Police confiscate 25 kg of chloral hydrate, nab five in toddy tampering raids

Five people were arrested and 25 kg of chloral hydrate was seized in three raids targeting adulterated toddy in Hyderabad. The District Task Force and the Malkajgiri station house officer raided a toddy centre in East Anandbagh, found the chemical mixed in the drink and destroyed 163 litres of the adulterated toddy. Two men were taken into custody at that location. In a second operation, the task force joined the Nacharam SHO at a toddy shop in Ashok Nagar, identified chloral hydrate in the batch and destroyed another 101 litres. Two more people were arrested there while a third suspect remains at large. A case has been registered and further investigation is under way. The probe also led to the arrest of Siddagoni Rangaiah, alleged supplier of the chemical, in Pilaipalli village of Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, where police seized the 25 kg stash. In total, 264 litres of tainted toddy were destroyed across the raids.

Context

Chloral hydrate is a prohibited sedative that can be misused to boost the potency of alcoholic drinks. Its use in toddy is illegal under Indian excise laws, prompting regular checks by the department. The seizures aim to protect consumers from harmful intoxication.