Mandya: The Excise Department has cracked the whip following bribery allegations involving Excise Deputy Commissioner Ravi Shankar and Maddur Excise Inspector Shivashankar Aaradhya, who are accused of demanding a bribe of Rs. 20 lakh to process a bar and restaurant licence.

The State Excise Commissioner in Bengaluru has issued orders to suspend Inspector Shivashankar Aaradhya while recommending the suspension of Ravi Shankar in connection with the bribery case involving Congress  worker Puneet.

Puneet, who had applied for a CL-7 licence online in his mother’s name to open a bar and restaurant near Chandopura in Mandya, provided audio and video evidence to the Lokayukta SP to support his claims. His application was initially rejected by Ravi Shankar and Shivashankar Aaradhya, who cited the lack of necessary permissions.

After the rejection, Puneet visited the Excise Department office in person to resolve the issue. During this visit, Inspector Shivashankar Aaradhya allegedly demanded a bribe, claiming it was necessary to secure approval from higher officials. Initially, a bribe of Rs. 40 lakh was demanded, but after negotiations, the amount was reduced to Rs. 20 lakh.

Frustrated by the alleged corruption, Puneet approached the Lokayukta SP and filed a formal complaint against Ravi Shankar and Shivashankar.

In response to media reports about the incident, the Joint Commissioner of the Mysuru District Excise Department submitted a report to the State Excise Commissioner in Bengaluru, prompting further investigation into the case.