Bengaluru: Holding candles and black ribbons tied to their foreheads, the residents of Indiranagar on Sunday condoled the death of victims of the fire accident at a rooftop bar in Mumbai and called for action against such bars in the city.
With placards in their hands they said "Our tribute to Mumbai Mocha Bar Victims", they demanded closure of all rooftop bars and pubs in the city.
Raj Kumar Pillai, president of Indiranagar Second Stage Welfare Association told Deccan Chronicle, "In Indiranagar alone there are more than 32 rooftop pubs and bars operating illegally and flouting fire safety norms."
He pointed out that most of these pubs and bars were not following the National Building Code of India Fire and Life Safety norms, which mandates that it should be implemented in buildings which are over 15 metres in height. Many were also violating local zonal regulations, he added.
With no safety measures in place, a Mumbai-like fire accident could lead to a loss of lives and also damage houses nearby, Pillai said.
Uday Vijayan of Beyond Carlton, who lost his 23-year-old son in the 2010 fire tragedy at the Carlton Towers on Old Airport Road, also took part in the silent protest.
