Police raid on illegal bars in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Commissionerate Police today conducted raids on three bars that were running illegally in different places of Bhubaneswar City.

Saheed Nagar Police along with the Exercise officials reportedly conducted raids on Hoocha Bar, Lord of Drinks, District High Bar last night and seized music systems and the materials used for hookah.

This apart, the joint team also sealed the Hoocha Bar on charges of violating different norms of the excise department of the state government. Sources said that it was running a Hoocha Bar under the guise of Restaurant.

As a huge number of people go to the bars and make merry on the occasion of the New Year, the police and excise officials have decided to continue further such raids. They have formed seven teams for this purpose.

It is to be noted here that raids on the bars have been intensified following the tragic fire mishap at the No Limit Air hookah a couple of days ago. Though no casualty occurred due to the incident as it took place during the morning hour when it was closed for the customers, property worth lakhs was gutted in the fire.

The incident, which occurred just days after the devastating fire mishap at Goa nightclub that claimed lives of at least 25 people, exposed the dangerous state lacuna in which restaurants, bars and other public joints are operating in Bhubaneswar.