty bottles.
Investigators found that the racketeers had built sophisticated facilities capable of replicating branded liquor labels. Initial reports linked the racket to local TDP functionaries, including the party’s district in-charge and his associates.
Under mounting pressure, the TDP suspended two local leaders allegedly involved. However, the YSRCP dismissed the move as an attempt to protect senior party figures, calling the suspensions “a smokescreen” to shield those truly responsible.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, 12 October, Chandrababu Naidu announced the formation of a five-member SIT to probe the spurious liquor racket in the state.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
