Bhubaneswar: A possible Odisha connection has emerged in the deadly car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort on November 10, resulting in 13 casualties.
Investigating agencies have reportedly traced links between Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganaie, one of the prime accused, and some individuals from Odisha.
According to sources, several WhatsApp messages, exchanged between Dr Ganaie and phone numbers registered in the state, have been recovered.
A team from National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has taken over the probe, may soon visit Odisha as part of the ongoing investigation.
On Thursday, Odisha Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said that the matter was under investigation and assured that those responsible would face strict punishment if a link is established.
“There has been a blast in Delhi which is being investigated by the concerned agency. As reported in various newspapers and media houses, there seems to be some connection with Odisha, and that part will also be investigated,” Pujari said.
“The persons behind the blast will not be spared. Stern action will be taken, exemplary punishment will be imposed against all involved. Terrorism has become an international phenomenon — even the United States could not escape terrorist attacks a few years ago. Therefore, in Odisha all vulnerable areas are being closely monitored to prevent such incidents,” he added.
Pujari stressed that the state government is fully committed to taking firm measures against terrorism and ensuring the safety of the people of Odisha.
Bhubaneswar, Odisha: On the Delhi car blast, Minister Suresh Pujari says, “…There was a long period of relative calm after incidents such as the Parliament attack, the Mumbai attacks, and the Pahalgam incident, all of which were responded to firmly. Now there has been a blast… pic.twitter.com/FdsNFRfRnE
— IANS (@ians_india) November 13, 2025
Odisha has been on high alert since the blast on Monday evening. Security measures have been significantly enhanced, especially at tourist hotspots like Puri, Konark and Cuttack, where there have been large gatherings for Bali Jatra festival.
However, according to the state’s Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, there was no immediate threat to the people of Odisha.