Bhubaneswar, Jan 26 (IANS): Odisha Police on Tuesday launched a search operation after four suspected terrorists, claimed to be Iraqi nationals, who fled from a hotel here just before a police team swooped down on it.

Police suspect the four had plans to disrupt the Republic Day celebrations in the state capital.

Incidentally, the hotel is located barely 300 metres from the place where the Republic Day celebrations were held.

The foreigners had come to stay in the hotel on Monday night but when the authorities asked them to produce their passports for identification, they could not. This raised suspicion about their movement.

"The four suspected terrorists had come to Bhubaneswar in a car bearing a Delhi registration number and checked into the hotel, identifying themselves as Iraqi nationals," Police Commissioner R.P Sharma said.

"However, they fled the hotel after the hotel authorities asked for thier identity proof," he added.

Sharma said the number plate of their car was also found to be fake.

"We had a tip-off about suspicious movement of some people and a suspected terror attack on Republic Day in Bhubaneswar," Sharma said.

Deputy General of Police K.B. Singh said raids were on in different parts of the state and in Bhubaneswar to trace the men.