Balasore: Miscreants set afire a shop after stealing valuables at Gujadihs village under Singa Khunta panchayat in Balasore district, on Thursday late night.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire broke out around midnight, shortly after unidentified miscreants broke into the store. The thieves allegedly used a gas cutter to gain entry and made off with valuables before setting the store ablaze.
Locals attempted to extinguish the fire but in vain. Upon being informed, a team of firefighters from Soro arrived at the scene, but the store was already completely gutted. The estimated loss is over ₹1 crore.
This incident comes just four days after Upendra, reported a theft and assault case with the local police.
As per Upendra’s complaint, he was robbed and assaulted by four youths on two motorcycles while returning home after closing his shop. The assailants, wielding weapons, stole ₹5,000 and a mobile phone.
Upendra had filed a complaint with the police.
Upendra suspects the same individuals are responsible for the arson attack, motivated by revenge.
The incident has left the local business community shaken, demanding improved security measures to prevent such incidents.
