NIA Assumes Control of Bhubaneswar Blast Probe Following Fatal Rooftop Explosion
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially taken over the investigation from Bhubaneswar city police into the recent rooftop explosion in the Airfield area. This tragic incident claimed the lives of two individuals and left two others in critical condition. While the NIA has not publicly confirmed whether its involvement stems from suspicions of a broader terror conspiracy, government officials have disclosed that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directed the agency to investigate the case.
Case Falls Under National Security Offences
According to officials, the case is classified under scheduled offences listed in the NIA Act of 2008, which encompasses threats to national security, including terrorism. An NIA officer stated, "We registered a case on Saturday and are examining all possible angles, including terror links and radicalisation." This move signifies a shift in the investigative approach, as the city police had previously not identified any terror-related elements.
Jagmohan Meena, Deputy Commissioner of Police, confirmed that the First Information Report (FIR), along with all investigation documents and findings, has been handed over to the NIA. He told TOI, "Our inquiry did not reveal any terror or radicalisation angle." This discrepancy highlights the differing perspectives between local and national agencies.
Details of the Devastating Blast
The explosion occurred on January 27 while Sehnawaz Malik—a known criminal with a long history of violent offences—his mother Lizatun Bibi, fiancée Truptimayee Mahal, and friend Amiya Mallick were allegedly assembling explosives on the terrace of their residence. A closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera captured the harrowing moments after the device detonated, igniting a fire and causing chaos.
In the footage, Sehnawaz was seen desperately attempting to extinguish the flames engulfing him under a water tap, while his mother, with her clothes ablaze, tried to tear them off in panic. Tragically, Sehnawaz succumbed to his injuries on February 4, followed by Bibi on February 10. Mahal and Amiya remain hospitalised with severe burns, underscoring the severity of the incident.
Intensity Prompts Preliminary NIA Involvement
The intensity of the blast had earlier prompted a preliminary probe by the NIA. Retired police officer S.K. Swain commented, "The sudden MHA directive for the NIA investigation suggests a possible terror link that was overlooked by the city police." This observation points to potential gaps in the initial local investigation.
Police reports indicate that Malik, who was recently released on bail after a political clash in Nayapalli, was preparing explosives for supply to criminal groups. His criminal record includes attempted murder and seven serious cases under the Arms Act, registered at Nayapalli and Maitri Vihar police stations in Bhubaneswar. This background adds complexity to the case, raising questions about his motives and connections.
As the NIA delves deeper into the investigation, authorities are scrutinising all aspects, including potential terror affiliations and radicalisation. The agency's involvement marks a significant escalation in the probe, aiming to uncover any wider conspiracies that may threaten national security. The community remains on edge as details continue to emerge from this tragic event.
