Overview

• Radico Khaitan announced the immediate withdrawal of its newly launched single-malt Trikal in a stock exchange filing after an internal review prompted by criticism
• The whisky was priced between ₹3,500 and ₹4,500 and featured a teal label depicting a forehead symbol that critics said mimicked Lord Shiva’s third eye
• Uttarakhand Excise Commissioner Harichandra Semwal stated the state never approved Trikal for manufacture, registration, or sale and will seek an FIR against those spreading false claims about its availability
• In its official statement, Radico Khaitan described the move as a gesture of respect for Indian cultural values and a commitment to honour public sentiment
• The controversy coincided with a 0.51% drop in Radico Khaitan’s share price on May 26, underscoring potential market repercussions for the brand’s premiumisation strategy