CCTV Captures Bhubaneswar Blast On Rooftop: ‘Bombmaker’ And Mother Killed After Crude Device Detonates, NIA Probes 'Larger Conspiracy'

Bhubaneswar: A massive explosion that rocked the Sundarpada area of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on January 27, 2026, has taken a dramatic turn. The explosion, which occurred in the Azad Nagar locality, has claimed two lives. 

After the deaths of the prime suspect and his mother, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally assumed control of the probe into the explosion that occurred within the Airfield Police Station limits.

Disturbing CCTV footage has now emerged, capturing the moment of a high-intensity blast. 

The spot of explosions is near the DRDO Transit facility and the Indian Air Force Recruiting Centre. It is roughly 10 km from the spot where explosions have taken place in the Azad Nagar area.

Fatalities and Critical Injuries

The prime accused, Shahnawaz Malik (26), a known history-sheeter with a criminal record, and his mother, Lizatun Bibi (51), both succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment. 

Two other individuals, Truptimayee Mahal (23), Malik’s fiancée, a Hindu woman who was present at the site during the explosion and Amiya Mallick (27), a close associate, remain in critical condition at a private hospital.

Malik was reportedly the primary "bombmaker" and was handling high-grade explosive materials on the rooftop of his residence at the time of the detonation.

The two injured in the blast are to be questioned by police shortly; both are undergoing treatment post-blast.

Disturbing CCTV Evidence

Newly accessed CCTV footage from the neighbourhood shows a violent eruption of flames and thick white smoke with a massive fireball erupting on the terrace of a building.

The blast was so immense that it caused immediate panic in the neighbourhood, with residents seen fleeing from their homes.

The "Bomb-Making" Angle

Initial forensic reports by the Commissionerate Police and the Bomb Squad have confirmed the traces of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and a significant quantity of gunpowder scattered across the rooftop.

Investigators believe the explosion occurred accidentally while the group was allegedly handling or manufacturing live bombs on the rooftop.

NIA Probes “Larger Conspiracy”

Given the presence of IED components and Shahnawaz’s reported prior criminal record, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has stepped in to lead a thorough investigation. 

Authorities are scrutinising digital footprints and mobile records of the deceased, analysing the CCTV footage to determine if any other associates fled the scene post-blast.

The NIA and police continue to conduct searches in the area to ensure no other explosive materials are stored in the vicinity.

Authorities are currently looking into the nature of the relationship and whether coercion or a broader radicalisation plot was involved.

Banned Explosives Recovered

The accused, Shahnawaz, was making explosives for a major blast. Banned explosives recovered from the blast site by Bhubaneswar Police; the Explosive Act was invoked against Shahnawaz Malik and his associates.

Authorities suspect the "explosive" was being loaded to an active state through directions in a video on a phone.

Two mobile phones were recovered in damaged condition and sent to FSL for data analysis.

Police invoked Section 9(b) of the Explosive Act and Section 3/4 of the Explosive Substance Act.

FIR No. 34 registered in Air Field Police Station under sections 118(1), 125(b) and 61(2) of BNS

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