The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was constituted in 2009 under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008 (NIA Act) and serves as the central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency in India. Its creation was necessitated by the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks (also known as the 26/11 incident), highlighting the need for a dedicated federal agency to combat terror-related crimes across the country.
Key Features of NIA:
- Jurisdiction: The NIA has the authority to investigate terror-related crimes across India and abroad, subject to international treaties and agreements. The agency deals with a wide range of crimes including, but not limited to, terrorism, terrorist financing, and counterfeit currency offenses.
- Structure: The NIA is headed by a Director-General appointed by the central government. The Director-General has powers similar to those of a Director-General of Police in a state police force.
- Offices: The headquarters of the NIA is in New Delhi. It has branch offices in Hyderabad, Guwahati, Mumbai, Lucknow, Kochi, Kolkata, Jammu, and Raipur. Additionally, the NIA operates a specialized cell known as the TFFC (Terror Funding and Fake Currency) Cell, which focuses on issues related to fake currency notes and terror funding.
- Functioning: The NIA operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. In the course of its investigations, the NIA receives assistance and cooperation from state governments.
