Excise DC Suspends Officer After Rooftop Restaurant Fire Inquiry

MYSURU, June 27, 2026 — The Excise Deputy Commissioner (DC) for the Mysuru division has been suspended after a fire broke out at a rooftop restaurant, sparking urgent questions about fire safety enforcement and licensing oversight in commercial establishments.

Authorities took the rare administrative step Friday after initial inquiries suggested gaps in enforcement of regulations that may have contributed to the blaze at the rooftop eatery in Dattagalli area. The suspension of the excise official underscores the seriousness with which state officials are treating the incident and compliance with safety norms.

Excise Suspension Highlights Safety Oversight Questions

The suspension comes amid growing public concern following the fire, which did not result in fatalities but left multiple people injured and caused extensive damage to the restaurant’s upper floors. Fire service personnel had to battle stubborn flames that spread rapidly through the terrace-level structure late Thursday afternoon. 

“We are conducting a full inquiry into how the establishment was operating and whether all licences and safety checks were in place,” said S. Ramesh, Senior Fire Officer, Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services. “Our focus remains on determining the exact cause of the fire and any administrative lapses that allowed it to happen.”

Authorities Review Licenses and Fire Safety Measures

Officials from the excise and fire departments have launched a joint inspection of rooftop venues and similar commercial establishments across Mysuru. Precautionary audits have been ordered to verify compliance with fire safety norms, licence conditions and emergency evacuation plans.

Industry stakeholders and consumer safety advocates have welcomed the suspension. “Accountability at every level of regulation is essential to prevent future incidents,” said Meera Gowda, Director of the Consumers’ Safety Council, Karnataka. “This action may push for stronger enforcement of safety standards in busy social venues.”

Background and Wider Implications

Rooftop restaurant fires have triggered regulatory crackdowns in other Indian cities in recent years, with authorities sealing or inspecting establishments for noncompliance with safety standards. Experts say that unauthorized or inadequately supervised spaces on rooftops present particular risks due to limited access routes and emergency facilities.

The excise department has stated that the suspended officer will remain off duty pending completion of the investigation. A senior official indicated that further administrative or legal action could follow based on the inquiry’s findings.

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