4 arrested for ‘attacking Excise team’ after raid at Bhubaneswar bar

An unusual scene unfolded in Bhubaneswar late Saturday night as an Excise Department team came face to face with some unruly and drunken youths. The incident occurred near a bar in Chandrasekharpur when the excise team was returning after conducting a raid. Four youths were arrested on Monday in this connection.

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According to sources, the youths in inebriated condition hurled liquor bottles at the excise vehicle and even poured alcohol on the excise officials. Despite the raid team being in uniform, the attackers allegedly abused them using obscene language.

Following a complaint at the local police station, cops detained four persons while a search is on for others involved.

The incident took place around midnight near Romeo Lane Bar, close to Chandrasekharpur Police Station. While officers were getting into their vehicle after completing the inspection, the sudden attack began.

PCR vans rushed to the spot and brought several individuals to the police station. It is yet to be confirmed whether the attackers were instigated by the bar authorities or reacted out of anger after the bar was closed by the officials.

Despite the sudden confrontation, excise teams continued raids across other bars in the city the same night to verify compliance with the rules, including operating hours, licensing, customer safety, and fire safety norms.

Officials stated that over 155 bars, pubs, and clubs operate in the State Capital, permitted to remain open till midnight, with extended hours allowed only with prior permission.

With New Year celebrations approaching and following a recent fire incident at a bar in Palasuni, the Department has intensified surprise inspections. Seven teams led by the Excise Superintendent have been deployed, and such raids will continue.

The sustained enforcement has created panic among bar owners, while police have also moved into action mode to rein in late-night hooliganism fueled by alcohol.

“When we were about to board the vehicle, they (a few youths) hurled beer bottles at us and threw alcohol at some of our officers. They even scolded the team members by using obscene language and manhandled them,” Excise Superintendent, Debasish Patel, said.

“They (the miscreants) fled from the spot soon after committing the crime. We immediately lodged an FIR with local police leading to the arrest of four. A detailed probe is underway. However, our raid will continue in the days ahead,” the Excise official added.

Reported By: Jyoti Prakash Pati, Chandan Paikray