A Bihar Fire Service team conducted an inspection on Sunday at the coaching centre and hospital owned by Faisal Khan, popularly known as Khan Sir, in Patna. The audit revealed multiple serious violations of fire safety norms at both premises. This inspection occurs amid ongoing police efforts to arrest Khan Sir in connection with a firing case.
Serious Violations at Coaching Centre
District fire officer Ritesh Kumar Pandey stated that the audit team found several critical deficiencies. The G+5 coaching building lacks a fixed fire-fighting system. Instead of the mandated 25,000-litre overhead water tank, only a 5,000-litre tank was installed. A fire pump with a capacity of 900 litres per minute was missing, and there was no down-comer system in place. Additionally, the coaching centre has no exit gate.
Deficiencies at Hospital Building
The five-storey hospital building also failed to meet safety standards. An underground water tank with a capacity of 1.5 lakh litres was required but not provided. Other shortcomings included inadequate emergency exit signage, the absence of a fire alarm system, and an insufficient number of fire extinguishers. The audit found a shortfall of 20 ABC-type and six CO2 extinguishers. Rubber mats for electrical safety were also not available. The building did not meet required setback norms, and only one staircase was present instead of the mandatory two for emergency evacuation.
Second Fire Audit and Deadline
This was the second fire audit of the institute. Several recommendations had been made during the previous inspection, but officials found that satisfactory corrective measures had not been taken. The fire service department has directed the management to complete all upgrades within seven to 10 days. Continued violations could invite penalties, sealing of the premises, or cancellation of the no-objection certificate under fire safety rules. The department will conduct a fresh inspection after the deadline expires.
Notices to Other Establishments
Meanwhile, notices were also issued to five city hotels and a commercial complex, directing them to comply with prescribed fire safety norms. Pandey added that notices have been issued to five city hotels located on Jamal Road and Exhibition Road, as well as one commercial complex in Salimpur Ahra locality. They have been given a time-frame of 15 days. If they do not fulfil the safety norms during the period, the sealing process will begin.
