'The Hub' violated building byelaws

The Hub, the restaurant and bar where assistant inspector general of police (AIG) SS Mand was assaulted on Monday night, was operating in violation of building byelaws since it first began operations on July 15 this year.

The Hub, the restaurant and bar where assistant inspector general of police (AIG) SS Mand was assaulted on Monday night, was operating in violation of building byelaws since it first began operations on July 15 this year.

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Besides, the owner of the restaurant-cum-bar, Maninder Pal Singh who is a prime accused in the assault case, had delayed the payment of the building's 'construction challan' by a year.

Though Maninder had to deposit Rs 21 lakh as construction challan in 2010 (the year when the construction of the building began), he deposited the sum only in October 2011. Maninder is said to have strong links in the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal government.

The building byelaws violation is regarding a 'side entry' to the building. Contacted, a senior MC official, who did not wish to be named, said it was not a major violation. "But there should have been a front entry. A side entry is not allowed in such buildings," he said.

According to sources, the police have now contacted senior MC officials to check the record of the building. It has also come to light that there was political pressure on the civic body not to take act against even minor violations in the building.

In spite of repeated attempts, no MC official was ready to speak on record regarding the building. Most said a statement on the issue could damage their careers.