Bhubaneswar Bar Raids 2025: 155 Pubs Checked, Two Detained After Officer Assault

In a sweeping late-night enforcement drive, the Excise Department inspected 155 bars, pubs, clubs, and beer parlours across Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

The crackdown was aimed at establishments operating beyond permitted hours and violating licensing and safety norms.

The operation took a violent turn when an excise officer was allegedly assaulted at a bar under the Chandrasekharpur police station limits.

Police confirmed that two suspects have been detained for questioning, while efforts are underway to identify others involved in the attack.

Officials reported that several outlets were found flouting rules, including running late into the night, prompting legal action under relevant provisions.

The intensified inspections follow heightened safety concerns after a major fire broke out at a rooftop bar in Satya Vihar on Friday morning.

Fire Services responded swiftly, deploying two tenders to control the blaze within an hour.

Authorities stressed that such incidents underscore the need for strict enforcement of safety and licensing norms across nightlife establishments in the city.

The coordinated drive signals a zero-tolerance approach by the Excise Department, with officials pledging continued vigilance to ensure compliance and public safety.