In a shocking late-night incident, a bouncer at a popular bar in Bhubaneswar’s Chandrasekharpur area was critically injured in a shooting over an alleged altercation regarding unpaid liquor bills.
The attack, which took place around 4:30 AM, has raised serious concerns about safety in the city’s nightlife scene.
According to police sources, the trouble began around midnight when four youths from Puri district arrived at Cosmos Bar in Damana Square. After indulging in heavy drinking, the group allegedly got into an argument with the bar manager over the bill. Tensions escalated, leading to a heated exchange between the customers and the bar staff.
The bar’s security personnel, including bouncer Surya Nayak, intervened to diffuse the situation, insisting the patrons pay their dues before leaving. The youths, reportedly intoxicated, resisted and engaged in physical confrontations with the staff before leaving around 2 AM. However, their departure was not the end of the ordeal.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the assailants lay in wait nearby, seeking revenge. Hours later, as Nayak exited the bar, he was ambushed and fired upon. The attackers fired five rounds, two of which struck Nayak’s legs. The injured bouncer collapsed, screaming for help, prompting bar employees to rush to his aid and call emergency services.
He was quickly transported to a private hospital for treatment, where his condition is now reported to be stable. The suspects fled the scene immediately after the attack.
Police have launched a detailed investigation into the shooting, detaining three suspects for questioning. Preliminary reports indicate that the alleged shooter has been identified as Shiba Patra. Authorities are also examining CCTV footage from the bar and surrounding areas to piece together the sequence of events and track down the remaining suspects.
Security experts have raised concerns over increasing violence in bars, particularly in educational hubs where such establishments are growing in number. Residents have demanded stricter regulations and heightened security measures to curb violent incidents.
The incident has sparked outrage among the local community, with many questioning the safety and regulation of bars in the capital. Civic groups and law enforcement officials are now under pressure to reassess security protocols and implement tougher screening for patrons.
With nightlife culture expanding rapidly in Bhubaneswar, the latest shooting has served as a wake-up call regarding the city’s approach to late-night alcohol service and overall law enforcement.
