BHUBANESWAR: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has conducted a preliminary inspection of the site of a powerful explosion in the Sundarpada area of Bhubaneswar, raising concerns about a possible wider criminal conspiracy. The blast, which took place on Tuesday afternoon, left four people grievously injured and triggered panic among residents of the locality.
A team of NIA officials visited the blast site on January 28 and questioned the owner of the five-storey residential building where the explosion occurred, along with several other individuals. While the case continues to be investigated by the Airfield Police Station, officials clarified that the central agency has not yet formally taken over the probe. The NIA’s current involvement is limited to assessing whether the incident is linked to any organised criminal activity or a larger conspiracy.
According to senior police officials, the explosion occurred at Azad Nagar under the Airfield police limits. The blast occurred on the top floor of the residential building, resulting in a loud explosion and thick smoke that caused fear and confusion among local residents.
Four individuals sustained serious injuries in the incident. The injured have been identified as Shahnawaz Malik, his associate Amiya Ranjan Mallick, Shahnawaz’s mother, and a female friend. All of them were initially taken to Capital Hospital for emergency treatment and were later shifted to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar for advanced medical care. Police personnel have been deployed at the hospital to monitor the injured.
Soon after the explosion, fire service personnel rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control. A scientific forensic team also conducted a detailed examination of the building. During the inspection, a substantial quantity of explosive materials, including gunpowder, detonators, and other incriminating substances, was recovered and seized from the site.
Police investigations revealed that Shahnawaz Malik, a history-sheeter with multiple criminal cases, had been residing in the building on rent with his mother, an associate, and a friend. Taking advantage of the absence of the building owner, Malik was allegedly using the top floor of the premises to manufacture crude bombs. Officials believe the explosion occurred while the explosives were being prepared.
Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena confirmed that cases have been registered against all four injured individuals. However, legal proceedings will begin only after they recover sufficiently to face questioning and trial.
“It has been ascertained through preliminary investigation, spot verification by the scientific team, visits by senior officers, and scrutiny of criminal antecedents that the individuals involved in preparing the bombs are responsible for the blast and suffered grievous injuries themselves,” DCP Meena said.
The DCP further stated that Shahnawaz Malik has at least seven criminal cases registered against him at various police stations in Bhubaneswar, including Nayapalli and Maitri Vihar. These include cases related to attempted murder and offences under explosive substance laws.
“Given their criminal antecedents, we strongly suspect that the explosives were being prepared to carry out some criminal activity. Investigations are underway from multiple angles to determine the motive and possible links to other crimes,” Meena added.
Meanwhile, the NIA’s involvement has intensified speculation about the case’s potential wider implications. Officials indicated that the agency is examining whether the incident has any broader security ramifications beyond a local criminal act.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have assured that stringent legal action will be taken against all those found involved once the injured recover.
