A powerful explosion that tore through a residential rooftop in Bhubaneswar’s Sundarpada area on January 27 has claimed two lives, with investigators now probing suspected illegal bomb-making activities as the cause of the blast. CCTV footage that has surfaced in recent days reveals the intensity of the explosion, showing a sudden fireball erupting from behind rooftop water tanks before thick smoke engulfed the structure.
The blast left four individuals critically injured. Despite intensive medical care, a woman and her son succumbed to their injuries several days later, police confirmed. The case has since escalated beyond a local criminal inquiry, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) stepping in to conduct a detailed investigation.
Blast Captured on Camera
The CCTV footage provides a stark visual account of the incident. A sudden flash of flames is seen erupting from the rooftop of a residential building, followed by dense smoke rising rapidly into the air. The force of the explosion reportedly sent shockwaves across the neighbourhood, alarming residents who rushed outdoors after hearing what witnesses described as a deafening blast.
Police sources believe the explosion occurred while explosive materials were being handled on the terrace. Investigators recovered gunpowder from the site, reinforcing suspicions that crude bombs were being assembled at the location.
Injuries and Fatalities
Four individuals present at the rooftop during the explosion sustained severe injuries. They were initially admitted to Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar before being shifted to a private medical facility due to the seriousness of their condition.
A few days after the blast, a woman and her son died while undergoing treatment, officials said. The condition of the remaining injured individuals has not been publicly detailed, though authorities indicate they remain under medical supervision.
The deaths have intensified scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the explosion, particularly given the suspected criminal angle.
Illegal Bomb-Making Under Investigation
Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police Jagmohan Meena identified Shahnawaz Malik as the prime accused in the case. According to police, Malik has a prior criminal record with earlier cases registered against him.
Preliminary findings suggest that Malik, along with an associate identified as Amiya Malik, his mother, and another accomplice, may have been involved in manufacturing explosive devices at the residence.
“The main injured person had a criminal record earlier. It appears they were planning some kind of criminal activity, for which they might have been making a bomb. Four people were injured in the blast while making the explosives,” DCP Meena stated in an earlier briefing.
Investigators recovered gunpowder from the rooftop and are conducting searches to determine whether additional explosive materials were stored on the premises. Forensic teams have been analysing debris and residue samples to confirm the composition of the materials involved.
Authorities are also examining whether the explosives were intended for local criminal use or linked to a larger network.
NIA Steps In
Given the seriousness of the case and the possibility of organised illegal explosive manufacturing, the National Investigation Agency has taken over the probe. Initially, local police had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to handle the case.
The NIA is now reviewing forensic findings, CCTV footage, call data records, and digital communications to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the blast. Officials are also investigating potential links beyond the immediate suspects.
Security has been tightened in and around Sundarpada as a precautionary measure, with police maintaining increased patrols in the locality.
Larger Implications
The incident raises broader concerns about the illegal manufacture and storage of explosive materials in residential areas. Experts note that crude bomb-making often involves unstable compounds that can detonate unexpectedly, posing risks not only to those handling them but also to surrounding communities.
Law enforcement agencies are expected to expand surveillance in vulnerable zones and conduct inspections to prevent similar incidents.
While investigators continue to piece together the evidence, the tragedy underscores the devastating consequences of unlawful handling of explosives.
Authorities have appealed to the public to report suspicious activities and refrain from spreading unverified information on social media, emphasising that the investigation remains ongoing.
The NIA is expected to submit its preliminary findings in the coming weeks.
