The National Investigation Agency (NIA), an Indian federal agency developed under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has recently carried out a nationwide activity named ‘Operation Dhvast’. The operation was intended to dismantle an intertwined network of terrorists, infamous gangsters, and drug traffickers.
The NIA collaborated with the local police forces in Punjab and Haryana to perform raids at 129 locations spread across several states. The endeavor concluded with the arrest of three individuals. These individuals were associated with targeted killings, funding of pro-Khalistan groups, extortion, and smuggling activities involving drugs and weapons.
NIA’s Role and Jurisdiction
Established in 2009 following the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, the National Investigation Agency aims to investigate and prosecute crimes associated with terrorism, insurgency, and national security. It operates under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, which was later fortified by the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019.
The agency undertakes its investigations either independently or by taking over terror-related cases from state police or other agencies. The NIA is not obligated to seek prior permission from state governments in order to investigate across state boundaries. Among its many functions, it collects, analyzes, and disseminates intelligence, coordinates with internal and external law enforcement agencies, and prosecutes cases before the NIA Special Court.
Caste-Based Survey by Bihar Government
The Supreme Court of India has decided to maintain the temporary stay order issued by the Patna High Court regarding a caste-based survey initiated by the Bihar government. This survey aimed to gather details about the socio-economic standing and education level of various castes within the state.
A caste-based survey attempts to categorize populations according to their caste – a system of social strata that take into consideration factors such as birth, occupation, and religion. The ultimate goal of such surveys is to identify the socially backward classes in order to provide them with reservations and welfare programs.
Enhancing Efficiency: e-Malkhana Initiative
By June 2023, all 23 police stations under the Visakhapatnam Police Commissionerate, Andhra Pradesh plan to incorporate e-Malkhana – a systematic storage method for properties and evidence gathered from crime scenes. The novel initiative aims to improve the efficiency and organization of storing seized items.
Contrary to the conventional storeroom methods, e-Malkhana employs standard-sized cardboard boxes to store each piece of evidence. These boxes are labeled with unique numbers and specific details, along with a dynamic QR code that links to the related case information.
Global Collaboration: MoU Between CCI and ECA
The Union Cabinet has given its nod to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA). This MoU aims to fortify cooperation in competition law and policy through the exchange of information, sharing of best practices, and various capacity-building initiatives.
Section 18 of the Indian Competition Act, 2002 allows the CCI to enter such agreements with any foreign agency. The purpose is to enhance the enforcement of competition law within their respective jurisdictions through shared experiences and technical cooperation.