NIA Takes Over Investigation of Nagaland IED Blast That Killed Assam Rifles Personnel
Investigation Handed to NIA
Security personnel evacuate an injured jawan after the suspected July 13 IED blast. (AT Photo)
Kohima, July 29: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has transferred the investigation of the IED explosion in Chümoukedima district, Nagaland, to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). This incident resulted in the death of an Assam Rifles Havildar and left four others severely injured.
A senior official from the Nagaland Police confirmed on Tuesday that the MHA communicated this decision to the state government via a letter dated July 27, assigning the case registered at Chümoukedima Police Station to the NIA.
According to Nagaland's Director General of Police, Rupin Sharma, the Centre determined that a serious offence under the National Investigation Agency Act of 2008 had occurred.
Given the severity of the incident and its potential impact on national security, the Central government invoked Sections 6(5) and 8 of the NIA Act to authorize the agency to take over the investigation.
"The Nagaland government and police will collaborate with the NIA for the necessary handover process as mandated by law," the statement indicated.
The case pertains to the explosion that occurred on July 13 at Khopanala, where an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) targeted a vehicle in an Assam Rifles convoy near Sukhovi, adjacent to the Assam Rifles Training Centre.
The blast resulted in the death of Havildar Mohammad Iqbal from the 28 Assam Rifles Battalion, who hailed from Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, four other personnel from the Assam Rifles suffered critical injuries.
A civilian was also hurt due to debris from the explosion.
The investigation's transfer coincides with an ongoing search for those responsible for the attack. On July 17, just four days post-blast, the Nagaland Police announced a cash reward of Rs 50,000 for credible information leading to the identification and capture of the suspects.
In a public announcement, Commissioner of Police Aotula T. Imchen condemned the incident as a "heinous terrorist act" and stated that investigators are looking for information not only on the attackers but also on those involved in planning, financing, or facilitating the crime.
The NIA's involvement is anticipated to enhance the investigation into one of the most significant assaults on security forces in Nagaland in recent years, as agencies delve into the broader network behind this deadly incident.