Pub owned by Siddaramaiah's daughter-in-law raided

BENGALURU: A pub owned by former CM Siddaramaiah’s daughter-in-law in Bengaluru was raided last Saturday (October 28) for opening beyond the stipulated time of 1 am and sub-leasing liquor licence to the hotel it was operating from. The pub, Sugar Factory at Le Meridien Hotel, has been shut and the owners have been given 10 days to explain.

CCB and Excise officials raided the pub, owned by Smitha Rakesh, daughter-in-law of Mr Siddaramaiah, and Mohan Gowda. The pub belonged to late Rakesh, the elder son of Mr Siddaramaiah, and after his death, his wife Smitha started running it.

A senior officer said that the pub was raided by CCB officials after it was found violating the rules and operating till late night. They closed the pub after they found many violations and alerted Excise Department to take further action against the establishment.

The excise officials who examined the documents found that the pub had subleased the licence to the hotel. The officials then sent a notice to the chairman of Le Meridien, seeking an explanation.

According to rules, all pubs should be shut by 1 am. But Sugar Factory was reportedly open till 3 am and had not maintained proper records of selling liquor. The pub is currently shut and has not been allowed to operate. The owners have reportedly been given notice to explain within 10 days.