Bhubaneswar, 14 December (H.S.) : The Excise Department conducted a large-scale late-night enforcement drive across Bhubaneswar on Saturday, raiding 155 bars, pubs, clubs and beer parlours for alleged violations of licensing and safety norms.

During the operation, an excise officer was allegedly assaulted at a bar under the Chandrasekharpur police station limits while carrying out an inspection. According to sources, a group of individuals opposed the raid, obstructed the inspection process and attacked the excise personnel despite the officer being in uniform.

Following the incident, a complaint was lodged at Chandrasekharpur police station. Police confirmed that two persons have been detained in connection with the assault and are being questioned, while efforts are ongoing to identify others involved.

Officials said the coordinated raids were carried out based on inputs that several establishments were operating beyond permitted hours and flouting excise regulations. The inspections focused on compliance with operating hours, licence conditions and other mandatory provisions.

Several outlets were found to be functioning late into the night and violating prescribed norms, prompting action under relevant sections of the excise laws, officials added.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda