Bhubaneswar, Nov. 11: Kharavela Nagar police today detained five employees of a star hotel near Sriya Complex in connection with a clash between the staff members and a group of youngsters last night.

The youths allegedly ransacked the hotel after some of them, who were partying there, had a clash with the hotel employees. The police had to resort to lathicharge to disperse the youths.

The hotel officials alleged that the youngsters had forced them to play music after the permissible time. On the other hand, the youths alleged that the hotel bouncers had beaten up some of them without any reason.

“A group of youngsters forced us to play music after 10.30pm. When we said no, they started beating up our employees. Later, around 20 or 30 youths pelted the hotel with stones and ransacked it. The property loss would be around Rs 1.5 lakh,” said vice-president of the hotel Sandeep Sharma.

The youngsters alleged that the bouncers of the hotel had beaten up them.

“While another group of youngsters were creating ruckus in the hotel, the bouncers beat us. They also snatched away our mobiles and gold chains,” said Deepak Jena, a student, who was injured along with one of his friends. Both of them were later rushed to a private hospital.

“We have received complaints from both the parties and have registered two cases. We have detained five hotel employees,” said inspector in charge of Kharavela Nagar police station Nihar Ranjan Pradhan.

In July last year, the police had raided on the same hotel for hosting a party beyond the stipulated time. Though the police had not arrested anyone, the cops seized the driving licences of about 25 revellers, who were let off with a warning.

The police said the stipulated time limit for bars and restaurants (without accommodation) to serve liquor was 11pm. The deadline was 11.30pm for clubs and hotels with accommodation facilities. Music is allowed to be played till 10.30pm.

“We had earlier convened a meeting with hoteliers regarding the norms of hosting parties. We will soon convene another meeting in this regard and any violations would be dealt with stringent actions,” said police commissioner R.P. Sharma.