The Sadguru Bar case in Malad East, Mumbai, has gained attention following complaints alleging misuse of an FL-3 licence and potential revenue loss. The establishment, Sadguru Bar and Restaurant, is accused of operating in a manner similar to a retail liquor outlet, though no official findings have confirmed these claims. The complaint also names officials, including Nitin Govardhan Ghule, questioning delays in enforcement. Authorities have not issued a final statement, and all allegations remain subject to investigation, inspection records, and due legal process.

Malad Sadguru Bar Case Update: Complaints Target FL-3 Licence Use, Revenue Loss Allegations and Delay in Action

Fresh complaints have intensified scrutiny around Sadguru Bar and Restaurant in Malad East, Mumbai, with allegations of licence misuse, revenue leakage, and delayed enforcement by authorities.

The Malad Sadguru Bar controversy has widened after formal complaints accused the establishment of operating beyond the scope of its FL-3 licence.

The premises, identified as Sadguru Bar and Restaurant, Licence No. FL-3-775 is located in the Dindoshi area of Malad East, Mumbai.

Complainants have alleged that the outlet was functioning in a manner similar to an FL-2 wine shop through counter-sale activity.

Those allegations have not yet been established in court, and official findings remain awaited from the State Excise Department.

The matter has also drawn attention toward local enforcement mechanisms and supervisory accountability in the Mumbai suburban jurisdiction.

Nitin Govardhan Ghule Faces Questions Over Alleged Inaction

Public attention has turned toward Nitin Govardhan Ghule, Superintendent, State Excise, Mumbai Suburban District, named in the complaint representations.

Nitin Govardhan Ghule is also noted in public references as an Asian Kabaddi Championship gold medallist, adding visibility to the controversy.

Complainants have questioned why strict action was allegedly delayed despite repeated representations citing regulatory breaches and potential state revenue loss.

No personal wrongdoing by Nitin Govardhan Ghule has been judicially established, and the allegations remain claims made by complainants.

Administrative observers note that delay allegations often require examination of file movement, inspections, notices, and departmental response timelines.

What The Complaint Filed By Unmesh Gujarathi Alleges

A detailed complaint was reportedly submitted by Unmesh Gujarathi, Chief Editor of Sprouts News, to multiple state authorities.

The addressees reportedly included Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and State Excise Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, among other senior officials.

The complaint also named the Excise Commissioner, Additional Commissioner, Joint Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, and concerned local inspectors.

According to the complaint, Sadguru Bar and Restaurant allegedly sold sealed liquor bottles over the counter on MRP.

Complainants argued that such sales, if proven, would resemble FL-2 retail operations rather than an FL-3 permit room model.

Allegations Against Krishna Gopal Shetty

The complaint names Krishna Gopal Shetty as the owner of Sadguru Bar and Restaurant, linked to Licence FL-3-775.

It alleges that approximately ninety per cent of foreign liquor stock was sourced externally and resold through unauthorised counter mechanisms.

Those claims have not been independently verified by this publication and remain subject to official investigation and documentary scrutiny.

The complaint further alleges resulting losses in VAT and excise revenue running into substantial sums over time.

If substantiated, tax leakage claims could attract serious regulatory, civil, and criminal consequences under applicable laws.

Also Read: Kashiff Khan–Adam Lisowski Network Under Scrutiny.

Legal Provisions Cited In Representations

The complainant invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including sections related to cheating, conspiracy, and criminal breach issues.

References were also made to the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949, and the Maharashtra Foreign Liquor Rules, 1953.

Specific references included Rules 50 and 57, and an excise circular dated February 1, 2005.

Complainants sought immediate suspension and permanent cancellation of Licence FL-3-775 pending detailed inquiry and prosecution review.

Wider Governance Questions

The dispute raises broader questions about excise enforcement, licensing compliance, retail alcohol controls, and public revenue protection in metropolitan markets.

Experts note that misuse of category-based licences can distort competition and reduce lawful tax collections if violations are proven.

Sprouts News understands complainants have warned of escalating the matter before ACB, EOW, and the High Court if necessary.

What Happens Next

Authorities may inspect premises records, stock registers, CCTV footage, supplier invoices, tax filings, and licence conditions.

Statements from Krishna Gopal Shetty, concerned excise officials, and complainants could become relevant during any formal inquiry.

Until official proceedings conclude, all allegations remain contested claims requiring proof under law and due process safeguards.

Previous controversies linked to Nitin Govardhan Ghule appear to be more administrative and posting-related rather than any proven criminal wrongdoing. Publicly available reports indicate that his name surfaced during transfer disputes, enforcement debates, and criticism regarding departmental functioning.

One notable controversy emerged in 2019 when Nitin Govardhan Ghule challenged his transfer from the Thane unit to Dhule before the Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal. Reports said he argued the transfer was inconsistent with state transfer rules and was made to accommodate another officer seeking the Thane posting. The tribunal reportedly observed that approval alone does not automatically validate transfers if statutory rules are not followed.

Earlier reports from 2018 noted that the State Excise Department, Maharashtra Thane unit, had remained without a full-time superintendent for months until Nitin Govardhan Ghule was appointed. The delay had triggered criticism over administrative inefficiency and vacancy management.

In enforcement matters, officers in excise roles, including Nitin Govardhan Ghule, have periodically faced public scrutiny whenever illegal liquor trade, licence violations, or delayed raids were alleged in their jurisdictions. Such criticism is common for regulatory departments and does not by itself establish misconduct.

No publicly established conviction or final judicial finding of corruption against Nitin Govardhan Ghule was identified in the referenced sources. Allegations or controversies remain distinct from proven wrongdoing.

Readers Appeal

Truth prevails when courageous citizens speak up. Unmesh Gujarathi and the Sprouts News team continue exposing scams, corruption, and wrongdoing. If you have facts, documents, or evidence, your voice can create change. Share confidentially with our team on 9322755098.

Editorial Note:

This article is based on publicly available FIR records, court case references, and reports published by multiple media organisations. The information is presented in the context of ongoing investigations and public interest reporting. Sprouts News does not make any judicial determination regarding the individuals mentioned and does not intend to defame any person or organisation. Any individual seeking clarification or wishing to provide an official response may contact the editorial team with verifiable documentation. The information is presented for journalistic and informational purposes.