Yearly Archives: 2025

Liquor Scam in Andhra Pradesh, Former Chief Minister under a cloud

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  • MP Midhun Reddy Arrested
  • Manufactured narrative designed for media theatrics and political vendetta, says Y.S.Jagan Mohan Reddy

In a major political development, the Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (CID) has filed a 305-page chargesheet alleging a ₹3,500 crore liquor scam during the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) regime, identifying former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy as a recipient of illicit kickbacks.

While not formally listed as an accused, the chargesheet states that Jagan allegedly received ₹50–60 crore every month through a nexus of party leaders and business intermediaries. As of now, no FIR has been filed against Jagan Mohan Reddy himself, but legal observers say the mention of his name in the chargesheet could be a prelude to deeper legal consequences, depending on the outcome of the SIT’s continuing probe.

The CID has arrested YSRCP Rajampet Member of Parliament P. V. Midhun Reddy in connection with the scam. Authorities claim Reddy played a key role in manipulating liquor policy to favour certain private players, facilitating a syndicate that profited from government contracts and distribution networks. He has been remanded to judicial custody until August 1. His arrest marks the highest-level detention in the case so far.

“The collected amounts were eventually handed over to Kesireddy Rajasekhar Reddy(A-1). Rajasekhar Reddy would then pass the money to Vijay Sai Reddy (A-5), Mithun Reddy (A-4), Balaji (A-33) who would transfer it to former Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. On an average, Rs 50-60 crore was collected every month (during the 2019-24 YSRCP regime),” the charge sheet said as cited by a news agency. A key witness has reportedly corroborated these transactions, according to media reports.

The report labels Rajasekhar Reddy as the “mastermind and co-conspirator” behind the liquor scam, alleging he manipulated the excise policy, replaced automated Order for Supply (OFS) systems with manual processes, and appointed loyalists in APSBCL (Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited).

The chargesheet states that Rs 250–300 crore was routed in cash for election expenses of the YSRCP, coordinated by Rajasekhar Reddy and ex-MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy. The laundered money was allegedly invested in land, gold, and luxury assets in Dubai and Africa, via 30 odd shell companies.

Investigators allege that Rajasekhar Reddy, a close associate of the party, masterminded the scheme and served as a conduit for routing illegal funds. These funds allegedly passed through top YSRCP leaders including Rajya Sabha MP V. Vijayasai Reddy before reaching the former Chief Minister. Over ₹62 crore in suspicious assets and accounts has been seized so far, with further investigations ongoing into policy changes made between 2019 and 2024.

“The accused planned the change in excise policy and also its modalities, to ensure that they would receive large kickbacks, majority portion of such kickbacks was received in cash, gold bullion etc,” said the document. The news agency report added that a key meeting with distillery owners was allegedly held at Hyderabad’s Park Hyatt Hotel in late 2019. Organised by Sajjala Sridhar Reddy (A-6), the owners were reportedly threatened to cooperate with the manual OFS process and pay kickbacks of 12–20% or face order denials.

“During the meeting, the owners were intimidated that if they do not accede to their proposals and no orders will be issued to them. Such intimidation for kickbacks by threatening them with no issuances of OFS and thereby receiving kickbacks amounts to extortion,” the chargesheet mentioned.

“Political Vendetta”: Jagan Alleges

YSRCP chief Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has strongly denied the allegations, calling the entire exercise “a manufactured narrative designed for media theatrics and political vendetta.”

In a statement released by the party, he accused the current TDP-led government of Chandrababu Naidu of orchestrating arrests and fabricating evidence through forced confessions. “This is nothing but political revenge by the ruling dispensation,” Jagan said. “We dismantled illegal belt shops (illegal extensions of a licensed liquor outlet); now they are being revived under the guise of governance.”

The chargesheet could have significant consequences for the YSRCP, which is already under pressure after its loss in the 2024 Assembly elections. Political observers say the case may reshape the public perception of the previous administration and redefine the narrative ahead of upcoming by-elections and civic polls.

Meanwhile, the CID and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) are expected to summon more individuals linked to the case, with financial audits and policy reviews already underway. With formal judicial scrutiny of the chargesheet expected soon, legal experts anticipate a prolonged court battle that is going to further polarize the political climate in Andhra Pradesh.

ED Arrests Chaitanya Baghel in ₹2,100 Cr Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam

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In a major political and legal flashpoint, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on July 19 arrested Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with the ongoing money laundering investigation linked to the alleged ₹2,100 crore liquor scam.

Chaitanya was taken into custody from the Baghel family’s Bhilai residence under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), following what officials termed “fresh evidence” and a series of new raids. He was produced before a local court and has been remanded to five days of ED custody.

ED officials claimed Chaitanya was “non-cooperative” during the search operations, prompting his arrest which was done under heavy police protection, amid protests by Congress workers. The timing of the arrest—on Chaitanya’s birthday—has triggered a political outcry from the Congress party, which accused the central government of using investigative agencies to target opposition voices.

Bhupesh Baghel Slams ‘Political Vendetta’

Reacting strongly, Bhupesh Baghel addressed the media outside his residence and accused the Centre of resorting to “birthday vendetta politics”. “To please their masters, Modi and Shah have sent the ED to my house. Bhupesh Baghel won’t bow down. We will fight this battle of truth,” he said. Baghel also drew parallels to previous ED actions on his own birthday, calling the raids “gifts” from the BJP-led Centre. “Nobody in any democracy gives birthday gifts like these. This is not law enforcement; it’s political intimidation,” he remarked.

The Congress party on July 19 staged a walkout from the Chhattisgarh Assembly to protest the ED action, terming it a clear case of “misuse of central agencies to silence opposition leaders.” The party also linked the timing of the raid to a scheduled discussion in the Assembly about alleged deforestation in Tamnar for an Adani-operated coal mine project. Bhupesh Baghel had recently visited the affected area in Raigarh district to support protesting villagers.

“Today was the last day of the session. We were to raise the issue of trees being cut for Adani in Tamnar. But instead, the ED is raiding Bhilai Niwas,” read a statement from Baghel’s office.

Background of the Liquor Scam

The liquor scam is alleged to have taken place between 2019 and 2022, during the Congress government’s tenure. According to the ED, a syndicate illegally generated over ₹2,100 crore in profits by manipulating liquor sales and evading taxes—with alleged political backing.

Chaitanya Baghel is alleged to have been a beneficiary of the scam’s proceeds. The probe has already seen multiple arrests of Anwar Dhebar, brother of Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebar; Former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma; IAS officer Anil Tuteja; and ITS officer Arunpati Tripathi.

The ED claims that commissions from the scam were distributed “as per directions from the highest political executives”. The ED has attached assets worth ₹205 croreso far.

In 2024, the Supreme Court quashed the ED’s original ECIR, which was based on an Income Tax complaint. The agency then urged the state’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to file a new FIR. That FIR was registered on January 17, 2024, shortly after the BJP won the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, naming 70 individuals and entities, including former ministers and bureaucrats.

Debra Crew Quits as Diageo CEO

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  • Nik Jhangiani, CFO is interim CEO
  • Guidance for fiscal 25 and 26 remains unchanged

Diageo on 16th July 2025, announced that Debra Crew has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer and as a Board Director with immediate effect, by mutual agreement. Until a permanent appointment is made, Nik Jhangiani, Chief Financial Officer, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis.

Diageo said that the Board had begun a comprehensive formal search process, which will include consideration of internal and external candidates.

Debra Crew has led Diageo as Chief Executive Officer since June 2023, having joined Diageo as a non-executive director in 2019, then serving as President of Diageo North America and subsequently as Group Chief Operating Officer.

Guidance for fiscal 25 and 26 remains unchanged from what was shared on 19th May 2025 in the Q3 Trading Statement, and Diageo will report its fiscal 2025 full year results on 5th August as planned.

John Manzoni, Chair, Diageo plc, said, “On behalf of Diageo and the board, I would like to thank Debra for her contributions to Diageo, including steering the company through the challenging aftermath of the global pandemic and the ensuing geopolitical and macroeconomic volatility. On behalf of all Diageo colleagues, I wish her every success in the future. The Board’s focus is on securing the best candidate to lead Diageo and take the company forward. We strongly believe Diageo is well placed to deliver long-term, sustainable value creation.”

Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol, saw a huge decline in the company shares since Crew took over, according to a report in a financial daily in the UK. Her career as CEO began with slump in sales in Latin America and during her tenure Crew was not able to convince investors that the decline in sales was not due to operational reasons, but due to a cyclical downturn. Diageo now states that its guidance for fiscal 2025 and 2026 remains unchanged.

Royal Stag BoomBox Presents ‘SIGH’ — Fusion of Music and Hip-Hop

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Royal Stag BoomBox, brand’s flagship music IP in collaboration with Universal Music Group, returns with a fresh line-up under Royal Stag BoomBox Originals — a unique format that fuses melody and hip-hop. The platform now presents its first original of this season, SIGH — a collaboration featuring Nikhita Gandhi and Dino James.

Royal Stag BoomBox is back with its second season of BoomBox Originals – soundtracks that celebrate the brand’s spirit of Living It Large. It continues to redefine India’s musical landscape—blending genres, voices, and cultures and creating The Original Sound Of Generation Large.

Speaking about the collaboration, Nikhita Gandhi said, “Working on SIGH with Dino was such an exciting experience—it’s always refreshing to step out of your comfort zone and experiment. What I love about Royal Stag BoomBox is that it gives artists the freedom to truly express themselves—no filters, just pure sound and storytelling. It’s the perfect space to create something bold, new, and completely your own.”

Dino James added, “This track embodies everything we wanted to achieve – it’s bold, authentic, and unapologetically honest. Working with Nikhita elevated the entire composition, bringing a fresh dimension that perfectly complements the song’s energy. This is exactly what makes Royal Stag BoomBox such a compelling platform for artists. It encourages us to push creative boundaries and explore new territories.”

Kartik Mohindra, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Global Business Development at Pernod Ricard India said, “The universal language of music, has this remarkable power to unite people and create moments of pure magic. Royal Stag continues to celebrate music as its key youth passion pillar. With Royal Stag Boombox Originals we are set to elevate the experience with exciting new soundscape, blending the melodies of Bollywood with the pulsating beats of Hip-Hop, truly exemplifying the brand philosophy of Living It Large.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Preeti Nayyar, SVP & Business Head – India & South Asia, UMG For Brands, added, “Royal Stag BoomBox stands for bold expression and creative freedom to cross over from familiar sonic to discover new ones. At UMG for Brands, we are proud to support a platform that gives artists the space to experiment, blend genres, and create music that speaks to the youth. Royal Stag BoomBox Originals continues to bring together incredible voices from different musical worlds and turn them into unforgettable collaborations. It’s a true reflection of the evolving sound of India.”

Godawan Artisanal Indian Single Malt wins Double Gold at Monde Selection 2025

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Godawan Artisanal Indian Single Malt Whisky has been awarded Gold Medals for both its expressions, Godawan 01 Rich & Rounded and Godawan 02 Fruit & Spice, at the 2025 Monde Selection Quality Awards. This dual recognition further cements Godawan’s position as India’s most awarded single malt in recent times, with over 90 national and international accolades to date.  

Unlike standard blind-tasting formats, Monde Selection adopts a comprehensive evaluation process, assessing each spirit not only for flavour and aroma, but also for authenticity, craftsmanship and purpose. This makes Godawan’s continuing wins at Monde Selection even more meaningful, affirming that Indian whiskies are not only on par with the world’s best, but also bring a unique identity to the global stage. 

 Crafted in the heart of Rajasthan, Godawan is India’s premium artisanal single malt whisky with a distinct story, one rooted in place and purpose. Named after the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, locally known as Godawan, the brand represents mindful luxury and a profound respect for craft and conservation. Distilled in the arid climate of Alwar, Rajasthan, Godawan undergoes a unique ageing process shaped by the desert’s intense heat, which accelerates maturation and yields a richer, more full-bodied spirit. Using locally sourced six-row barley and a selective cask finishing process infused with Indian botanicals, each expression delivers layered complexity and refined character, resonating with both seasoned connoisseurs and curious new consumers. More than just a premium whisky, Godawan is backed by a strong commitment to sustainability, contributing to water conservation and ecological restoration initiatives across Rajasthan through Diageo India’s broader CSR efforts.  

 “As India’s most awarded single malt whisky, receiving consistent recognition from platforms like Monde Selection is a tremendous honour. This growing global momentum reaffirms our belief that India is not only crafting world-class whisky, but doing so with a distinctive identity, rooted in provenance, craft, and purpose. Year after year, we remain committed to upholding quality and consistency that resonates across cultures & continents,” says Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer, Diageo India. 

Building on this momentum, the brand has recently launched its latest Travel Retail Edition, now available on select duty-free shelves in Bangalore and Dubai. 

Oaksmith Introduces Nagomi: A New Benchmark in Indian Whisky Craftsmanship

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Oaksmith has unveiled its most premium expression yet – Oaksmith Nagomi. With this launch, the brand blends Japanese craftsmanship and global whisky making expertise, setting a new benchmark for modern Indian whisky.

This expression brings together the richness of aged Scotch malts, smoothness of American Bourbons, and the precision of Japanese blending techniques to craft a whisky that is rich, smooth, and harmoniously balanced. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of ‘Nagomi,’ which represents harmony and balance–this whisky is a testament to the art of bringing diverse elements together in perfect sync. Oaksmith Nagomi has been crafted by Shinji Fukuyo, Chief Blender at Suntory, who was recently honoured as Master Blender of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge 2024.

 “With Oaksmith Nagomi, we are not just introducing a new expression; we are reaffirming our commitment to elevate the Indian whisky segment,” said Rishi Walli, Senior Director – Marketing & IMFL Brands, Suntory Global Spirits. “Nagomi, inspired by the Japanese ethos of harmony and balance, is a whisky crafted for those who seek a fresh expression of aspiration. It also represents our dedication to blending global excellence, heritage, and authenticity, creating distinctive, high-quality whiskies that offer a premium experience with a truly international spirit. This launch marks the next chapter of Oaksmith’s journey where our Japanese legacy creates something more elevated for the evolving tastes of India,” he added.

 Oaksmith Nagomi is a sensorial celebration crafted for the Indian palate. From its intense rich gold appearance to smoky, spicy, and fruity aromas, it offers a full-bodied experience with woody undertones from oak casks, finishing bright, smooth, and surprisingly long. Inspired by Japanese aesthetics, the bottle design reflects strength, simplicity, and timeless elegance, resonating with modern Indian consumers who value authenticity and character.

Currently launched in Goa and West Bengal, Oaksmith will soon expand to more cities. With Nagomi – its most premium expression yet, joining Oaksmith International and Gold, the brand continues to bring Japanese craftsmanship and modern whisky-making expertise to India.

Paul John Whisky Unveils Exclusive Limited Edition Whisky

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Paul John Whisky has announced the launch of its Limited Edition Peated Port Cask, available exclusively at Cochin International Airport Duty Free starting July 16, 2025. This marks the brand’s second exclusive release at an international airport.

Crafted in Goa by John Distilleries, the limited-edition single malt highlights the brand’s signature coastal maturation. Bottled at 55.3% ABV, only 402 bottles are available. The whisky is non-chill filtered, contains no additives, and is initially matured in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in Port casks.

Tasting Notes

  • Colour: Old oak
  • Nose: Rich aromas of blackberries, prunes, dried fruit, and a hint of dark chocolate
  • Palate: Baked orange layered with smoky, dark caramel
  • Finish: Smooth, with honeyed sweetness and elegant oak undertones

“This exclusive release at Cochin Duty Free is not only a special experience for global travellers, but also a personal milestone for me,” said Paul P. John, Chairman of John Distilleries. “Launching this in my home state is a proud moment for the entire Paul John Whisky team.”

Kartik Mohindra appointed William Grant & Sons India’s new Managing Director

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Sachin Mehta will head the Canada Business 

In interesting news, Kartik Mohindra has been appointed as the new India Managing Director of William Grant & Sons. The change will take effect from 30th September, 2025 and the current MD, Sachin Mehta, will take up an international role, leading the Canada business.

Kartik – who moves from Pernod Ricard India was responsible as the CMO and Head of Global Business Development there, assumes the new role with over 26 years of experience as a senior leader in marketing and sales primarily in the alcohol, beverage and FMCG sectors. 

This opens up an exciting chapter for WG&S since Kartik comes with experience that’ve led innovation across various categories, from whiskies and wines to brand extensions in his previous role. According to reports – under his leadership, brands such as Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet, Absolut, Blenders Pride, Royal Stag, Imperial Blue, Jameson, Jacob’s Creek Wines and 100 Pipers achieved leading market positions. 

“These appointments reflect WG&S’ continued investment in key growth markets and a commitment to strengthening our global leadership team. We are excited to welcome Kartik to our team in India – a strategically important market for us,” said Doug Bagley, Chief Commercial Officer, WG&S. Kartik’s predecessor, Sachin Mehta will head the Canada Business following his work over the past nine years in India, which has made a significant impact, driving rapid business growth, strengthening the Company’s presence and achieving leadership for its portfolio of premium spirits brands in India.

Rampur Jugalbandi #6 named ‘Best World Single Malt’

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Rampur Jugalbandi #6, a limited edition Indian whisky has been named ‘Best World Single Malt’ at the 2025 John Barleycorn Awards held in the United States. The John Barleycorn awards are considered one of the most prestigious events in the global spirits world, and are judged by seasoned writers and industry experts.

Aside from this recently launched single-malt, two other Indian whiskies have also bagged awards for ‘Double Gold’ and ‘Gold in the Indian Single Malt Whisky – Tokaji Finish category’, respectively. Rampur Select secured a Double Gold, while Jugalbandi #5 earned Gold in the Indian Single Malt – Tokaji Finish category.

The Rampur Jugalbandi #6 is aged in rare Madeira casks in the north Indian climate, to attain the classic characteristics of the Rampur Single Malt whiskies.

Taste

The Jugalbandi series, #6, carries a pleasing aroma of floral and citrus notes, with a medley of fruits and caramelised pineapple and apricot on the palette. The alcohol by volume is 55.8 per cent.

Currently, this limited-edition Indian whisky is available in the Ospree Duty Free at Terminal 2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, and the duty-free at Terminal 3 of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Rampur Select was awarded Double Gold for its signature smoothness and fruit-forward character. It is priced Rs. 12,500 for a 750 ml bottle. The blend is aged in the foothills of the Himalayas and is described as the ‘Kohinoor of Single Malts’ by the brand.  Rampur Jugalbandi #5 received a Gold for its elegant and experimental cask finish and is matured first in American Bourbon barrels and then Tokaji wine casks, which infuses the liquid with fruity, floral and honeyed notes. The official MRP has not been disclosed.

ISWAI Urges Review of Maharashtra’s Excise Duty Hike on IMFL

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Prices of IMFL products expected to increase by up to 65%

In the wake of the current increase in excise duty on Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) by the Maharastra government, International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI) has raised strong apprehensions over the government’s recent decision The announcement has triggered concern amongst the stakeholders in the industry with prices of IMFL products expected to increase by up to 65%. For instance, the price of a 180 ml bottle can now be expected to increase by ₹100–130, something that is already doing rounds by consumers on social media. ISWAI and industry experts anticipate this increase having far-reaching economic and social consequences.

Currently the alcobev industry contributes ₹23,290 crore annually to the Maharastra Government, which has seen a robust 11% CAGR in total revenues and a 35% CAGR in the premium segment between FY20 and FY24. The industry stakeholders feel that this might derail this momentum and ISWAI is urging an urgent review of the new policy. 

Although the review seems unlikely since the new FTA between UK-India have brought down the imported liquor duty from 150% to 75% initially. 

Sanjit Padhi, CEO, ISWAI, said, “This unprecedented hike is likely to push consumers towards cheaper alternatives, including unregulated and potentially unsafe liquor.” Coupled with the high arbitrage with neighbouring states, this raises the risk of market infiltration by illicit products, posing a serious public health threat and undermining consumer safety he added.

This can also have more far etching implications according to ISWAI. Some of which include:

  • A potential decline in IMFL volumes may reduce demand for grain-neutral spirit (GNS), adversely affecting rural grain-supplying farmers
  • Likely downward trade for consumers to lower-end or cheaper products
  • This will impact expected incremental revenue to the government will be marginalised
  • Workforce rationalization at manufacturing units could result in job losses
  • Significant disruptions of ancillary sectors like logistics, packaging and bottling
  • Reduced footfall and revenue in bars and restaurants

There is a heightened risk of unintended consequences, including a surge in the consumption of illicit liquor and cross-border smuggling, particularly from neighbouring states like Goa and Madhya Pradesh, driven by the significant price arbitrage. This infiltration could severely impact both revenue collections and public safety.

ISWAI is also cautioning that the recent price hike may undermine the government’s revenue objectives by fueling non-compliance and expanding the illicit trade network. Rather than generating higher tax collections, the move could result in revenue leakages, as consumers turn to unregulated and untaxed sources of alcohol.

While the government has introduced a new category – Maharashtra Made Liquor (MML) – targeted at the ₹150–205 price range for 180ml, this segment is being vacated by existing IMFL brands, which are moving up to the ₹205+ bracket. However, with MML production expected to take over six months to ramp up, the interim period is likely to create a market vacuum, leading to potential revenue losses for the state.

“A balanced policy will not only ensure steady revenue inflow but also safeguard the interests of stakeholders across the value chain,” adds Sanjit Padhi. The industry, while supportive of reform, advocates a sustainable and revenue-positive model that balances fiscal goals with market realities.