Karnataka Police emerge National Counter-IED Champion for third time in a row

The Internal Security Division (ISD) Counter-IED Team of the Karnataka State Police won the 9th National Joint Counter-IED Competition, Visfot Kavach IX, conducted by the National Security Guard (NSG) in New Delhi. This marks the team’s third consecutive win in the national event.

Led by Col. Akkula Balakrishna, SM, the Karnataka team is now the only State police force in India to secure three back-to-back national titles in counter-IED operations, underscoring its technical expertise and operational excellence.

The 2025 edition of Visfot Kavach IX, held from November 10 to 15, saw participation from 28 teams representing State police forces, Union Territories, and Central Armed Police Forces. The competition included advanced bomb disposal drills, IED detection and neutralisation tasks, and complex scenario-based exercises designed to test real-world readiness.

The Karnataka ISD team delivered a standout performance, securing first place in all categories.