In a significant development in the January bomb blast incident in Bhubaneswar’s Sundarpada area, Azad Nagar, the prime accused and notorious criminal Shahnawaz Mallik, alias Muffi, has succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
Muffi had been on ventilator support in a private hospital for an extended period and breathed his last on Wednesday. His death has sparked concerns that the ongoing investigation may be hampered, leaving numerous questions unanswered and potentially burying several mysteries surrounding the case.
The incident occurred on January 27 in the Airfield police station area, where a crude bomb exploded unexpectedly while being assembled in a house. Muffi, who has a history of involvement in multiple criminal cases, was among four individuals seriously injured in the blast.
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Initial police investigations revealed that the bombs were being prepared for criminal activities. Given the gravity of the situation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) also initiated a probe, suspecting a larger conspiracy.
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Experts and locals alike assume that Muffi’s demise as the key accused will leave critical aspects of the case unresolved. Key unanswered questions include: Who instructed Muffi to manufacture the bombs? What larger gang or plot was behind the explosion? And what were his connections with other criminals in the Nayapalli khati (hangout spot)? With his death, these details may remain shrouded in secrecy, raising doubts about the depth and success of the police and NIA’s investigation. Discussions are rife on whether the probe will continue with the same vigour or if the file will be quietly closed.
The incident has also spotlighted broader concerns about criminal activities in Nayapalli and surrounding areas. Allegations are mounting that the Nayapalli police are patronising criminals, allowing them to operate unchecked. In zones like Jaydev Vihar, Pal Heights, and CRP Square, criminal hangouts persist late into the night, right in the heart of the city. Despite reports and information provided to authorities about these individuals, arrests are rare. These areas, directly linked to the national highway, are seen as breeding grounds for crimes ranging from looting to more organised operations, with many plots allegedly originating from these khatis.
Locals are questioning when the police will conduct raids on these spots and utilise tools like CCTNS for thorough checks. There is growing frustration over the lack of interest in verifying the criminal records of those frequenting these hangouts. Residents demand to know when these khatis will finally be targeted to curb the rising crime wave.
Meanwhile, the Airfield police and NIA have confirmed that the investigation into the bomb blast continues. Other accused individuals are still being interrogated, though fears persist that vital information may be lost forever with Muffi’s passing. One of his associates, who remains critically injured, is under close medical watch by the police to ensure his survival for further questioning. Whether this case will ultimately expose the underbelly of Bhubaneswar’s criminal world or fade into obscurity following Muffi’s death remains to be seen.
