Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav Takes Tough Stand: Excise Officer Suspended Amid Corruption Allegations in Liquor Contractor's Suicide Case

Bhopal: In a move that underscores the BJP-led government's zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has directed swift action leading to the immediate suspension of Mandakini Dixit, the in-charge Assistant Excise Commissioner of Dewas district. The order, issued by the Commercial Tax Department of Madhya Pradesh, comes in the wake of serious allegations leveled against Dixit in a viral video recorded by liquor contractor Dinesh Makwana before his tragic suicide. The suspension order, dated December 2025 and signed by Deputy Secretary Vandana Sharma on behalf of the Governor, cites violations of the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965. It highlights that Makwana's video, which surfaced on social media and in newspapers, accused Dixit of demanding illegal payments, pushing him to the brink. The government views these claims as gravely serious, breaching the duties and responsibilities expected of a public servant. Under Rule 9 of the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1966, Dixit has been suspended with immediate effect, and her headquarters shifted to the Excise Commissioner's office in Gwalior. During this period, she will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per rules. The backdrop to this political storm traces back to Makwana's death, which has sent shockwaves through the state's administrative and business circles. Makwana, a liquor contractor in Dewas, allegedly recorded a video detailing how Dixit demanded monthly bribes, including an initial payment of Rs 1.5 lakh, and later escalated pressures for larger sums, reportedly up to Rs 2 crore. Overwhelmed by financial distress and harassment, Makwana blamed Dixit for his decision to end his life. The video quickly went viral, amplifying public outrage and drawing scrutiny to the excise department's operations under the current regime. This incident has fueled debates on governance in Madhya Pradesh, with opposition parties like Congress questioning the prevalence of corruption in key revenue-generating sectors like excise. Critics argue that such cases expose systemic flaws, where contractors face undue pressures from officials, potentially linked to political funding networks. However, supporters of the Yadav administration hail the suspension as a bold step, aligning with the Chief Minister's image as a no-nonsense leader committed to cleaning up the bureaucracy. Yadav, who assumed office amid promises of transparent governance, has positioned this action as part of his broader crackdown on malpractices, reminiscent of similar high-profile interventions in other departments. Dixit, in her defense, has denied the allegations, terming them baseless and suggesting they stem from Makwana's own financial troubles. Sources close to the excise department indicate that an inquiry is underway, with possibilities of further disciplinary proceedings if the charges are substantiated. The order has been circulated to key officials, including the Excise Commissioner in Gwalior, district collectors, and treasury officers, ensuring compliance and transparency. As the story unfolds, it highlights the delicate balance between administrative authority and accountability in Madhya Pradesh's political landscape. With elections on the horizon, this episode could become a litmus test for the government's anti-corruption credentials, potentially influencing public perception and opposition strategies. The Yadav-led BJP will need to navigate these waters carefully to maintain its stronghold in the heartland state.