Who is IPS Vijay Sakhare? The Anti‑Terror Officer Leading Delhi Blast Investigation

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has appointed its Director General, IPS Vijay Sakhare, to lead a high-level probe into the recent explosion near Delhi's Red Fort Metro Station that claimed nine lives.

The deadly blast, which occurred during rush hour, has triggered a multi-agency investigation into a suspected terror module operating across several states.

Ten-Member NIA Team Formed to Lead Investigation

A special 10-member team under Sakhare's leadership has been formed to coordinate the investigation. The team includes an Inspector General of Police (IG), two Deputy Inspectors General (DIG), three Superintendents of Police (SP), and four Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP).

They will work closely with the Delhi Police, Haryana Police, and Jammu and Kashmir Police to consolidate all case files, evidence logs, and interrogation records related to the Jaish-linked module suspected to be behind the attack.

The NIA has already begun analyzing over 1,000 CCTV camera feeds from areas around the Red Fort and nearby localities. Digital forensics teams are also tracing mobile tower data and social media activity from multiple zones across Delhi to identify the movements and communications of suspects before the blast.

Who is IPS Vijay Sakhare?

Vijay Sakhare, a 1996-batch IPS officer from the Kerala cadre, is known for his extensive experience in anti-terror operations and internal security.

Before taking charge as NIA Director General in September this year, Sakhare served as Inspector General within the same agency, overseeing several sensitive counter-terror investigations.

He has been instrumental in modernizing investigative methods within the NIA, emphasizing coordination between intelligence and enforcement agencies.

His appointment to lead the Red Fort blast probe signals the government's intent to ensure a thorough, evidence-driven investigation.

According to sources, Sakhare held a detailed strategy meeting with the Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief earlier today to align operational priorities.

Early Findings Point to Panic-Induced Explosion

The Delhi blast case was formally transferred to the NIA after Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the preliminary findings on Tuesday.

Initial reports suggest that the explosion may have been triggered accidentally. Sources said the suspected suicide bomber, identified as Umar Mohammad, might have panicked after two key module members, Dr Muzammil Shakeel and Dr Adil Rather, were arrested.

Investigators also seized a massive cache of 2,900 kilograms of explosives, including ammonium nitrate, in Haryana's Faridabad.

An initial forensic inspection of the site indicated no crater formation and no evidence of projectile impact. This suggested the device may have detonated prematurely or been mishandled.

Intelligence officials told that "the suspects may have panicked and made a mistake while carrying the explosives," pointing toward an accidental detonation rather than a planned strike.

Coordinated Action Across States

The NIA's investigation is now focused on tracing the full operational network of the Jaish module, mapping financial trails, and uncovering local support systems.

Coordination between Delhi, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir Police remains crucial as multiple arrests are expected in the coming days.

As the special team under Vijay Sakhare intensifies its work, the investigation is expected to provide a clearer picture of how the suspected terror module operated and whether the Delhi blast was an isolated event or part of a larger plan disrupted midway.