Excise Department Video of Toddler Forced to Drink in Karnataka

New Delhi, December 30, 2025: A wave of public indignation has been triggered across Karnataka following the emergence of a distressing viral video involving a minor. On December 28, 2025, an elderly man was observed at a local bar in Raibag town, Belagavi district, accompanied by his three-year-old grandson. In the footage, which was reportedly filmed by a fellow patron, the grandfather was seen pouring alcohol into a glass and forcing the toddler to consume the intoxicant. Despite the visible discomfort of the child, the man was observed continuing the act, leading to an immediate outcry on social media platforms.

Excise Department Demands Accountability

A swift response was initiated by the Karnataka Excise Department after the video gained significant traction on Monday. Joint Commissioner of Excise (Belagavi Division) Fakirappa Chalavadi was heard confirming that a formal investigation has been launched into the incident. It was reiterated by the department that the presence of minors in a licensed liquor establishment is a severe violation of state laws. The establishment, identified as Pritam Bar and Restaurant, is now facing potential license suspension for allowing a toddler to enter the premises and consume alcohol under their watch.

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Severe Legal Consequences for the Perpetrator

The gravity of the incident has been highlighted by legal experts citing the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. It was noted that under Section 77 of the Act, any individual found giving a child an intoxicating substance faces rigorous imprisonment for up to seven years along with a hefty fine. The local police have been observed coordinating with the Department of Women and Child Development to ensure the safety of the toddler. The grandfather’s actions have been widely condemned as “gross negligence” and a “criminal breach of trust” toward a defenseless minor.

A Call for Stricter Vigilance in Public Spaces

This incident has reignited a debate regarding the enforcement of age-related regulations in the state’s hospitality sector. It was argued by child rights activists that the bar staff failed in their primary duty to prevent the entry of a child into a restricted environment. As the year 2025 draws to a close, the Excise Department has issued a stern warning to all bar owners in the Belagavi region to implement stricter checking protocols. The “Raibag Bar Incident” serves as a grim reminder of the need for public vigilance and the immediate reporting of child endangerment to the authorities.

Prioritizing Child Safety in 2026

As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on the well-being of the three-year-old boy. The viral video has been utilized by the authorities as primary evidence to build a case against both the family member and the business owner. Moving into 2026, the Karnataka government is expected to review the monitoring systems in place for liquor vends to ensure such “inhumane acts” are never repeated. The swift intervention by the Excise Department has been praised by the public as a necessary step toward upholding the sanctity of child protection laws in the state.