Mysuru: Following a fire accident that claimed two lives and left seven injured, the excise department has ordered a survey of licensed shops, bars and restaurants across the Mysuru division.
State excise commissioner R Venkatesh Kumar told TOI that excise joint commissioner of Mysuru division Basavaraj Hadapad has been directed to submit a report within a week, based on which further action will be taken. Venkatesh said he inspected the accident site at Dattagalli in south-west Mysuru and held a review meeting.
“I inspected several establishments over the last two days and ordered the suspension of a few officials for lapses that led to the tragedy,” he said.
“Our investigation revealed that the building where the fire occurred was being operated without valid licence or approval. A licence had been issued only for the ground and first floors to run a bar and restaurant by local excise officials. The rooftop, where the restaurant was operating and which was completely gutted in the fire, was being run by another person. Police are investigating this aspect,” he said.
The excise commissioner has directed immediate inspections of all bars and restaurants across the Mysuru region. The drive will verify licences, compliance with excise rules, and adherence to safety and operational norms. Officials have been instructed to check permitted timings, maintenance of records and to prevent illegal sale or storage of liquor. The inspections will cover both city limits and surrounding areas under the Mysuru excise jurisdiction.
The report is expected to include findings from field inspections, details of violations, if any, and recommendations for action, including suspension or cancellation of licences, penalties and prosecution wherever required. Department sources said multiple teams have been deployed to ensure wider coverage within the deadline.
The inspection drive aims to prevent such incidents in future, strengthen enforcement and ensure all establishments operate strictly within the law, the commissioner said.
Five excise officials suspended
Five excise officials of the Mysuru division, including the deputy superintendent of excise (urban), were suspended on Wednesday for alleged dereliction of duty following the fire accident. A departmental inquiry has also been ordered.
Confirming the action, commissioner Venkatesh Kumar said that based on the report submitted by the joint commissioner, five officers were placed under suspension. He added that a recommendation has been sent to the state govt to suspend excise deputy commissioner (Mysuru urban) Nagarajappa.
The suspended officials are excise DSP HK Ramesh, inspector Ashish N, sub-inspectors Ranganath G and Dilip Kumar PG, and constable Rajesh K.
