Bhubaneswar: Following registration of a case in connection with the Azadnagar bomb explosion incident in Sundarpada area, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated an investigation, sources said.

The case has been filed under 1/26, following clearance from New Delhi. A special Odisha unit of the NIA has been formed, comprising selected officers, while senior officials from outside the state, including an SP-rank officer, will assist in the probe.

The agency has begun a detailed investigation to examine possible criminal and terror links behind the explosion. Officials are also probing whether highly potent explosives such as RDX were used in assembling the bomb.

Notably, the main accused, identified as Sehenwaz Mallik, who was allegedly involved in making the explosive device, has died. His mother also succumbed while undergoing treatment following the incident.

The NIA stepped in after suspicion surrounding the nature of the blast intensified, prompting a deeper multi-angle investigation. Further details are awaited as the probe progresses.