India
pti-PTI
R T Nagrani, the founding Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG) and the officer who led Operation Black Thunder-I in 1986, passed away in New Delhi on Sunday. He was 98. Officials said he had been unwell for some time and died at his residence in south Delhi. His cremation will take place on Tuesday.
R T Nagrani, the founding Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG) and leader of Operation Black Thunder-I in 1986, passed away in New Delhi at age 98. He was instrumental in shaping the NSG into India’s premier counter-terrorism force.
First Chief of the NSG
Nagrani was a 1951-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre. He became the first Director General of the NSG, serving from August 17, 1984, to September 25, 1986. The elite “Black Cats” force was established in 1984 to carry out counter-terrorism operations, hostage rescue missions, and respond to hijacking incidents.
During his tenure, Nagrani played a key role in shaping the NSG into India’s premier counter-terrorism force, laying down the values and operational standards that continue to guide the organisation.
Led Operation Black Thunder-I
One of the defining moments of Nagrani’s career was leading Operation Black Thunder-I, which began on the night of April 30, 1986, at the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar and concluded the following morning.
According to official records, the operation was carried out with strict respect for the sanctity of the shrine. NSG personnel conducted the mission barefoot and with their heads covered, while ensuring that no one entered the main shrine. Officials said the operation resulted in the arrest of 122 suspected militants without any casualties among NSG personnel or damage to the holy site.
NSG Pays Tribute to Its Founding Chief
NSG Director General Brighu Srinivasan expressed grief over Nagrani’s death, describing him as the architect of a force that remains unmatched.
“The values and ethos instilled by the founding father have provided the bedrock on which our ‘elitest of elite’ force stands. We have literally stood on the shoulders of great men like him,” Srinivasan said.
The NSG also paid tribute to its first chief on X, stating, “A visionary leader and institution builder, Shri Nagrani laid the foundation of the NSG with exceptional foresight, professionalism and unwavering dedication.”
The force added that his leadership established the discipline, values, and operational ethos that transformed the NSG into India’s nodal counter-terrorism force, recognised for its precision, courage, and excellence.
Retired in 1987
Nagrani retired from service in 1987 after a distinguished career in the IPS. He is survived by his three sons. His contributions to building India’s elite counter-terrorism force continue to be remembered as a significant chapter in the country’s security history.
