NIA Expands Counter Terrorism Research Cell to Address Broader Threats

Expansion of NIA's Counter Terrorism Efforts

New Delhi, Dec 2: The Indian government has announced an expansion of the ISIS Investigation Research Cell (IIRC) within the National Investigation Agency (NIA), rebranding it as the Counter Terrorism Research Cell (CTRC) to tackle a wider range of terrorism issues, as revealed in Parliament on Tuesday.

In response to a query in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai detailed the establishment of specialized divisions within the NIA, including the Anti Human Trafficking Division (AHTD), Anti Cyber Terrorism Division (ACTD), Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Cell, Financial Analysis Unit (FAU), and a Special Cell of legal experts.

"Initially set up in January 2018, the IIRC has now been restructured to enhance its focus on various terrorism fronts," Rai stated.

He elaborated on the measures taken to bolster the NIA, noting that the agency currently has 1,901 sanctioned positions, with 769 added in the last five years.

Additionally, the NIA's jurisdiction has been broadened to include investigations under the Explosive Substances Act of 1908, Human Trafficking laws, Cyber Terrorism, and the Arms Act of 1959.

The agency's presence has been significantly increased across India, with the establishment of 21 branch offices and two zonal offices located in Guwahati and Jammu, alongside its headquarters in Delhi.

Rai also mentioned the creation of the National Terror Data Fusion and Analysis Centre (NTDFAC) within the NIA, aimed at enhancing big data analytics and automating various investigative processes to improve efficiency and accountability.

The NIA is tasked with investigating and prosecuting offenses that threaten India's sovereignty, security, and integrity, as well as those affecting international relations, as outlined in the NIA Act of 2008.