NIA Initiates Preliminary Inquiry into Bhubaneswar Crude Bomb Explosion
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched a preliminary inquiry into a crude bomb explosion that occurred in the Airfield area of Bhubaneswar, leaving four persons critically injured. The incident, which took place on Tuesday, has raised serious security concerns in the Odisha capital.
Details of the Explosion and Injuries
The blast occurred while the bomb was being assembled on the rooftop of a house in the Airfield locality. The explosion critically injured 26-year-old criminal Sehnawaz Malik along with three other individuals. All four victims are currently admitted to the intensive care unit of a private hospital, where they are receiving emergency medical treatment.
An NIA team visited the explosion site on Wednesday and conducted preliminary investigations, questioning the houseowner about the circumstances surrounding the incident. While no terror links or suspicious elements have emerged so far, the agency is not ruling out a conspiracy angle in this serious matter.
NIA's Approach and Jurisdictional Assessment
"Since the explosion involved a history-sheeter, we want to verify the circumstances and assess whether the case falls under our jurisdiction. At present, this is only a preliminary inquiry. If suspicious angles emerge, we will formally take over the case from police," an NIA source explained regarding the agency's cautious approach to the investigation.
The Commissionerate police are simultaneously investigating the motive behind the manufacture of these high-intensity bombs. Deputy Commissioner of Police Jagmohan Meena stated, "Once the prime suspect recovers, his interrogation will provide clarity. Statements of the other injured will also be recorded to understand the complete picture."
Criminal Background and Investigation Focus
Police sources have revealed that Sehnawaz Malik has seven prior cases registered against him. He was released on bail just six months ago following his involvement in a political clash in Nayapalli. Investigators are now probing several critical aspects of the case:
- Whether Malik acted alone or had accomplices in the bomb-making operation
- The intended purpose of the bombs - whether for criminal activities or political violence
- Possible connections to other criminal networks in the region
- Sources of materials used in bomb manufacturing
Public Concern and Police Response
The incident has sparked significant concern among Bhubaneswar residents, who are demanding stricter action against habitual offenders and enhanced security measures. In response to public anxiety, a senior police officer assured, "We have intensified vigilance in sensitive pockets of the city to prevent recurrence of such dangerous incidents."
Historical Context of Explosions in Bhubaneswar
This blast comes close on the heels of another explosion that occurred outside a school in Mancheswar on November 28 last year during President Droupadi Murmu's visit to the city. While the NIA's inquiry into that incident ruled out a terror angle, city police are yet to identify those responsible for hurling bombs in broad daylight, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the state capital.
The twin incidents have raised questions about bomb-making capabilities among criminal elements in Bhubaneswar and the effectiveness of monitoring mechanisms for known offenders. As investigations continue, authorities face mounting pressure to ensure public safety and bring those responsible to justice.
