In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about nighttime security in the capital, a group of armed miscreants stormed a guest house in Gandamunda under Khandagiri police limits, brutally assaulted staff, vandalized property, looted cash and valuables, and abducted the hotel manager before fleeing.
The incident occurred at Shibansh Palace guest house on Lake Valley Lane No. 3, Gandamunda, around 3:45 AM on February 6. According to the complaint filed by the guest house owner, Shivaprasad Maharana, 7-8 assailants arrived in a white Scorpio vehicle and demanded rooms late at night. When hotel manager Rakesh Roshan Behera refused to allot rooms at that hour, the group turned violent.
The miscreants assaulted the manager and a hotel boy, Dharmajit Jena alias Chintu, with severe blows. They smashed the CCTV monitor, DVR, printer, CC cameras, chairs, tables, and other items, causing extensive damage. From the table drawer, they looted four mobile phones and ₹18,000 in cash.
The attackers then forcibly bundled the manager into their vehicle and drove to the area near Hotel Fantasy in Chandrasekharpur. After swift police action and assistance from local residents, the manager was rescued safely from the spot. Police chased and arrested five accused within 24 hours.
The arrested individuals are:
- Satyajit Barik (26)
- Arjun Manna (27)
- Manas Ranjan Paikaray (37)
- Diptiranjan Parida (28)
- Radhashyam Barik (35)
Authorities seized 14 mobile phones from the accused, along with the white Scorpio vehicle used in the crime. A case has been registered at Khandagiri Police Station (Case No. 96/2026) under BNS Sections 332(b)/109(1)/140(2)/310(2)/324(4).
Investigating officer SI S.K. Mohanty led the successful operation to nab the suspects. The investigation is ongoing to determine if more individuals were involved and to uncover any prior criminal history.
The brazen attack in the heart of the capital has sparked widespread alarm over safety in lodging establishments during late hours, prompting calls for enhanced security measures and stricter vigil in the area.
