Hyderabad, 8 July
Man Learns Wine-Making on YouTube, Arrested for Illegal Manufacturing in Hyderabad
The Telangana Excise and Prohibition Department has busted an illegal wine manufacturing unit in Hyderabad, arresting a man who allegedly learnt the process through YouTube before starting the business without obtaining the mandatory licence.
The operation was carried out in Kapra, where excise officials seized 377.7 litres of illegally manufactured wine, 502 bottles, and equipment used in the production process. The total value of the seized stock and machinery is estimated to be around Rs 1.5 lakh. -Man Learns Wine-Making on YouTube, Arrested for Illegal Manufacturing in Hyderabad.
The accused, identified as Antony Peter, was taken into custody and later handed over to the Kapra Excise Station for further legal proceedings.
YouTube Tutorials Led to Illegal Wine Manufacturing in Hyderabad
According to officials, Antony Peter learnt the process of making fruit wine by watching tutorials on YouTube. He then set up a small manufacturing unit at his premises and began producing wine commercially without securing the licence required under the Telangana Excise Act.
Officials said that while individuals may access information online, the manufacture, storage, and sale of alcoholic beverages require prior approval and licensing from the Excise Department. Man Learns Wine-Making on YouTube, Arrested for Illegal Manufacturing in Hyderabad.
The case has become a notable example of illegal wine manufacturing in Hyderabad, where authorities say the accused allegedly ignored legal requirements before entering the business.
Seven Varieties of Fruit Wine Seized
During the raid, excise officials discovered that Peter was producing and selling seven varieties of fruit wine, including:
- Grape wine
- Pineapple wine
- Guava wine
- Sweet lime (Mosambi) wine
- Sapota wine
- Banana wine
- Betel leaf wine
Investigators said the bottles were being sold for Rs 300 each for a 750-ml bottle.
The products were reportedly supplied in several parts of Hyderabad, including Neredmet, Secunderabad, ECIL, and Kapra.
How the Wine Was Manufactured
During the investigation, excise officials found that the fruits were naturally fermented for approximately 15 days before additional ingredients, including sugar and wheat, were mixed into the solution.
The fermented mixture was later filtered and bottled before being sold as fruit wine.
Officials explained that the natural fermentation process generates alcohol, bringing the product under the jurisdiction of the Telangana Excise Act. Since the accused did not possess the necessary licence or approval to manufacture alcoholic beverages, the operation was considered illegal.
The department also seized the machinery, containers, fermentation equipment, and bottled stock used in the manufacturing process.
Excise Department Warns Against Illegal Production
Following the raid, excise officials reiterated that any commercial manufacture or sale of alcoholic beverages without proper authorisation is a punishable offence under the law.
Authorities have urged people interested in producing alcoholic beverages to obtain the necessary licences and comply with all legal and safety regulations before starting any such business.
The seized wine stock, bottles, and equipment have been handed over to the Kapra Excise Station, where further legal action is being taken against the accused.
Officials said the investigation is continuing to determine whether the accused had any associates or a wider distribution network involved in the operation.