RT Nagrani, the first director general of the National Security Guard (NSG) and the architect of Operation Black Thunder-I at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, passed away on Sunday at his home in south Delhi. He was 98 years old.
Nagrani, a 1951-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, served as the chief of the elite counter-terrorism force from August 17, 1984, to September 25, 1986. He was instrumental in building the NSG from its inception and leading its first major operation.
Operation Black Thunder-I: A Defining Operation
Operation Black Thunder-I was launched on the night of April 30, 1986, targeting armed militants holed up in the Golden Temple complex. The operation concluded by early morning the next day, with troops moving barefoot and heads covered to maintain the sanctity of the shrine. According to official records, the operation resulted in the apprehension of 122 suspected militants without any casualties among the security forces. Notably, no collateral damage was caused, reflecting Nagrani's insistence on precision and restraint.
The NSG was raised in 1984 with a mandate to undertake counter-terrorist, counter-hijack, and hostage rescue missions. Nagrani's leadership set the operational ethos that defined the force's reputation for excellence. His approach combined tactical rigor with respect for religious and cultural sensitivities.
Legacy and Tributes
Current NSG Director General Brighu Srinivasan, the 25th chief of the force, expressed deep condolences. He stated, '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.'
The NSG paid tribute on social media, describing Nagrani as a 'visionary leader and institution builder' who laid the foundation with exceptional foresight, professionalism, and dedication. The post highlighted that his leadership established the values, discipline, and operational ethos that transformed the NSG into India's nodal counter-terrorism force, renowned for precision and courage.
Nagrani retired from service in 1987 and is survived by three sons. His cremation is scheduled for Tuesday. His death marks the loss of one of India's most distinguished police officers, whose contributions to internal security remain unparalleled.
