Virat Kohli lands in new Controversy, gets huge blow ahead of RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Final!

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As the cricketing world gears up for the IPL 2025 final, star batter Virat Kohli has found himself entangled in yet another controversy - this time off the field.

A bar and restaurant in Bengaluru co-owned and promoted by Kohli has come under legal scrutiny once more, casting an unwelcome shadow just days before the tournament's grand finale.

The Cubbon Park police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against One8 Commune, located near Kasturba Road and MG Road in central Bengaluru, for alleged violations of smoking zone regulations. The FIR, filed on May 31 following permission from a local court, invokes Sections 4 and 21 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), which deal with the prohibition of smoking in public places and the corresponding penalties.

According to police officials, the violation came to light during a citywide crackdown launched on May 29 targeting tobacco-related infractions. The pub reportedly lacked a designated smoking area, a requirement under the law. Officers confirmed the violation during a surprise inspection and registered the case against the establishment's manager and staff.

This is not the first time Kohli's flagship hospitality venture has made headlines for the wrong reasons. In December 2024, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) issued a second notice to the pub for allegedly operating without proper fire safety clearance. Earlier in July 2024, the Bengaluru City Police filed a case against the pub for running beyond permissible hours, reportedly serving patrons until 1.30 am - past the then-legal limit of 1.00 am.

While Kohli has not been named in any of the cases, the repeated violations tied to his co-owned venture threaten to dent his public image, especially at a time when his on-field focus should be on securing another IPL title.

Kohli will be in action for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 final on Tuesday (June 3) as they take on Punjab Kings. The RCB stalwart has been in amazing form and will be pivotal as RCB look to lift their maiden title.