NIA Team Visits Sundarpada Blast Site; Commissionerate Police Continue Probe
Bhubaneswar: A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday visited the Sundarpada area of Bhubaneswar, where a powerful explosion rocked a residential building on Tuesday afternoon. The central agency inspected the spot and questioned several locals to understand the circumstances surrounding the blast. However, no formal NIA probe has been initiated yet, and the case remains under investigation by the Commissionerate Police.
According to police, the explosion occurred around 2:30 pm in a five-storey building located at Azad Nagar in Sundarpada. The loud blast triggered panic in the neighbourhood, with many residents rushing out of their homes in fear.
Two men, identified as Sehenwaz Mallik and his associate Amiya Mallik, sustained critical injuries in the explosion. Sehenwaz’s mother and a female friend were also injured. All four were initially admitted to Capital Hospital and later shifted to a private hospital for advanced treatment.
Fire services personnel reached the spot soon after the incident and managed to douse the flames. A scientific team conducted a detailed examination of the site, and a large quantity of explosive materials, including gunpowder and detonators, was reportedly recovered from the building.
Police said Sehenwaz, a wanted criminal, had been staying in the rented premises along with his mother, associate, and friend. Investigators suspect that he was using the top floor of the building to manufacture bombs, allegedly taking advantage of the absence of the building owner.
Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena stated that those involved in preparing the explosives were responsible for the blast. “They are currently undergoing treatment. Legal action will be taken after they recover. They also have criminal antecedents,” he said.
A case has been registered at Airfield Police Station, and further investigation is underway. Police are also examining CCTV footage from nearby areas to gather more evidence.
