Several important documents, files of the BSE and two scooters were completely gutted in the fire.

“We suspect the bar association members behind the incident. Some eight to ten miscreants had stormed into the office and asked why the office was opened today. We told them that today was the last date of filling the form for the annual matriculation examination and the Collector has been informed about it. However, the miscreants did not listen to anything and set the office on fire,” said BSE deputy secretary Surjyamani Majhi.

The incident took place at around 2.00 pm.

Two fire tenders were pressed to douse the flame. Till the last report came in, the situation was brought under control.

Senior police officials rushed to the spot and initiated a probe into the incident.

“Investigation is underway to ascertain the identity of the miscreants involved in the incident,” said Sambalpur SP Sanjeev Arora.