NIA Begins Probe into Sundarpada Blast; Multi-Angle Investigation Underway

Bhubaneswar: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated a probe into the recent bomb explosion in the Sundarpada area of the city after formally registering a case, sources said on Monday.

The case, numbered 1/26, was registered following clearance from New Delhi. A dedicated Odisha unit of the agency has been formed, comprising selected officers, while senior officials from outside the state, including an SP-rank officer, will assist in the investigation.

According to sources, the central agency has begun a detailed examination of the incident to explore possible criminal and terror links. Investigators are also assessing whether high-intensity explosives such as RDX were used in assembling the device.

The move comes amid rising suspicion over the nature of the blast, prompting authorities to carry out a comprehensive, multi-angle probe.

Notably, the main accused, identified as Sehenwaz Mallik, who was allegedly involved in assembling the explosive device, has died. His mother also succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment following the incident.

Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.