Bhubaneswar, Dec 12: A massive fire broke out on Friday morning at the No Limit bar located in the Satya Vihar area here in Odisha, triggering panic among customers, staff, and nearby residents.

The blaze engulfed the four-storey establishment, which reportedly operated as a hookah bar and open-air beer lounge. Fire services battled for hours before bringing the flames under control.

Allegations of illegal liquor trade

The incident has reignited suspicions about irregularities at the bar. Officials revealed that despite lacking a liquor license, large quantities of beer cans were found at the site, some partially burnt. Locals alleged that the premises had been running an illegal liquor business, with late-night parties, music, and arrangements for intoxicated patrons to stay overnight.

Excise Department response

Excise officials confirmed that the establishment had been raided earlier, though no contraband was seized at the time. Following the fire, however, evidence of alcohol stock has surfaced. Excise Superintendent Debashish Patel stated that CCTV footage would be examined to determine the extent of illegal activity, promising strict action if allegations are proven. He also clarified that Odisha does not permit hookah bars, raising further questions about the bar’s operations.

Safety lapses and investigation

Authorities noted that the bar lacked basic fire safety measures, a violation that worsened the incident. While no casualties were reported, the blaze caused traffic disruption from Rasulgarh to Palasuni as emergency services worked at the site. Investigators are also probing whether the fire was deliberately set, as the bar had been embroiled in disputes in recent weeks.

Wider implications

The incident comes just days after a devastating nightclub fire in Goa claimed 25 lives, prompting Odisha authorities to order checks on fire safety certificates at bars and pubs statewide. The Bhubaneswar fire has now highlighted enforcement gaps and posed fresh challenges for the fire department and excise authorities.