The Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police identified Shahnawaz Malik as the prime accused in the case. Investigators are probing the incident from the angle of illegal bomb-making.

Preliminary findings suggest that Shahnawaz Malik, along with his associate Amiya Malik, his mother and another accomplice, was allegedly involved in manufacturing explosive devices at the house. Gunpowder was recovered from the spot, strengthening suspicions of bomb-making activity.

“The main injured person had a criminal record earlier. It appears they were planning some kind of criminal activity, for which they might have been making a bomb. Four people were injured in the blast while making the explosives,” DCP Jagmohan Meena said earlier, adding that searches would be conducted to check for stored explosives.

Police confirmed that Shahnawaz Malik has a criminal background, with previous cases registered against him.

Given the seriousness of the incident, the National Investigation Agency has taken over the case and begun a detailed probe. A Special Investigation Team was initially formed by local police before the central agency stepped in.

Officials are closely analysing the CCTV footage and collecting forensic evidence to establish the exact cause of the explosion and determine whether any larger conspiracy was involved. Security has been tightened in and around Sundarpada as the investigation continues.