The Karu Dine and Wine Bar case has come under scrutiny following a written complaint alleging misuse of an FL-3 licence, illegal retail-style liquor sales, and potential tax evasion. The representation names Uttam Rajaram Shinde, alleging administrative inaction, though no official findings have confirmed these claims. Residents have also raised concerns about late-night operations, encroachment, and public disturbance in Dombivli. Authorities are expected to examine whether licence conditions under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act were violated, with demands for investigation and possible suspension or cancellation of the establishment’s licence.

Karu Dine and Wine Bar case Latest Update: Complaint names Uttam Rajaram Shinde amid licence misuse, tax evasion allegations

Written representation to the Excise Department alleges misuse of FL-3 licence, illegal retail liquor sales, and possible administrative inaction, with calls for investigation and licence cancellation in Dombivli.

The Karu Dine and Wine Bar case has drawn scrutiny after a complaint alleged regulatory violations and named Uttam Rajaram Shinde in connection with alleged administrative inaction.

According to a written complaint submitted to the Superintendent’s office in Thane, bars and restaurants were allegedly operating beyond permitted conditions by converting into de facto retail wine outlets.

The representation, cited by sources, alleges that Karu Dine and Wine Bar and Restaurant (Licence No. FL-3-2747) operated an unauthorised retail-style counter inconsistent with its FL-3 licence provisions.

It further claims that the establishment procured foreign liquor at wholesale rates and sold it directly to customers, potentially bypassing applicable taxation and regulatory compliance requirements under state law.

Allegations of licence misuse, tax evasion, and regulatory breach

The complaint alleges that the establishment generated daily sales of approximately ₹4 lakh to ₹5 lakh, leading to an estimated tax impact of ₹60,000 to ₹75,000 per day.

Under Maharashtra regulations, an FL-3 licence permits on-premise consumption, whereas retail sale of sealed bottles generally requires separate authorisation under a different licensing category.

If verified, such activity may constitute a violation of licence conditions and could attract action under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949, subject to due process and departmental inquiry.

The complaint also alleges that multiple establishments in the region may have adopted similar practices, raising broader concerns about enforcement consistency within the excise regulatory framework.

Allegations involving Superintendent Uttam Rajaram Shinde

The written complaint further alleges that Uttam Rajaram Shinde was aware of these practices but did not initiate action, though no official findings have confirmed these claims.

It additionally refers to alleged financial links between certain bar operators and officials; however, these assertions remain unverified and require investigation by competent authorities.

No official statement has been issued by Shinde regarding the allegations at the time of publication, and the matter remains subject to verification through appropriate administrative and legal channels.

Chandresh Jyoti Housing Society and civic complaints

Residents of Chandresh Jyoti Housing Society have alleged unauthorised construction and encroachment outside the premises, stating that structural changes were made without necessary approvals from civic authorities.

They also claimed that liquor sales allegedly continued until 3:00 AM, exceeding permitted hours, resulting in noise disturbances and affecting residential peace in the Lodha Heaven locality of Dombivli.

Such complaints highlight potential overlaps between excise compliance, municipal regulations, and local law enforcement responsibilities, particularly in mixed-use residential-commercial zones.

Prior notices, licence holder Aradhya Rajan Dubey, and the administrative record

The complaint references earlier correspondence, including a March 19, 2025, notice issued by the State Excise Inspector, Dombivli Division, concerning operational compliance of the establishment.

It also cites a written undertaking submitted on April 1, 2025, by licence holder Aradhya Rajan Dubey to the District Collector, addressing regulatory assurances.

Further, residents submitted a complaint on May 26, 2025, to the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation Commissioner, raising concerns over alleged violations, though no conclusive enforcement outcome has been publicly detailed.

Also Read: SICES Ambernath Case: ₹20–50 Cr Fee Allegations Surface.

Related News: Dombivli Karu Wine and Dine Faces Licence Action Demand.

Legal provisions invoked and demand for licence cancellation

The complainant has sought action under Sections 54(1) and 56 of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949, citing alleged breach of licence conditions and misuse of granted permissions.

Reference has also been made to a government circular dated February 1, 2005 (FLR/1302/CR-57/EXC-2), arguing that the alleged retail-style sales fall outside the permissible scope of an FL-3 licence.

The representation urges the Excise Commissioner to initiate immediate proceedings, including suspension or cancellation of the licence, pending a detailed inquiry into the allegations and compliance status.

Broader implications and expected next steps

The Karu Dine and Wine Bar case raises wider questions about regulatory enforcement, administrative accountability, and revenue protection within Maharashtra’s excise-controlled hospitality sector.

Authorities are expected to examine the complaint, verify records, and determine whether violations occurred, ensuring adherence to due process before initiating any punitive or corrective action.

As reported by Sprouts News, the outcome of this case may influence enforcement standards across similar establishments, with residents and stakeholders closely monitoring developments in the Dombivli region.

Unmesh Gujarathi, a senior journalist based in Mumbai, has exposed several national-level scams and frauds. If you have credible information regarding irregularities, scams, or financial misconduct, you may contact the Sprouts News team at 9322755098. All information will be handled with due confidentiality and journalistic responsibility.