MP suspends excise officers over auction negligence:Betul and Guna officials face action as 400 liquor shops remain unauctioned

The excise department in Madhya Pradesh has taken strict action over delays in liquor shop auctions, suspending officials from Betul and Guna districts for negligence affecting revenue collection. Excise Commissioner Deepak Saxena suspended District Excise Officer Anshuman Singh Chidar (Betul) and in-charge District Excise Officer Guruprasad Kewat (Ashoknagar-Guna). The action was taken due to failure to ensure timely and effective auction of liquor shops, which impacted the state’s revenue targets under the Excise Policy 2026–27. 400 shops yet to be auctioned According to officials, the auction process remains incomplete, with around 400 liquor shops still pending. As a result, the department has had to make interim arrangements to operate these outlets. Action under service rules Both officers have been suspended under the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services Rules, 1966, for not acting in the interest of government revenue and failing to show urgency in the auction process. During the suspension period, their headquarters have been reassigned to divisional offices, and they will receive subsistence allowance as per rules. Posted to Bhopal and Gwalior divisional offices The suspended Betul officer has been attached to the Excise Deputy Commissioner’s flying squad office in Bhopal, while the Guna-Ashoknagar officer has been posted to the divisional office in Gwalior. Auction progress and Revenue details As per data released by the excise department On April 6, 21 shops were auctioned The number of contractors has increased significantly this year: Revenue figures For the remaining 400 shops Department warns of strict action The department has made it clear that negligence in meeting revenue targets will not be tolerated. Further strict action may follow to ensure transparency and faster execution of departmental work.