On Tuesday, reports emerged that Shilpa Shetty’s restaurant Bastian had landed in legal trouble after an FIR was filed against its Bengaluru outlet. Co-owned by the actress, Bastian has outlets in Mumbai, Goa, and Bengaluru. The Bengaluru police reportedly registered the FIR for alleged violations of operating rules. Soon after the reports surfaced, Shilpa took to her Instagram Stories to deny the allegations.
Shilpa Shetty denies Bastian legal case
According to reports, the case was filed against the outlet for operating beyond permissible hours. It was also reported that the Income Tax Department conducted a raid at Bastian Pub near Church Street in Bengaluru.
On Wednesday, in an Instagram post, Shilpa wrote, “We categorically deny the baseless and motivated allegations being circulated. The issues sought to be raised are being given a criminal colour without any lawful basis. A quashing petition has already been filed before the Hon’ble High Court and is pending adjudication (sic).”
She further added, “Having fully cooperated with the investigation, we are sanguine that justice will prevail and have complete faith in the law enforcement authorities and the judicial system of our country. We respectfully urge the media to exercise restraint as the matter is sub judice (sic).”
What was the FIR against Bastian about?
According to reports, on December 11, Bastian allegedly continued operations until 1.30 am, beyond the stipulated closing time. Police have booked the managers and staff of the outlet, and the complaint was filed at the Cubbon Park Police Station, as the restaurant is located on St. Mark’s Road.
Earlier in September, rumours suggested that Bastian’s Bandra outlet in Mumbai was shutting down. However, Shilpa clarified that the Bandra outlet would be transformed into a South Indian restaurant named Ammakai, while Bastian would shift to Juhu as Bastian Beach Club.
She posted a clip on social media where she was heard saying on a call, “No, I am not shutting down Bastian, I promise.” “I have received numerous calls, but everything said, I can definitely feel the love for Bastain, but don`t turn this love into something toxic. I have literally come to say that Batian is going nowhere. We have always introduced new food, continuing with that passion, we are so excited to announce not one but two new places,” she stated.
