BHUBANESWAR: New details are emerging in the Sundarpada bomb explosion case, which occurred during bomb-making activities in the Azad Nagar area of the city. According to sources, explosives were allegedly being prepared to target a BJP state spokesperson who had supported local villagers opposing a large religious gathering of Muslims in the Jatni area. Given the seriousness of the situation and its suspected wider implications, the investigation has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is intensifying its probe into possible criminal and terror-related angles.
NIA Takes Over Investigation, Visits Airfield Police Station
As part of its investigation, a three-member NIA team recently visited the Airfield Police Station in Bhubaneswar to collect key documents related to the case. The agency has obtained the FIR, forensic reports, and other crucial materials related to the Sundarpada explosion in the Azad Nagar locality.
Officials have confirmed that the NIA has begun a detailed review of the technical and evidence-based aspects of the case from the site. The agency is examining the sequence of events, forensic findings, and digital and physical evidence collected by local police and scientific teams.
The explosion, which occurred on January 27, resulted in the deaths of the main accused, Shahnawaz Malik, and his mother, while two other individuals sustained serious injuries, including Malik’s associate and a female friend. The NIA is now closely examining the accused’s criminal history, communication records, and possible interstate links to determine whether the incident was part of a larger organised network.
The case has been formally registered as Case No. 1/2026. The agency is particularly investigating whether high-intensity explosives such as RDX were used in the blast and whether such materials were intended for use in a broader criminal or terror-related operation.
Commissionerate Police ACP (Zone-2) Krushna Chandra Palei stated that all relevant documents are being handed over to the NIA as part of the legal procedure, and that full cooperation is being extended to the central agency for a comprehensive investigation.
Conspiracy to Target BJP Spokesperson
Investigations have further revealed that a major Islamic religious gathering was scheduled to be held on January 15 in the Jatni Assembly constituency. Local villagers had opposed the event, expressing concerns that the large influx of outsiders could disrupt law and order in the region. The area has previously witnessed tensions related to similar gatherings.
The villagers submitted a written memorandum to the administration and police expressing their objections. A BJP youth state spokesperson supported the villagers’ concerns and urged authorities not to grant permission for the gathering. Following administrative intervention, the proposed event was eventually cancelled.
A senior police officer informed that, after this development, the BJP spokesperson became a target of certain individuals. Subsequently, Shahnawaz Malik was tasked with preparing explosives for an attack on the political leader. However, the plan was never executed, as an explosion occurred accidentally during bomb preparation on January 27.
What happened on January 27
The incident took place in the Sundarpada area, under the Airfield Police Station’s limits, in Bhubaneswar. A sudden and powerful explosion occurred on the upper floor of a residential building in Azad Nagar, triggering panic among residents. The blast was followed by thick smoke, causing confusion and fear in the locality.
Four individuals were seriously injured in the incident, including Shahnawaz Malik, his mother, his associate Amiya Ranjan Malik, and a female friend. All the injured were initially taken to Capital Hospital for emergency treatment and were later transferred to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar for advanced care. While undergoing treatment, Malik and his mother succumbed to their injuries, while the condition of the other two survivors has been reported as stable.
Immediately after the explosion, fire service personnel arrived on the scene and brought the fire under control. A forensic science team also conducted a detailed examination of the building and the surrounding area. During the investigation, a significant quantity of explosive materials, including gunpowder, detonators, and other suspicious items, was recovered and seized from the location.
Criminal background and ongoing investigation
Police investigations have revealed that Shahnawaz Malik had a criminal history, with multiple cases registered against him. He was living in a rented house with his mother, associate, and friend. Taking advantage of the property owner’s absence, Shahnawaz was allegedly using the upper floor of the building to manufacture crude bombs.
Authorities believe that the explosion occurred accidentally while explosives were being prepared. Investigators are now focusing on how the accused obtained explosive materials and whether other individuals were involved in supplying or facilitating them.
Officials are also probing possible interstate connections and the broader network behind the incident. The NIA is examining whether the explosion is linked to any organised criminal syndicate or if it has wider security implications beyond a local criminal act.
Wider security implications under scrutiny
With the NIA taking over the investigation, speculation has increased regarding the broader dimensions of the case.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have assured that strict legal action will be taken against all individuals found to be involved once the injured have recovered and further evidence has been verified. More details are expected as the probe continues to unfold under the supervision of central and state agencies.
