Malad Sadguru Bar controversy surfaces as complaint alleges licence misuse.

The Sadguru Bar case in Malad has gained attention after a complaint alleged licence violations and improper liquor sales at the establishment. The representation names Krishna Gopal Shetty and claims that the premises operated beyond conditions permitted under an FL-3 licence. It also seeks intervention from Sunetra Ajit Pawar and calls for licence cancellation and investigation. Authorities have not issued any official findings, and the allegations remain unverified. The case is currently based on complaint submissions and is subject to further inquiry and due legal process.

Malad Sadguru Bar case explained: Illegal liquor sales allegations surface, licence cancellation demand reaches Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar

Fresh allegations have emerged over Mumbai’s Sadguru Bar and Restaurant in Malad East, where a complaint claims sealed liquor was sold like a wine shop despite a permit room licence.

A Malad Sadguru Bar case complaint alleges that Sadguru Bar and Restaurant in Dindoshi, Malad East, operated in violation of excise rules and caused revenue loss to Maharashtra.

The complaint seeks action against owner Krishna Gopal Shetty, cancellation of the establishment’s licence, and an inquiry into the role of local State Excise officials.

Representations have reportedly been sent to the Lokayukta and Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, seeking intervention and scrutiny in the matter.

Sprouts News has reviewed the complaint material but has not independently verified the allegations. No final adjudication or official finding had been publicly issued at publication time.

The establishment is identified in the complaint as Sadguru Bar and Restaurant, located in the Dindoshi area of Malad East, Mumbai.

According to the complaint, the premises hold a permit room licence listed as FL-3 Licence No. 775, granted by the State Excise Department.

FL-3 permit room licence central to Malad allegations

Under Maharashtra’s licensing framework, an FL-3 licence generally relates to on-premises service of liquor in bars, restaurants or permit rooms, subject to statutory conditions.

The complaint alleges that despite holding an FL-3 licence, the premises functioned in a manner similar to an FL-2 wine shop counter model.

It is alleged that sealed bottles of liquor were sold across a dedicated counter at MRP rates, instead of only serving permitted on-premises consumption formats.

The complaint further claims that around 90 per cent of the imported liquor stock was allegedly sourced through wine shop channels before resale from the permit room premises.

According to the representation, such sales allegedly reduced applicable revenue collections and resulted in losses to the state exchequer through tax and fee leakages.

No audited revenue figure has been publicly produced in the complaint material reviewed by Sprouts News, and those monetary allegations remain unverified.

The complaint also alleges that changes were made to the originally approved internal layout plan without obtaining the required prior permission from authorities.

Krishna Gopal Shetty is named in the complaint

The owner named in the complaint is Krishna Gopal Shetty, who is accused of operating the premises contrary to the licence terms and applicable regulations.

The complaint seeks criminal proceedings against the owner, alleging cheating of consumers and unlawful diversion of state revenue through improper liquor retail practices.

However, no court has determined wrongdoing, and no conviction or final administrative order has been reported in relation to these allegations.

Sprouts News sought responses from persons linked to the establishment and relevant authorities, but no verified statement was immediately available.

The complaint also questions whether local inspectors and excise officials failed to detect or stop the alleged irregularities despite the business operating openly.

It calls for an examination of whether any negligence, omission, or collusion occurred within the local enforcement machinery overseeing liquor compliance in the area.

Also Read: Ambarnath Bhagwan Lote Case: Family Alleges Negligence.

Laws and rules cited in the complaint

The representation reportedly cites the Maharashtra Foreign Liquor Rules, 1953, specifically Rules 50 and 57, alleging repeated breaches by the establishment.

It also references a government circular dated 1 February 2005, claiming FL-3 holders cannot convert premises into FL-2 style retail operations.

Further references are made to the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949, particularly Sections 54(1) and 56, which deal with licensing irregularities and enforcement powers.

Legal experts note that any enforcement action would depend on documentary evidence, inspections, stock audits, licence conditions, and due process hearings.

Possible administrative outcomes in such cases can include suspension, cancellation, penalties, prosecution, or closure orders if violations are officially established.

What happens next in the Malad Sadguru Bar case

The complaint requests immediate suspension or permanent cancellation of the FL-3 licence granted to Sadguru Bar and Restaurant in Dindoshi, Malad East.

It also seeks departmental action against officials allegedly negligent in supervision or enforcement of liquor licensing norms under Maharashtra’s excise framework.

If authorities initiate a formal probe, investigators may examine purchase invoices, stock registers, CCTV footage, billing systems, licence plans, and inspection records.

The case may draw broader attention to liquor licensing compliance, urban enforcement capacity, and how permit room licences are monitored in Mumbai.

Until any official order is passed, the allegations remain claims made in a complaint and are subject to verification through lawful administrative or judicial processes.

Excise Superintendent Nitin Ghule named

Questions have also been raised regarding Nitin Ghule, Superintendent of the Excise Department, with complainants alleging that Sadguru Bar operated under his alleged patronage or “blessings”.

These claims remain unverified. Repeated attempts were made to contact Ghule for comment, but calls were unanswered, and no reply was received to SMS messages till publication time.

Readers’ Appeal

Unmesh Gujarathi, an investigative and crime journalist in Mumbai, has helped expose several scams, fraud networks, cyber crimes, banking irregularities, and public-interest cases across Maharashtra. If readers have credible information, documents, or leads regarding corruption, scams, organised fraud, or wrongdoing, they may contact the Sprouts News investigation team. Genuine sources will be handled responsibly.

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.