Overview
- A fire at Maara Restobar in Dattagalli on Monday killed two kitchen staff, rescued more than 15 people, and left several others injured after firefighters brought the blaze under control.
- Witnesses and preliminary inquiries say a short circuit produced sparks that ignited straw, gunny bags and other combustible decorations on the ceiling, which allowed the fire to spread rapidly.
- Kuvempunagar police have filed an FIR naming the restobar owner and the building owner, and excise and police teams have sealed the premises while investigations continue.
- Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah has alleged the restobar was serving liquor without a licence, recommended suspension of the district Excise deputy commissioner, and ordered citywide inspections of bars and restaurants.
- One injured person remains in critical condition with lung complications, families are arranging repatriation of the deceased, the restobar management is covering some costs, and the chief minister has been asked to release relief funds while officials examine enforcement gaps.