Bhubaneswar, July 8: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested another suspect in connection with the Sundarpada explosion case in Bhubaneswar, as the investigation into the high-profile blast continues to gather momentum.
The accused has been identified as Rohan Ranjan Rautray, a resident of Patia in Bhubaneswar. According to official sources, he was apprehended from Uttar Pradesh and has been taken into NIA custody for further interrogation.
The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation, which was taken over by the NIA after the explosion at Azad Nagar in Sundarpada on January 27. Earlier, an NIA team had visited the blast site to conduct a detailed forensic and spot investigation.
Investigators are examining the case from multiple angles, including the circumstances leading to the explosion, possible criminal conspiracies, interstate links, and any potential connection to terrorist activities. During the course of the probe, the agency reportedly recovered RDX explosive material, indicating the seriousness of the incident.
The explosion claimed the lives of the prime accused, Sehenbaz Mallik alias Mafi, and his mother, both of whom later succumbed to injuries sustained in the blast while undergoing treatment.
The NIA is also investigating the source of the explosives, the accused’s interstate network, and possible links to his previous criminal activities. As part of the ongoing probe, the agency has questioned more than ten individuals to piece together the sequence of events and identify others who may have been involved.
The investigation remains underway, with officials indicating that further arrests and developments cannot be ruled out as efforts continue to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy behind the explosion.