Bhubaneswar, July 8: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested another suspect in connection with the Sundarpada explosion case in Bhubaneswar, further intensifying its investigation into the high-profile blast that occurred earlier this year.

The accused has been identified as Rohan Ranjan Rautray, a resident of the Patia area in Bhubaneswar. According to reports, the NIA apprehended him from Uttar Pradesh and brought him into custody for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.

Earlier, an NIA team had visited the blast site at Azad Nagar in Sundarpada and conducted a detailed forensic examination to gather evidence. The central agency is investigating the case from multiple angles, including the circumstances that led to the explosion, possible criminal networks involved, and any potential links to terrorist activities.

The explosion took place on January 27 in the Azad Nagar area under the Airfield Police Station limits. The main accused, Sehenbaz Mallik alias Mafi, and his mother sustained critical injuries in the blast and later died while undergoing treatment.

After taking over the investigation from the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate Police, the NIA registered a fresh case and has since made significant progress in the probe. During the investigation, the agency recovered RDX explosive material, raising the seriousness of the case.

Investigators are now focusing on tracing the source of the explosives, examining Mafi's alleged interstate connections, and verifying links with his previous criminal cases. So far, the NIA has questioned more than 10 persons, and officials indicated that further arrests and searches may follow as the investigation continues.

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