Sehnawaz Malik, with multiple criminal cases, and his mother died of injuries after an explosion rocked Sundarpada on January 27; video of blast footage surfaces as NIA intensifies probe.
A powerful explosion on the rooftop of a residential building in the Sundarpada area of Bhubaneswar’s Airfield police station limits has claimed the lives of a known criminal and his mother, leaving two others critically injured. The blast occurred on January 27, 2026, and authorities now believe it happened while crude bombs were being assembled illegally on the terrace, police sources said.
The primary victim, 26-year-old history-sheeter Sehnawaz Malik, sustained severe burn injuries in the explosion and died during treatment at a private hospital on February 4. His 51-year-old mother, Lizatun Bibi, who was also injured in the blast, succumbed to her wounds at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack on February 10.
Police identified two other persons critically injured in the incident – Malik’s fiancée, 23-year-old Truptimayee Mahal, and his associate Amiya Mallick (27) – both of whom remain under medical care in a private facility in Bhubaneswar.
“Initial investigations suggest the blast occurred while explosive devices or crude bombs were being prepared at the rooftop,” said a senior police official. “We are examining all angles, including how the materials were procured and whether others were involved.”
CCTV Footage Emerges, Forensic Teams Investigate Site
In the weeks following the explosion, chilling CCTV footage showing a violent fireball and plumes of smoke erupting from behind water tanks on the terrace have circulated widely on social media and are now part of official evidence being analysed by investigators. The video also shows residents fleeing in panic after hearing a loud blast that rocked the neighbourhood.
Officials recovered gunpowder and suspected explosive materials from the site, strengthening suspicions that illicit bomb-making was underway at the time of detonation. A forensic expert told reporters that preliminary tests indicated the possible involvement of hexahydro trinitro triazine, a compound associated with high-grade explosives, though further laboratory analysis is ongoing.
Fire brigade teams and bomb disposal squads were dispatched to the location soon after the blast, and forensic teams meticulously sifted through debris and remnants to understand the device’s construction and components.
NIA Takes Over, Probes Wider Conspiracy and Explosive Source
Given the seriousness of the explosion and the materials involved, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the case from the Odisha Police to determine whether there was any wider conspiracy or criminal network behind the incident. Central investigators are examining forensic evidence, CCTV recordings, mobile communication data, and other technical inputs to ascertain the full extent of the matter.
NIA officials have intensified scrutiny of the blast footage and materials seized from the site. While early reports suggested the possible recovery of traces of RDX, recent forensic tests reportedly found no such residue, according to one source, indicating that investigators must follow other leads to identify the source of explosive material.
Authorities are also closely reviewing the criminal records of those involved. Malik was known to have at least seven prior cases registered against him, including charges related to attempted murder, firearms, and violent clashes. He was released on bail about six months ago after a political clash in the Nayapalli area of Bhubaneswar and remained under police surveillance.
Police said they have not yet recorded formal statements from the injured survivors, as they are still recovering. Once medically fit, their testimonies are expected to shed critical light on the motive and series of events leading up to the fatal blast.
Neighbours, Officials Speak Out as Questions Mount
Residents of Sundarpada expressed shock and fear over the blast, saying they never suspected any explosive activity in their quiet neighbourhood. “We had no idea. Everyone’s lives were endangered,” one tenant told reporters after viewing the CCTV footage, emphasising the sense of vulnerability felt by those living nearby.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Jagmohan Meena has stressed that the investigation is focused on uncovering why and how such materials were being handled in a crowded residential area. “We will pursue all leads, whether criminal, personal or otherwise, and legal action will be taken once the injured recover and statements are recorded,” he said.
So far, authorities have ruled out any confirmed terror links or evidence of organised extremist involvement, although they continue to examine the possibility of a larger criminal or conspiracy angle. Security has been stepped up in other sensitive parts of Bhubaneswar as a precautionary measure while the investigation continues.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragic episode serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of illegal weapon assembly and violent intent. Two lives have been lost – a mother and a son – and two more families are grappling with the trauma of critical injuries. Beyond the headlines and investigations lies a community shaken by the sudden eruption of violence in an otherwise residential area.
While law enforcement must diligently pursue accountability and uncover any larger criminal networks, society must also reflect on the conditions that drive individuals towards such perilous acts. Rampant criminality, easy access to dangerous materials, and cycles of retaliation ultimately harm not only those involved but innocent bystanders and neighbours alike.
