National Investigation Agency

NIA is headed by a director general (DG), who is an IPS officer and has the rank of Director General of Police. NIA is headquartered in New Delhi. The director general of the NIA is assisted by special/additional directors general (ADGs) and inspectors general (IGs). There are branch offices across the country to ensure nationwide coverage and coordination in counter-terrorism and other national security-related investigations. Senior officers are appointed through deputation from the Indian Police Service (IPS), the Indian Revenue Service (IRS),the Central Armed Police Force [CAPF] and also from State Police Services (SPS). Conversely, subordinate personnel are selected directly via the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) or through deputation from Central Armed Police Force [CAPF] and various State Police forces.{{Cite web |title= About Us | National Investigation Agency|url=https://www.nia.gov.in/about-us.htm}}

Officer Ranks in the NIA includes DGs, ADGs, IGs, DIGs, SPs, Add.SPs and DSPs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nia.gov.in/organisational-chart.htm|title = Ranks in NIA}}

• Director General (IPS Cadre)
• Special Director General/Additional Director General
• Inspector General (IG)
• Deputy Inspector General (DIG)
• Superintendent (SP)
• Additional Superintendent (Addl.SP)
• Deputy Superintendent (Dy.SP)

• Inspector (Insp.)
• Sub inspector (SI)
• Assistant Sub inspector (ASI)
• Head constable (HC)
• Constable

{{See also|Director General of the National Investigation Agency}}

A bill for the formation of the National Investigation Agency was passed by Parliament in December 2008. As per the legislation, NIA has concurrent jurisdiction which empowers the Central Agency to probe terror attacks in any part of the country, covering offences including challenges to the country's sovereignty and integrity, bomb blasts, hijacking of aircraft and ships and attacks on nuclear installations. The amendments to the NIA Act have brought offences relating to the smuggling in high-quality counterfeit Indian currency under the definition of a terrorist act aimed at damaging the monetary stability of the country and therefore open to investigation by the NIA.{{cite news |last=Ramkumar |first=Justice V. |title=Power of The "N.I.A. Special Court" To Tender Pardon to an Accomplice |url=https://www.livelaw.in/columns/power-of-nia-special-court-to-tender-pardon-to-an-accomplice-195668 |url-access=subscription |access-date=15 May 2024 |work=livelaw.in |date=3 April 2022}}

The National Investigative Agency Bill and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill became law on 30 December 2008 as President Pratibha Patil gave her assent to the legislation which was passed in the last session of the parliament.{{cite news |last=Naved |first=Sarim |title=Between the NIA Amendment and Now UAPA, the Squeeze on Human Rights is On |url=https://thewire.in/government/the-centre-wants-to-give-the-nia-more-powers-but-it-wont-explain-why |access-date=15 May 2024 |work=The Wire |date=24 July 2019}}

The NIA (Amendment) Bill 2019 was passed by the parliament on 17 July 2019. The Bill aims to give more teeth to the investigating powers of the NIA. It empowers the NIA to probe terror attacks targeting Indians and Indian interests abroad.{{Cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/parliament-approves-bill-to-give-nia-more-teeth-1570596-2019-07-17 |title=Parliament approves Bill to give NIA more teeth |agency=Press Trust of India New Delhi |date=17 July 2019 |newspaper=India Today|access-date=2019-07-29}} The amended legislation, which aims to primarily empower the anti-terror agency to investigate scheduled offences such as human trafficking; circulation of fake currency; manufacture and sale of prohibited arms; and cyber-terrorism, was passed with a majority of 278 votes in favour and six against in the Lok Sabha. It was also passed in the Rajya Sabha after those opposed to it staged a walkout.{{Cite web|url=https://theleaflet.in/the-nia-amendment-bill-2019-a-brief-explainer/|title=The NIA (Amendment) Bill 2019 – a brief explainer|date=2019-07-19|website=The Leaflet|access-date=2019-07-29}} This amendment will now also allow NIA to investigate the Sri Lanka Easter Bombings and Kabul Gurudwara bombing.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/apr/01/nia-to-probe-terror-attack-on-gurdwara-in-afghanistan-first-overseas-case-registered-by-agency-2124452.html|title=NIA to probe terror attack on gurdwara in Afghanistan; first overseas case registered by agency|date=2020-04-01|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=2020-04-27}}

The organisation aims to be a thoroughly professional investigative agency matching the best international standards. It aims to set the standards of excellence in counter terrorism and other national security related investigations at the national level by developing into a highly trained, partnership oriented workforce. It also aims at creating deterrence for existing and potential terrorist groups/individuals. It aims to develop as a storehouse of all terrorist related information.{{cite web|title=Vision and Mission|url=http://www.nia.gov.in/mission.aspx|publisher=National Investigation Agency|access-date=2012-12-09}}

The Agency has been empowered to conduct investigation and prosecution of offences under the Acts specified in the Schedule of the NIA Act.{{cite web|title=National Investigation Agency Act 2008|url=http://www.nia.gov.in/acts/The_National_Investigation_Agency_Act_2008.pdf|publisher=National Investigation Agency|access-date=16 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504190202/http://www.nia.gov.in/acts/The_National_Investigation_Agency_Act_2008.pdf|archive-date=4 May 2013|url-status=dead}} A State Government may request the Central Government to hand over the investigation of a case to the NIA, provided the case has been registered for the offences as contained in the schedule to the NIA Act. The Central Government can also order NIA to take over investigation of any scheduled offence anywhere in the India. Officers of the NIA who are drawn from the Indian Police Service and Indian Revenue Service have all powers, privileges and liabilities which police officers have in connection with investigation of any offence.{{cite web|title=Frequently Asked Questions|url=http://www.nia.gov.in/faqs.aspx|publisher=National Investigation Agency|access-date=16 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704230323/http://www.nia.gov.in/faqs.aspx|archive-date=4 July 2013|url-status=dead}}

In 2016, Home Minister Rajnath Singh wanted to end the central agency's dependence on approval from state police chiefs before confiscating or attaching assets of people accused of crime.{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/govt-wants-more-power-for-nia-move-could-eat-into-states-rights/story-KofQMGLgpWYfL2BHePO7SM.html|title=Govt wants more power for NIA, move could eat into states' rights 00:29 IST|last=Tikku|first=Aloke|date=22 December 2016|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=8 February 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190208170606/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/govt-wants-more-power-for-nia-move-could-eat-into-states-rights/story-KofQMGLgpWYfL2BHePO7SM.html|archive-date=8 February 2019|url-status=dead}}

The National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019 states that, officers of the NIA will have the power to investigate scheduled offences committed outside India, subject to international treaties and domestic laws of other countries.{{Cite web |title=What is the NIA Amendment Bill? |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/what-is-the-nia-amendment-bill-747292.html |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}} The central government may direct the NIA to investigate such cases, as if the offence has been committed in India. The Special Court in New Delhi will have jurisdiction over these cases.{{Cite news|title=Amended NIA Act with powers to probe abroad comes into force|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/amended-nia-act-with-powers-to-probe-abroad-comes-into-force/articleshow/70498926.cms|access-date=2020-08-13}}

Various Special Courts have been established by the Central Government of India for trial of the cases registered at various police stations of NIA under Section 11 and 22 of the NIA Act 2008. Any question as to the jurisdiction of these courts is decided by the Central Government. These are presided over by a judge appointed by the Central Government on the recommendation of the Chief Justice of the High Court with jurisdiction in that region. The Supreme Court of India has also been empowered to transfer the cases from one special court to any other special court within or outside the state if in the interest of justice in light of the prevailing circumstances in any particular state. The NIA Special Courts are empowered with all powers of the court of sessions under Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 for trial of any offence.

Trial by these courts are held on a day-to-day basis on all working days and have precedence over the trial of any other case against the accused in any other court (not being a Special Court) and have to be concluded in preference to the trial of such other case. An appeal from any judgement, sentence or order, not being an interlocutory order, of a Special Court lies to the High Court both on facts and on law. Such an appeal can be heard by a division bench of two Judges of the High Court. At present there are 38 Special NIA Courts.{{cite web|title=National Investigation Agency – Courts|url=http://www.nia.gov.in/niasplcourts.aspx|access-date=16 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605153852/http://www.nia.gov.in/niasplcourts.aspx|archive-date=5 June 2013|url-status=dead}} State Governments have also been empowered to appoint one or more such special courts in their states.

In 2012, NIA with the assistance of Interpol and Saudi Intelligence agencies, successfully arrested terrorists namely: Abu Jundal alias Abu Hamza (Indian national), Fasih Mohammad and Yaseen Bhatkal (Indian Mujahideen).{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Terror-suspect-Fasih-Mohammed-extradited-arrested-reports/Article1-948380.aspx |title=Saudi sends IM terror suspect back to India |work=Hindustan Times|access-date=2013-09-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513154938/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Terror-suspect-Fasih-Mohammed-extradited-arrested-reports/Article1-948380.aspx |archive-date=13 May 2013 }}

In 2013, NIA was successful in arresting two senior members of Indian Mujahideen, namely Ahmed Siddibappa Zaraar alias Yasin Bhatkal and Asadullah Akhtar alias Haddi, at the Indo—Nepal border in Bihar on 29 August 2013.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}} These two were instrumental in the commission of a number of terrorist attacks across the country for the past several years{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}, under the banner of Indian Mujahideen, a proscribed terrorist organisation.

On 8 April 2025, a team of NIA agents took custody of Tahawwur Rana from the United States Marshals Service, a co-conspirator of the November 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai, after his plea to stop extradition was rejected by the Supreme Court of the United States.{{cite web|url= https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/rana-loses-his-last-ditch-bid-to-thwart-extradition-to-india/ar-AA1CxUdQ|title= Rana loses his last ditch bid to thwart extradition to India|website= MSN}}{{Cite news |title=Mumbai terror attacks accused extradited by US arrives in India |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3v9w7yldk5o |access-date=10 April 2025 |work=BBC}}The plane carrying Rana reached the Palam Air base in New Delhi on 10 April 2025.{{Cite news |title=Mumbai terror attacks accused extradited by US arrives in India |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3v9w7yldk5o |access-date=10 April 2025 |work=BBC}} He was immediately sent to an 18-day NIA custody by a special NIA court in Delhi, and is currently being interrogated for his involvement in the attack as well as face trial for the attack.{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Shekhar |date=2025-04-11 |title=Delhi court sends 26/11 attack accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana to 18-day NIA custody |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Apr/10/delhi-court-sends-2611-attack-accused-tahawwur-hussain-rana-to-18-day-nia-custody |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}

NIA has been active in the war against terror in Jammu and Kashmir. On 18 January 2019, NIA filed a chargesheet against 12 people including Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group chief Hafiz Saeed and Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/jan/19/national-investigation-agency-charges-let-chief-hafiz-saeed-with-sedition-1758231.html|title=National Investigation Agency charges LeT chief Hafiz Saeed with sedition|work=The New Indian Express|access-date=2018-01-28}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/kashmir-terror-funding-nia-files-chargesheet-against-12-people-including-hafiz-saeed-and-syed-salahuddin-4308361.html|title=Kashmir terror funding: NIA files chargesheet against 12 people, including Hafiz Saeed and Syed Salahuddin – Firstpost|website=firstpost.com|date=18 January 2018|access-date=2018-01-28}} This chargesheet was filed after nearly eight months of investigations spanning six states in India during which over 300 witnesses were examined, 950 "incriminating documents" and 600 electronic devices were seized.{{Cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/nia-files-chargesheet-in-kashmir-terror-funding-case-shrinking-influence-of-separatists-opens-up-opportunity-for-dialogue-4310431.html|title=NIA files chargesheet in Kashmir terror funding case: Shrinking influence of separatists opens up opportunity for dialogue – Firstpost|website=firstpost.com|date=19 January 2018|access-date=2018-01-28}} NIA has also stated that the war against terror in Kashmir is not about terror funding alone, it's about a conspiracy to wage war against India.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pakistan-embassy-officials-involved-in-kashmir-terror-funding-nia-1801904|title=Pakistan Embassy Officials Involved in Kashmir Terror Funding: NIA|work=NDTV.com|access-date=2018-01-28}} During the investigation the NIA has arrested people allegedly involved in stone-pelting incidents for the first time including Kashmiri photojournalist Kamran Yusuf.{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/protests-erupt-in-kashmir-after-nia-arrests-journalist-4832359/|title=Journalists protest in Srinagar after Kamran Yousuf's arrest by NIA|date=2017-09-07|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2018-01-29}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/terror-funding-kashmir-photo-journalist-arrest-stone-pelting-1038605-2017-09-05|title=Terror funding case: Kashmir freelance photo-journalist amongst 2 arrested for stone-pelting|date=2017-09-05|website=India Today|access-date=2018-01-29}}{{Cite web|url=https://cpj.org/2018/01/india-charges-photojournalist-arrested-in-kashmir-.php|title=India charges photojournalist arrested in Kashmir in September with sedition, other crimes|website=cpj.org|date=18 January 2018|access-date=2018-01-29}}

It has identified two Naxalite commanders in Bastar who were part of the ambush that killed almost the entire Congress' Chhattisgarh top brass.{{cite news|title=NIA cracks Bastar ambush case as Naxal Usendi Sings|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/nia-cracks-bastar-ambush-case-as-naxal-usendi-sings/articleshow/29270245.cms|access-date=24 January 2014|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=24 January 2014}}

On 30 September 2023, in a joint operation with Manipur Police, NIA arrested a 51-year-old man, Seiminlun Gangte, from Churachandpur, Manipur for 'transnational conspiracy by terror outfits in Myanmar and Bangladesh to wage war against the government of India by exploiting the ethnic unrest in Manipur'. NIA announced that the mentioned militant outfits have been providing funds to procure arms, ammunition and other types of terrorist hardware, which are being sourced both, from across the border, as well as from other terrorist outfits active in northeastern states of India.{{Cite web |title=NIA_India/status/1708141536645710115 |url=https://twitter.com/NIA_India/status/1708141536645710115 |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=X (formerly Twitter)}}{{Cite web |date=2023-10-03 |title=Delhi court extends NIA custody of Manipur violence suspect Seiminlun Gangte |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/delhi-court-extends-nia-custody-of-manipur-violence-suspect-seiminlun-gangte-101696333227022.html |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=Hindustan Times}}{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Vijaita |date=2023-09-30 |title=NIA arrests one from Manipur's Churachandpur for 'waging war against India'|work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nia-arrests-one-from-manipurs-churachandpur-for-waging-war-against-india/article67366932.ece |access-date=2023-10-03 |issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite web |date=2023-09-30 |title=Manipur News: NIA arrests two in transnational conspiracy case |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/manipur-news-nia-arrests-two-in-transnational-conspiracy-by-myanmar-and-bangladesh-terror-outfits-11696086383450.html |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=mint}}{{Cite news |date=2023-10-02 |title='Every arrest based on evidence': CBI, NIA refute allegations of high-handedness, partiality in Manipur cases |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/every-arrest-based-on-evidence-cbi-nia-refute-allegations-of-high-handedness-partiality-in-manipur-cases/articleshow/104109961.cms |access-date=2023-10-03 |issn=0971-8257}}

Under the constitution of India, law and order is a state subject. In 2020 Chhatishgarh state filed a case against the act in the supreme court that the said act violates the constitution.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-moves-supreme-court-against-nia-act-enacted-by-cong-led-upa/story-HDlChKcZtonb0WnMe42kYO.html|title=Cong-ruled Chhattisgarh moves SC against NIA Act enacted by Cong-led UPA|date=15 January 2020|website=Hindustan Times}} A US Embassy cable accessed by The Hindu says that union home minister P Chidambaram, in his discussion with FBI Director Robert Mueller, was coming 'perilously close to crossing constitutional limits' in empowering the NIA,{{Cite web|date=2011-03-19|title=Chidambaram was unsure of NIA's constitutionality|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/chidambaram-was-unsure-of-nia-s-constitutionality/story-cFZmQydPPbWZuqZ7TlupiJ.html|access-date=2021-05-10|website=Hindustan Times}} and also that the National Investigation Agency's powers could be challenged in the courts as violating constitutional provisions on Centre-State relations.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/chidambaram-was-unsure-of-nia-s-constitutionality/story-cFZmQydPPbWZuqZ7TlupiJ.html|title=Chidambaram was unsure of NIA's constitutionality|date=19 March 2011|website=Hindustan Times}} These ambiguities that the states' privilege is being encroached upon by the Centre using this act are resolved using the 'doctrine of Pith and Substance'. The central government states that the NIA is a necessary body to fight threats to national security.{{Cite web|last=Garg|first=Varun|date=2021-01-03|title=Examining the legality of the NIA Act|url=https://lawandotherthings.com/2021/01/examining-the-legality-of-the-nia-act/|access-date=2021-05-10|website=Law and Other Things}}

• NIA has been depicted in the Amazon Prime Video's series The Family Man featuring Manoj Bajpayee in the role of an NIA officer named Srikant Tiwari.{{Cite web |date=2019-09-08 |title=Before you watch 'The Family Man' on Amazon Prime, here's everything you might wanna know about the NIA |url=https://www.gqindia.com/get-smart/content/before-you-watch-the-family-man-amazon-prime-original-series-heres-everything-you-might-wanna-know-about-nia |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=GQ India}}
• L2: Empuraan is a 2025 Malayalam movie which shows a villain instructing the Home Minister to direct the NIA to issue an arrest warrant for a non-bailable offense. Due to political pressure from the central government, The officials then arrest a politician. The NIA logo was also used in the movie without permission, leading to controversy and NIA Kochi taking action against the film regarding the defamation. It was later removed and the movie was re-released.{{Cite web |title=എമ്പുരാനിൽ എൻഐഎയുടെ ചിഹ്നം ദുരുപയോഗം ചെയ്തു |url=https://www.keralavisionnews.com/2025/03/31/empuraan-under-fire-for-unauthorized-use-of-nia-emblem-20178 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=www.keralavisionnews.com |language=ml}}{{Cite web |last=Daily |first=Keralakaumudi |title=Re-edited version of Empuraan to release today, mastering done at actor Nagarjuna's studio |url=https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=1509160&u |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=Keralakaumudi Daily |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Indo-Asian News |date=2025-03-30 |title=Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar to boycott controversial film 'Empuraan' |url=https://www.siasat.com/kerala-bjp-chief-rajeev-chandrasekhar-to-boycott-controversial-film-empuraan-3201124/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=The Siasat Daily |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Daily |first=Keralakaumudi |title=Re-edited Empuraan to hit theatres; Villain's name changed in 18 places |url=https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=1508857&u=re-edited-empuraan-to-hit-theatres-villains-name-changed-in-18-places-1508857 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=Keralakaumudi Daily |language=en}}
• The NIA has been featured in the 2024 movie Article 370. Actress Yami Gautam portrays as NIA agent Zooni Haksar.

• Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), special units under the state police forces for counter terrorism investigation and operations
• Central Bureau of Investigation, investigates organised crime which is international, multi-state or multi-agency
• Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, investigates smuggling
• Enforcement Directorate, investigates economic crimes
• Narcotics Control Bureau, investigates drug trafficking
• Financial Intelligence Unit, investigates money laundering
• NIA Most Wanted, wanted alleged terrorists
• List of Indian intelligence agencies

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|http://nia.gov.in/ }}
• [http://164.100.24.219/BillsTexts/LSBillTexts/PassedBothHouses/NIA%20-%20Houses.pdf NIA act]

{{Home Ministry (India)}}

{{Indian intelligence agencies}}

{{Law enforcement agencies of India}}

{{Fugitives wanted by India}}

{{2008 Mumbai attacks}}

{{authority control}}

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