The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday began probing the blast that occurred in the Sundarpada area of Bhubaneswar, intensifying investigations into the possibility of a larger conspiracy behind the explosion. NIA officials questioned the house owner and several others as part of the ongoing probe.
The explosion took place on Tuesday afternoon at Azad Nagar in Sundarpada under the Airfield police limits, allegedly while bombs were being prepared. Four people were grievously injured in the powerful blast. Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena confirmed that cases have been registered against all injured persons and legal action will be initiated once they recover.
Police revealed that those allegedly involved in making the bombs have at least seven criminal cases registered against them at various police stations in Bhubaneswar. This has raised serious concerns over whether the explosives were intended for use in criminal activities.
According to DCP Meena, preliminary investigation, scientific examination of the spot, and verification of criminal antecedents suggest that the injured individuals were responsible for preparing the bombs that triggered the blast. Incriminating materials, including explosive remnants, were recovered and seized from the site.
The injured include Shahnawaz Malik, his mother, his female friend, and an aide identified as Amiya Ranjan Mallick. Shahnawaz Malik, a known history-sheeter, has multiple criminal cases pending against him, including attempt to murder and offences related to explosives. Investigations are continuing from multiple angles as agencies work to determine the full extent of the plot.
