The Excise Department conducted a large-scale late-night enforcement drive across Bhubaneswar, during which 155 bars, pubs, clubs, and beer parlours were inspected. The operation took a serious turn after an excise officer was allegedly assaulted at a bar located under the Chandrasekharpur police station limits.
Following the incident, police detained two individuals in connection with the alleged attack on excise personnel.
According to official sources, the raids were carried out on Saturday night based on information that several establishments were operating beyond permitted hours and violating licensing and safety norms.
During an inspection at a bar in the Chandrasekharpur area, a group of people reportedly resisted the raid and allegedly attacked excise officials, despite the officer being in uniform. The inspection was obstructed before the situation escalated into a physical confrontation.
A formal complaint was later filed at Chandrasekharpur police station. Police confirmed that two suspects have been detained for questioning, while efforts are ongoing to identify others involved in the incident.
Widespread Checks Across the City
As part of the coordinated drive, excise teams inspected 155 establishments across different areas of Bhubaneswar.
The checks focused on adherence to operating hours, licence conditions, and mandatory excise regulations. Officials reported that several outlets were found violating norms, including running late into the night, prompting action under relevant provisions of the law.
Recent Fire Incident Triggered Enforcement Drive
The intensified inspections follow recent safety concerns, particularly after a major fire broke out at a rooftop bar in Bhubaneswar’s Satya Vihar area on Friday morning.
Chief Fire Officer Ramesh Majhi said the Fire Services control room received an alert at 8:50 am. Two fire tenders were immediately deployed, reaching the spot by 9:15 am. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control after nearly an hour.
Authorities said such incidents have highlighted the need for strict enforcement of safety and licensing norms across nightlife establishments in the city.
