After controversy, Fabindia files plea to reopen Candolim store

After Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani complained about CCTV camera in the Fabindia’s Candolim, Goa store, the place was sealed. Now the company has filed an application before a local court seeking an order to reopen the outlet. Arguments were heard by the judicial magistrate first class court on Wednesday and the order is likely to be passed on April 17.

Earlier, top brass of Fabindia were questioned by the crime branch, which recorded statements of almost 22 Fabindia personnel including Managing Director (MD) William Bissell and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Subrata Dutta. Four people were arrested by Calangute police after Irani complained of a CCTV camera recording her in the trial room of the store, followed by the police sealing the shop.

Dutta and other top officers of the company have been granted anticipatory bail by the district court in Mapusa. “The entire incident has left us in a state of shock. But we are a strong company. These are moments of introspection for us,” Bissel told reporters after a four-hour long grilling session. Earlier, its largest investor L Capital Asia, had expressed its utmost faith in Fabindia management.