• The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation into the attacks carried out by Khalistan supporters on Indian Missions in the US and Canada in March.

• Earlier, the probe into violent protests and attempted vandalisation at the Indian High Commission in London in March this year was also handed over to the agency.

• The Delhi Police’s Special Cell had registered FIRs under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the attacks which took place in March.

• The investigation has now been transferred to the NIA.

National Investigation Agency (NIA)

• The NIA was set up in 2009 in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks that had claimed 166 lives. 

• The NIA was constituted under the NIA Act of 2008 as a special agency for investigation and prosecution of offences specified in the Schedule of NIA Act. NIA is the premier investigation agency at the central level to investigate terrorism related cases including terrorism financing cases.

• 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.

Objectives of NIA:

• In-depth professional investigation of scheduled offences using the latest scientific methods of investigation and setting up such standards as to ensure that all cases entrusted to the NIA are detected.

• Ensuring effective and speedy trial.

• Developing into a thoroughly professional, result-oriented organisation, upholding the constitution of India and laws of the land giving prime importance to the protection of human rights and dignity of the individual.

• Developing a professional workforce through regular training and exposure to the best practices and procedures.

• Displaying scientific temper and progressive spirit while discharging the duties assigned.

• Inducting modern methods and the latest technologies in every sphere of activities of the agency.

• Assist all states and other investigating agencies in probing terrorist cases.

• Build a database on all terrorist-related information and share the database available with the states and other agencies.

• Study and analyse laws related to terrorism in other countries and regularly evaluate the adequacy of existing laws in India and propose changes as and when necessary.

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