Virat Kohli's Bengaluru pub One8 Commune gets civic body notice over alleged fire safety violations: Reports
Virat Kohli, who was recently in the middle of controversy with the Australian media ahead of the fourth Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test in Melbourne, now has an additional issue to deal with off the field. One8 Commune in Bengaluru, co-owned by Virat, has been handed a notice from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), a civic body, over alleged fire safety violations.
As reported by Times of India, the pub is allegedly operating without a no objection certificate from the fire department. The pub is located on the sixth floor of Ratnam's Complex on MG Road in the heart of the city and is close to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium as well.
Virat Kohli's One8 Commune in Bengaluru was previously issued a notficiation of a complaint by social activists Kunigal Narasimhamurthy and H.M. Venkatesh on November 29 but the notification did not get any response.
BBMP Health Officer of Shantinagar Division has issued a notice, which states that the BBMP has been given a deadline of seven days. Should the above mentioned pub does not provide clarification this time around, legal action will be taken against it.
"Many restaurants, bars, and pubs in high-rise buildings across Bengaluru are operating without any fire safety measures in place. In the past, fire accidents in Bengaluru have led to significant loss of life and injuries. For instance, during the Carlton Towers fire caused by a short circuit, people jumped off the building in an attempt to save their lives," complainant Venkatesh was quoted as saying.
"A restaurant in a high-rise building at Ratna Complex on MG Road is lacking fire safety measures. We have raised this issue and brought it to the attention of the BBMP by filing a complaint. Following this, they have issued a notice. It remains to be seen how proactive BBMP and the Fire Department will be in ensuring safety and implementing these measures effectively," he said, referring to Virat Kohli's One8 Commune.
One8 Commune was also subjected to a formal complaint in July earlier this year for taking orders at 1:20 AM, thus operating beyond the 1:00 AM deadline.
Virat Kohli involved in argument with media persons at the Melbourne airport
Upon arriving at the Melbourne airport ahead of the fourth BGT 2024-25 Test, it appeared as though the Australian media were filming Virat Kohli along with his wife Anushka Sharma and their children.
Demanding for privacy and asking to not be filmed without taking his permission, Virat was spotted in an arguement with an Australian reporter over the issue. The matter stirred a significant controversy.
He has made just one solid score with his century in Perth in three Tests so far. Thus, Virat will be eager to get some runs under his belt and perform in Melbourne and Sydney as India aim to win the series, which is currently levelled 1-1.