Berhampur: Unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants threw acid at a senior advocate, P. Rama Rao, at his residence in Paralakhemundi, Gajapati district, on Saturday afternoon.
The attack took place when Rao opened his door to respond to knocking by at least two individuals who immediately fled the scene on their motorcycle, police said.
While Rao’s body remained unharmed, the acid affected his eyesight, according to sources at the district headquarters hospital in Paralakhemundi, where he was rushed for treatment.
“We are yet to establish the motive behind the attack,” said Prasant Bhupati, IIC of Paralakhemundi police station. “The victim couldn’t identify the attackers or specify their number,” he added.
Police have intensified patrolling in the area to apprehend the suspects. The incident has created panic in this Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border town, known for its typically peaceful environment.