Berhampur on edge after bomb explosion near busy hotel area

Panic gripped parts of Berhampur after a bomb was hurled at a hotel near Subarao Square late on Monday night, police said. The incident occurred at around 10:30 pm at Olive Hotel, under the jurisdiction of Baidyanathpur Police Station.

According to preliminary information, miscreants arrived at the spot on two motorcycles, hurled a bomb at the hotel, and fled immediately. Though no injuries were reported, the explosion caused panic among local residents and people in the vicinity.

 Police sources said the hotel is connected to the house of a flower seller who was reportedly involved in a dispute with certain individuals earlier. Investigators suspect that the attack may have been intended for the flower seller’s residence but instead struck the left wall of the Olive Hotel.

 Following the incident, the hotel owner lodged a complaint at Baidyanathpur Police Station. Police teams rushed to the spot soon after the explosion and launched an investigation.

 The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras, and police are examining the footage to identify the accused. However, the identity of the miscreants and the motive behind the attack remain unclear.

 The incident has raised concerns among local residents, with the hotel owner demanding increased police patrolling in the area to ensure safety.