Bhubaneswar, 08 July (H.S.) : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday arrested another accused in connection with the Sundarpada explosion case, nearly seven months after the blast that claimed two lives in Bhubaneswar's Azad Nagar area.

The accused, identified as Rohan Ranjan Routray, was apprehended from Uttar Pradesh. According to the NIA, Routray is a resident of Patia in Bhubaneswar and is alleged to have been linked to the conspiracy surrounding the explosion.

The blast occurred on January 27 at a house in Azad Nagar, Sundarpada, where explosive devices were allegedly being assembled. The explosion killed two persons and triggered a multi-agency investigation due to the suspected use of high-grade explosives.

Following the incident, the NIA took over the investigation and conducted extensive searches and forensic examinations at the blast site. A team of NIA officials had also visited Azad Nagar as part of the on-ground probe.

The agency's investigation led to the seizure of a substantial quantity of RDX, raising serious concerns over the origin of the explosives and their intended use. Investigators are examining whether the explosives were meant for any larger criminal or terror-related activities.

The prime accused in the case, Sehenbaz Mallik alias Mafi, and his mother, who sustained critical injuries in the explosion, later died while undergoing treatment.

As part of the ongoing investigation, the NIA has questioned several individuals to trace the source of the explosives, identify others involved in the conspiracy, and ascertain the intended purpose of the recovered RDX.

Officials said the investigation is continuing to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and determine any possible links to organised criminal or terrorist networks. Further arrests and developments are expected as the probe progresses.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda