Bhubaneswar, Jul 8: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested another accused in connection with the deadly explosion at Azad Nagar in Sundarpada, Bhubaneswar, nearly seven months after the incident that claimed two lives.

The accused, identified as Rohan Ranjan Routray, was arrested from Uttar Pradesh. According to the NIA, Routray is a native of Patia in Bhubaneswar and is suspected to have played a role in the case.

The explosion took place on January 27 while improvised explosive devices were allegedly being assembled at a house in Azad Nagar. The blast killed two persons, including the prime accused, Sehenbaz Mallik alias Mafi, and his mother, who later succumbed to injuries during treatment.

As part of its ongoing investigation, the NIA had earlier conducted a detailed on-site inspection at the blast location. During the probe, the agency recovered a substantial quantity of RDX, raising serious concerns over the possible intended use of the high-grade explosive.

Investigators are continuing to examine the origin of the seized explosives, the network involved in procuring them, and their suspected purpose. The agency has also questioned several individuals to gather evidence regarding the source, intended use, and possible links to a larger criminal or terror-related conspiracy.

The investigation into the Sundarpada blast remains ongoing, with the NIA pursuing multiple leads to uncover the full extent of the case.