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 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 an explosive device at the hotel, and fled immediately. While no injuries were reported, the explosion caused panic among local residents and people present in the busy area.

Police sources said the hotel is located adjacent 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 the explosive 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 receiving information and cordoned off the area as part of initial security measures.

The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras installed in the vicinity, and police are examining the footage to identify the miscreants and ascertain the sequence of events. However, the motive behind the attack and the identity of those involved remain unclear.

The incident has raised serious concerns among local residents and business owners, with the hotel owner demanding increased police patrolling in the area to prevent such incidents and ensure public safety.