NIA Takes Over Red Fort Blast Probe: ADG Vijay Sakhare to Lead 10-Member Task Force as Multiple Arrests Loom
The probe into the recent blast at Delhi’s historic Red Fort has officially been transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) following directives from the Union Home Ministry. Initial assessments by the Ministry suggested that the incident required a national-level, multi-agency investigation given its sensitive nature and potential security implications.
NIA Constitutes Special 10-Member Investigation Team
To ensure a swift and coordinated inquiry, the NIA has set up a dedicated 10-member special investigation team, internally referred to as “Special 10.” The team will operate under the direct leadership of Additional Director General (ADG) Vijay Sakhare, one of the agency’s most experienced officers.
The composition of the team includes:
1 Inspector General of Police (IG)
2 Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs)
3 Superintendents of Police (SPs)
Remaining officers at the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) level
Their primary mandate is to uncover the conspiracy behind the explosion, trace the network of suspects, and identify any sleeper cells or logistical backers linked to the operation. The team will coordinate closely with the Delhi Police, Haryana Police, and Jammu & Kashmir Police, ensuring that all leads — digital, financial, and human intelligence — are thoroughly examined.
ADG Vijay Sakhare: The Officer Steering the Probe
Vijay Sakhare, a 1996-batch IPS officer from the Kerala cadre, has been chosen to head the investigation owing to his integrity, discipline, and extensive field experience.
Profile Highlights
Currently serving as Additional Director General (ADG) in the NIA since September 2025, on a two-year term.
Served as Inspector General (IG), NIA from 2022 during a five-year deputation.
Formerly held key positions in the Kerala Police, including ADGP (Law & Order), Commissioner of Police, Kochi City, and senior officer in the Crime Branch.
Holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University, showcasing a blend of academic excellence and administrative insight.
A sports enthusiast, with a passion for tennis and cricket.
Throughout his career, Sakhare has handled high-stakes investigations involving terrorism, organized crime, and major public order situations. His leadership in this case underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring a comprehensive, evidence-driven, and transparent investigation.
Preliminary Leads: A Panic-Induced Blast?
Early intelligence inputs suggest that the Red Fort explosion might not have been a pre-planned attack, but rather a botched or premature detonation.
Key findings so far include:
The suspected suicide bomber, identified as Umar Mohammad, may have panicked after the arrest of two module members — Dr. Muzammil Shakeel and Dr. Adil Rather.
Investigators recovered nearly 2,900 kilograms of explosives, including ammonium nitrate, during raids in Faridabad, Haryana.
Forensic teams noted the absence of a crater or projectile impact at the Red Fort site, further suggesting an accidental or mishandled explosion.
Sources indicate that the module could be linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), but intelligence officials believe this was not a fully coordinated terror strike, rather a failed attempt triggered by operational errors.
State-Wide Coordination and Next Steps
The NIA has expanded its investigation to track the full extent of the terror module’s network, focusing on three key areas:
Mapping the financial and logistical channels used by the group.
Identifying local support systems across northern India.
Recovering communication data and material evidence from digital devices.
The agency has begun collecting case diaries and interrogation records from Delhi, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir Police. The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has also been asked to provide assistance in intelligence verification and technical support.
According to senior officials, multiple arrests are expected soon as the probe widens and forensic data from the site is analyzed.
High-Level Coordination Meeting
Earlier in the day, ADG Vijay Sakhare chaired a detailed strategy session with the Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and senior NIA officers. The meeting focused on ensuring real-time intelligence sharing between central and state agencies to prevent misinformation and duplication of efforts.
The Road Ahead
The NIA’s takeover marks a critical phase in the investigation into the Red Fort blast, one of the most alarming incidents in recent years in the national capital.
Authorities are working to determine whether the blast was an isolated accident, a disrupted terror plan, or part of a larger cross-border operation. The findings of ADG Sakhare’s team are expected to play a decisive role in shaping future counter-terrorism strategy and national security coordination.
