The National Investigation Agency (NIA) of India has disclosed details of 43 individuals associated with a terror network suspected of having connections to Canada. NIA functions as India’s central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency and operates under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Established in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, it holds jurisdiction to investigate terror-related crimes across states without the need for special permissions. NIA ensures efficient and expeditious trials in these cases. It also possesses the authority, under the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019, to investigate scheduled offences committed outside India, subject to international treaties and relevant domestic laws.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Central Counter Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency: The NIA serves as India’s primary agency responsible for countering terrorism and conducting investigations related to national security.
- National Investigation Agency Act 2008: This legislation established the NIA after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, granting it powers to investigate and prosecute terrorism-related cases.
- Jurisdiction: NIA has the authority to investigate terror-related crimes across Indian states without requiring special permissions. It operates under the direction of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Scheduled Offences: The NIA Act contains a schedule of offences that fall under its jurisdiction, and these offences can be investigated by the agency.
- International Jurisdiction: According to the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019, NIA officers have the power to investigate scheduled offences committed outside India, provided it aligns with international treaties and foreign countries’ domestic laws.
