Weeks after a powerful explosion rocked the Sundarpada area in Odisha’s Bhubaneswar, CCTV footage has surfaced, revealing the intensity of the blast. The January 27 blast had left four people critically injured, two of whom later died during treatment.
The video captures a sudden burst of flames erupting from behind the rooftop water tanks of a residential building, followed by thick smoke rising into the sky. Shockwaves from the blast sent residents into panic as they rushed out after hearing the deafening explosion.
Police sources indicated that the blast occurred while explosive materials were allegedly being handled on the rooftop. The injured were initially admitted to Capital Hospital and later transferred to a private facility. Tragically, a woman and her son succumbed to their injuries a few days later, India Today reported.
Police Probe Illegal bomb-Making Angle
Investigators were also probing the incident from the angle of illegal bomb-making. The Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police identified Shahnawaz Malik as the prime accused.
Preliminary findings suggest that Malik, along with his associate Amiya Malik, his mother, and another accomplice, were allegedly involved in manufacturing explosive devices at the residence. Gunpowder recovered from the site supports suspicions of bomb-making activity, the report mentioned.
DCP Jagmohan Meena noted that the main injured individual had a prior criminal record and may have been preparing explosives for a criminal plan. Police were conducting further searches to locate additional explosive materials.
Due to the severity of the case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe, building on an initial investigation by a Special Investigation Team formed by local authorities. Officials are examining CCTV footage and collecting forensic evidence to determine the exact cause of the explosion and assess whether a larger conspiracy was involved. Security has been tightened in Sundarpada as the investigation continues.
