![]() |
MLA Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik with his personal security officer in Berhampur on Wednesday. Picture by Gopal Krishna Reddy |
Berhampur, May 7: Police tightened security measures for city MLA Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik after some unidentified goons hurled bombs in front of his house.
“We have provided one personal security officer to the MLA, deployed four police personnel and intensified patrolling in nearby Shanti Nagar, Bidya Nagar and Goilundi areas,” said Berhampur superintendent of police Anirudh Singh.
“We have also formed a special team to nab the criminals and investigate into the entire episode,” he said.
Chyau Patnaik said he was unaware of the criminals’ identity. “I cannot even suspect any one. There was no threat call made to me in the recent past. Perhaps it is the cowardice act of those who want to scare me,” he said.
Requesting anonymity, some eyewitnesses and neighbours of Chyau Patnaik said three criminals came on a motorcycle, hurled a bomb in front of the MLA’s house about 11.30pm on Monday. The bomb exploded with a huge bang.
“As it was too hot on Monday, we were on the roof top to get some fresh air. Suddenly, we saw three youths coming on a bike from Bhaba Nagar end. A while later, the bomb exploded. After that another three youths reached the spot on another bike,” one of the MLA’s neighbours said.
Hearing the bang, local residents rushed to the spot. However, by then, the criminals had fled.
“I was sleeping when the bomb exploded. I came out of my house out of curiosity to know what had happened. We immediately informed BNPur police station,” said Chyau Patnaik.
Chyau Patnaik, who has represented the city for four terms in a row, has contested the recent Assembly elections for a fifth term.