Mysuru: In the wake of a devastating fire accident that claimed two lives and left seven others injured, the Karnataka Excise Department has ordered a comprehensive survey of all licensed liquor shops, bars and restaurants across the Mysuru division. The move comes amid revelations of serious lapses in licensing and regulatory compliance linked to the establishment where the fire occurred.
State Excise Commissioner R Venkatesh Kumar said Excise Joint Commissioner of Mysuru Division Basavaraj Hadapad has been directed to conduct a detailed survey and submit a report within a week. The findings will form the basis for further action against establishments found violating excise and safety regulations.
The commissioner personally inspected the fire accident site at Dattagalli in south-west Mysuru and held a review meeting with department officials to assess the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
Investigation reveals licence violations
Speaking about the preliminary findings, Venkatesh Kumar said the investigation revealed that the building where the fire broke out was operating beyond the scope of its approved licence.
According to the commissioner, local excise authorities had granted permission only for the ground and first floors of the building to function as a bar and restaurant. However, the rooftop section, where the restaurant was reportedly operating at the time of the incident and which was completely gutted in the fire, was being run by another individual without valid approval.
He said police are investigating the ownership and operational aspects related to the rooftop establishment.
The commissioner also stated that action has already been initiated against officials whose alleged negligence may have contributed to the incident.
Statewide inspections across Mysuru division
Following the tragedy, the excise department has ordered immediate inspections of all bars, restaurants and licensed liquor establishments across the Mysuru region.
The inspection drive will focus on verifying the validity of licences, compliance with excise regulations and adherence to safety and operational standards. Officials have been directed to examine whether establishments are functioning within approved premises and operating according to licence conditions.
The inspections will also assess compliance with permitted business hours, maintenance of statutory records and measures to prevent illegal storage or sale of liquor.
Authorities said the exercise will cover both urban and rural areas falling under the Mysuru excise jurisdiction.
Report to recommend action against violators
The report being prepared by field teams is expected to contain details of violations, if any, detected during inspections. It will also include recommendations for disciplinary and legal action against erring establishments.
Possible actions could include suspension or cancellation of licences, imposition of penalties and criminal prosecution wherever required under the law.
Department sources said multiple inspection teams have been deployed across the division to ensure comprehensive coverage within the stipulated deadline.
Officials believe the exercise will strengthen regulatory enforcement and reduce the risk of similar incidents occurring in the future.
Five excise officials suspended
In a significant development, five excise officials attached to the Mysuru division have been suspended for alleged dereliction of duty in connection with the fire accident.
Confirming the action, Commissioner Venkatesh Kumar said the suspensions were ordered based on a report submitted by the joint commissioner. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated to determine accountability.
The suspended officials include Excise Deputy Superintendent H K Ramesh, Inspector Ashish N, Sub-Inspectors Ranganath G and Dilip Kumar P G, and Constable Rajesh K.
The commissioner further stated that a recommendation has been sent to the state government seeking the suspension of Excise Deputy Commissioner (Mysuru Urban) Nagarajappa.
The department hopes that the inspection drive and disciplinary action will reinforce compliance among licensed establishments and help prevent future tragedies caused by regulatory violations and safety lapses.