Wild Dog 2021

Border RDX tip-off precedes border incident

The Intelligence Bureau alerts authorities about a suspected movement of 50 kilograms of RDX at the Andhra–Tamil Nadu border three days before a major incident. This tip-off foreshadows the planned escalation by the terrorist network. The warning triggers closer surveillance of border activity and sets the investigative motion in motion.

Border killings alert the investigation

Two weeks before the bakery bombing, two police officers are killed inside a truck at the Andhra–Tamil Nadu border. The brutal attack signals a coordinated effort by the militants and prompts a high-priority investigation. This event becomes a critical reference point for subsequent intelligence gathering.

John's Bakery bombing in Pune

On 13 February 2010, a bomb explodes at John's Bakery in Pune, taking several lives and sowing fear in the city. Investigators begin tracing the footprint of the attack and the network behind it. The incident acts as the catalyst for nationwide counterterrorism operations.

NIA takes over and Wild Dog is reactivated

Two weeks after the bakery blast, the Home Ministry hands the case to the National Investigation Agency. Vijay Varma, known as Wild Dog, is re-enlisted with the backing of his senior ally, DGP Hemanth. The team reorganizes to pursue the evolving threat across multiple jurisdictions.

CCTV footage and survivor sketch

Investigators obtain CCTV footage showing a man entering the bakery with a bag and leaving without it. A survivor's testimony corroborates the footage and helps the team craft a sketch of the suspect. The developing profile sharpens the focus of the manhunt.

Baig confession points to Khalid and Khatil

A shop owner recognizes the suspect and explains the man had stayed at his house on the recommendation of Mirza Baig. The police detain Baig and coerce a confession naming Khalid and his accomplice Khatil. The revelation redirects the investigation toward the Indian Mujahideen network.

Ali Reza undercover and the Darbhanga library

Vijay sends Ali Reza undercover in prison to gain access to Khalid's circle. Through a fellow inmate, Ali is directed toward the Darul-ul-Islam library in Darbhanga, Bihar, as a potential node in the network. The operation expands the search beyond Pune to the eastern corridors of the country.

Khalid identified and Khatil's temple plot

Investigators piece together that Khalid Bhatkal, a member of the Indian Mujahideen, is the mastermind. They also learn that Khatil was assigned to strike the Dagdusheth Temple, but security measures due to a VIP visit prevented the attack. This information broadens the hunt to temple security-sensitive targets.

Khatil nabbed in Bihar; IM network details emerge

Khatil is captured in Bihar while visiting his ailing son, and he cooperates in exchange for medical treatment. He provides actionable details about Indian Mujahideen operatives and logistics, enabling police to arrest several suspects. The Bihar intercepts drive the investigation deeper into the IM network.

Mumbai leg begins; Khalid watches Ali

Asadullah, the librarian, directs Ali to meet a 'special person' in Mumbai, and Khalid keeps a close watch on Ali via phone communications. The Mumbai leg of the operation becomes a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game confirming Khalid is nearby. Tensions rise as law enforcement narrows in.

Mumbai ATS foils the capture attempt; Vijay suspended

During the attempt to seize Khalid in Mumbai, the Mumbai ATS intervenes following a Bihar tip-off, foiling the operation. Vijay is suspended from the mission but continues working unofficially, displaying his determination to bring the target down. The case stretches across jurisdictions and tests agency loyalties.

Nepal raid and the 'Operation Wild Dog'

Vijay and his team relocate to Nepal after being denied official help, initiating the covert 'Operation Wild Dog'. They are attacked at the rendezvous by armed assailants, but Arya arrives to help them fight back. Laxman of Nepal Intelligence later reveals the attackers were under orders from Bomzan, who answers to Abdullah, an ISI-backed MP.

Final pursuit and border crossing

Vijay overpowers Bomzan and triggers a chain of events to reach Khalid, who is guarded by Maoists. The team disguises two members as Indian Embassy officials to push the ambulance through a VIP operation. A defibrillation experiment with Khalid signals imminent danger, allowing the ambulance to cross the border.