July 12, 2025

Adulterated toddy in Telangana is a growing concern as police warn that over 95% of the toddy sold in the state is laced with dangerous sedatives like alprazolam, diazepam, and chlordiazepoxide. This issue has turned into a silent pandemic, claiming many lives indiscriminately. Despite the scarcity of toddy trees in certain areas, the number of toddy shops exceeds expectations, signifying the rampant adulteration and unrestricted sale of spiked toddy. Officials have identified over 5,000 toddy shops in the state, many of which operate without proper licenses for making or selling toddy. The police emphasize the seriousness of selling toddy laced with benzodiazepines, equating it to trafficking narcotics under the NDPS Act. This alarming trend puts many lives at risk and should be treated as a medical emergency. Despite previous incidents and raids on toddy shops revealing adulteration, the government's response remains inadequate, prompting concerns for public health and safety. Medical professionals treating those affected by adulterated toddy highlight the diverse symptoms caused by the multiple harmful substances present in the drink.

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Tags: Adulterated toddy, Telangana, Silent pandemic, Adulterated liquor,