Bhubaneswar, Jan. 4: Authorities of Biju Patnaik International Airport have imposed a ban on the entry of visitors to both domestic and international terminals for eight days.

The restriction that came into effect on January 2 will be in force till January 9.

The decision has been taken in the wake of terrorist attack at the Pathankot Air Force station in Punjab and recent arrest of Cuttack-based cleric Abdul Rahman, a suspected member of al Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent.

Airport director Sharad Kumar said that only passengers would be allowed into the terminal with proper identification and following security check. "We do not want to take any risk, especially after the recent terrorist attack on the Pathankot Air Force station as Bhubaneswar is one of the most important air terminals in the eastern region. We have also approached the state police to ensure safety measures for the terminal," said Kumar.

An airport official said that on an average, around 200 visitors visited both the terminals every day.

The police have also beefed up security in the city following the Punjab terror attack. They have decided to put up blockades on various important roads and frisk suspected vehicles.

"We have kept our intelligence wing on high alert. Night patrolling has been intensified," said police commissioner R.P. Sharma.

Cash loot

Armed goons today allegedly robbed the accountant of a tollgate near Jankia in Khurda district of Rs 28.5 lakh while he was on his way to deposit the cash, 50km from here.

The victim, V. Srinivasan, the cashier-cum-accountant of a firm, collects toll at Godiapada near Jankia.

He alleged that he was on his way to deposit the cash, along with two of his colleagues, when the incident occurred.

"I was driving the vehicle when a four-wheeler hit us. Shortly after that two masked motorcycle-borne goons came and took away the cash at gun point," alleged Srinivasan.

The police said the firm had been depositing huge amount of cash on a daily basis without hiring private security guards. "The owner of the firm told us that the looted cash was collected as toll in the past two days. We are questioning the other staff members to verify the allegation," said Khurda police superintendent Dilip Das.