National Investigation Agency Takes Over Nagaland Blast Probe Killing Assam Rifles Havildar

India's Ministry of Home Affairs handed over the investigation of a July 13 improvised‑explosive device blast in Chümoukedima district, Nagaland, to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The explosion hit an Assam Rifles convoy, killing Havildar Mohammad Iqbal of the 28 Assam Rifles Battalion and critically injuring four other soldiers and a civilian.

The central government invoked the NIA Act, citing the gravity of the offence and national‑security implications. Nagaland Director General of Police Rupin Sharma announced that the state government and police will coordinate with the NIA. Police Commissioner Aotula T. Imchen announced a cash reward of Rs 50,000 for information leading to the identification or arrest of those who planned, financed, or executed the attack, and for recovery of related explosives and material.