Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Alleged Belt-Shop Network Expands Across Rural Warangal Region
Belt shops are unauthorised places that sell alcohol in villages.
The article says thousands of these shops operate across the former Warangal district.
They are allegedly connected to licensed wine shops and protected through unofficial payments.
Each shop reportedly pays money every month to police and a nearby wine shop.
The article says there are about 5,400 belt shops but only 294 licensed A4 wine shops in the region.
Residents and women’s groups are worried because alcohol is available very easily, sometimes throughout the day.
They say families are losing money and facing debt, arguments and domestic violence.
The article also raises questions about whether government departments know about or permit this system.
The article estimates more than 5,400 unauthorised belt shops across the former Warangal district.
The shops allegedly operate with support from licensed wine operators, excise officials and police.
Each belt shop is reportedly linked to a licensed A4 wine shop and local police station.
Reported monthly payments include ₹15,000 each to police and the associated wine shop.
Women’s groups and residents say easy liquor access is worsening debt, domestic violence and family hardship.
- Who
- Alleged belt-shop operators, licensed A4 wine-shop operators, police and excise officials; women’s groups and local residents are raising concerns.
- What
- An alleged network of more than 5,400 unauthorised liquor outlets operating around 294 licensed A4 wine shops.
- Where
- Across six districts, 79 mandals, 12 municipalities and 1,367 revenue villages in the former Warangal district of Telangana.
- Why
- The article alleges that monthly payments, deposits and links to licensed wine shops allow the network to operate, increasing access to alcohol.
- Estimated belt shops
- More than 5,400 across the former Warangal district
- Licensed A4 wine shops
- 294
- Geographic area
- Six districts, 79 mandals, 12 municipalities and 1,367 revenue villages
- Reported police payment
- ₹15,000 per month from each belt shop to the local police station
- Reported wine-shop payment
- ₹15,000 per month from each belt shop to the associated wine shop
- Reported deposit
- ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh with patronising wine-shop operators
- Reported social effects
- Family disputes, domestic violence, debt and financial hardship