Major crime bid foiled in Puri; 4 accused held after raid on hotel, firearms and cash recovered

In a major breakthrough, Puri Police successfully thwarted a serious criminal plan that was being orchestrated from a hotel room near the sea beach area.  Based on reliable intelligence inputs, police conducted a surprise raid on the hotel and arrested four suspects who were allegedly preparing to execute a major crime.

How The Arrests Were Made?

The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of the Sea Beach Police Station, a high-security zone frequented by both domestic and international tourists. Acting swiftly on a tip-off, the police team arrived at the hotel and discreetly surrounded the premises. On entering the designated room, officers found the accused in the middle of discussions and preparations, and they were immediately apprehended.

Puri Additional SP, Sushil Mishra said, “We managed to nab two accused from a hotel and recovered a firearm and 10 live ammunition. Later, they revealed to have procured the weapon from a youth from Delanga area. Subsequently, a team was formed and raid was conducted and few more arrests were made in connection with the case.”

All four accused are local residents of Puri and are suspected to have links with criminal activities in the region. Preliminary investigations indicate that they were plotting a potentially violent act, although the exact target and motive are still under investigation.

Firearms Seized

During the raid, police recovered a country-made pistol, ten live bullets, two magazines, and four mobile phones, along with Rs 72,000 in cash. Two vehicles—a motorcycle and a SUV—were also seized from the scene, suspected to have been arranged for use in the planned operation.

Senior police officials stated that the timely raid likely averted a major incident. "We received credible information that a group was plotting a criminal act from a hotel room. Our team acted promptly and effectively, ensuring public safety and detaining the accused before any damage could be done," said a senior officer involved in the operation.

The arrested individuals are now in custody and are being thoroughly interrogated. Police are trying to uncover whether this was an isolated plan or part of a broader criminal network operating in the coastal region. Sources suggest that the suspects may have been preparing for extortion or a targeted attack, though this has not yet been confirmed.

This incident has once again raised concerns about the misuse of hotels and tourist accommodations by criminal elements. In response, local police have decided to intensify monitoring and verification processes at hotels and guesthouses, especially in sensitive and high-footfall areas like Puri.