Dimapur | The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation into the July 13 improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Nagaland’s Chumoukedima district that claimed the life of an Assam Rifles personnel and left four others injured.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Nagaland Police Headquarters said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), through an order dated July 27, entrusted the investigation into the blast case registered at Chumoukedima Police Station to the NIA.

The case relates to the explosion at Khopanala in Chumoukedima village on July 13, in which security personnel came under attack during an operational movement.

According to the MHA, the Centre concluded that the incident involved a scheduled offence under the provisions of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, warranting investigation by the country’s premier anti-terror agency.

Invoking powers under Sections 6(5) and 8 of the Act, the ministry directed the NIA to assume charge of the investigation, citing the seriousness of the offence and its implications for national security.

The transfer of the case is expected to facilitate a comprehensive investigation into the planning, execution and possible network behind the IED attack, including identifying those responsible and any links to militant or extremist groups operating in the region.

Nagaland Police said the state government and the police department would extend full cooperation to the NIA and ensure a smooth transfer of records, evidence and other materials required for the investigation in accordance with legal procedures.

The July 13 blast, which killed an Assam Rifles jawan and injured four others, had triggered heightened security operations across the area as agencies intensified efforts to trace those involved in the attack.