Bhubaneswar Bomb Blast: Mastermind Muffi Succumbs, Probe Faces Uncertainty
Bhubaneswar, Odisha – The investigation into the Sundarpada bomb blast has taken a dramatic turn with the death of prime accused Shahnawaz Mallik alias Muffi, a notorious criminal known for his deep links to the city’s underworld.
Muffi, who was critically injured in the January 27 blast while allegedly assembling crude bombs, succumbed to his injuries after days on ventilator support.
Police sources fear that crucial details about the conspiracy may have died with him.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which joined the probe suspecting a wider network, is now interrogating other associates to uncover the motive and possible masterminds behind the operation.
The blast, which occurred inside a house in Sundarpada under Airfield police station limits, exposed the presence of criminal gangs operating in Bhubaneswar.
Allegations have surfaced that certain police units, particularly in Nayapalli, have been patronising criminals, allowing them to operate unchecked in areas like Jaydev Vihar, Pal Heights, and CRP Square.
Locals have demanded stricter enforcement, including raids and the use of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS), to curb rising crime in the capital city.
Another associate of Muffi remains critically injured and under police watch, raising hopes that investigators may still extract vital information.
Whether the probe will expose Bhubaneswar’s underworld or fade into obscurity remains uncertain, but Muffi’s death has undeniably complicated the path to justice.
