Relevance: GS2 – Security Agencies & Internal Security | Source: The Hindu

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has secured 10-day custody of four additional accused in the November 10 Red Fort blast case. They were earlier detained by the Jammu & Kashmir Police for suspected links to a terror module.

What is the NIA? 

The National Investigation Agency Act, 2008 created NIA as India’s premier counter-terrorism investigation agency.

Functions

• Investigates terrorism, explosives, Hijacking, counterfeit currency, cyber-terror, and offences under laws like UAPA, NDPS Act, Atomic Energy Act, etc.
  
• Can take over cases from state police with or without consent (Schedule of NIA Act).
  
• Has powers of arrest, search, seizure, and international coordination via Interpol.
  

Jurisdiction

• All-India jurisdiction.
  
• Can investigate offences committed abroad affecting India’s security (post-2019 amendment).
  

Related Agencies

Why These Agencies Matter 

• Strengthen national security, counter-terror operations, and criminal justice.
  
• Enhance inter-agency coordination, intelligence gathering, and efficient prosecution of high-risk cases.
  

Q. Consider the following statements regarding major investigative and intelligence agencies in India:

1. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) can investigate offences committed outside India that affect the security of India.
   
2. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) requires either general consent or case-specific consent of the State Government to investigate offences within that state.
   
3. The Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is a statutory body established under the Intelligence Agencies Act, 1968.
   
4. NIA and CBI both derive their powers from Acts of Parliament.
   

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Correct Answer: (b) Only two