# Nagaland IED attack investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nagaland-ied-attack-investigation
> Updated: 2026-08-20T15:56:58.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Following a July 13 improvised-explosive device blast in the Chümoukedima district of Nagaland, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs transferred the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The explosion targeted an Assam Rifles convoy, resulting in the death of Havildar Mohammad Iqbal and leaving four soldiers and one civilian critically injured.

Citing national security implications and the gravity of the offense, the central government invoked the NIA Act to lead the probe. Local authorities in Nagaland have pledged to coordinate with the NIA, while the Police Commissioner announced a cash reward of Rs 50,000 for information regarding the identification or arrest of those responsible for planning, financing, or executing the attack.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-20: NIA arrests absconding accused in Bihar AK-47 smuggling case

The NIA arrested Bhairaw Tripathi in connection with a conspiracy to smuggle AK-47 rifles and ammunition from Nagaland to Bihar to disrupt public peace and national security.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nia-arrests-absconding-accused-in-bihar-ak-47-smuggling-case

### 2026-07-28: National Investigation Agency Takes Over Nagaland Blast Probe Killing Assam Rifles Havildar

India's NIA has taken over the probe of a July 13 IED blast in Nagaland that killed Assam Rifles Havildar Mohammad Iqbal and injured four others, with a Rs 50,000 reward offered for leads.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/national-investigation-agency-takes-over-nagaland-blast-probe-killing-assam-rifles-havildar

---
Cite as: Nagaland IED attack investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nagaland-ied-attack-investigation