New Delhi, Jan 1 (FN Bureau) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024, securing a 100pc conviction rate across 25 cases, resulting in the convictions of 68 accused. This achievement underscores the agency’s unwavering commitment to justice and national security. According to an official press release dated December 31, 2024, this success stems from rigorous investigations and meticulous legal strategies, further solidifying the NIA’s reputation as one of India’s most effective investigative bodies. The agency focused on addressing Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and tackling high-profile cases throughout the year. Among the major achievements of 2024, the NIA registered 80 cases, arrested 210 accused, and filed chargesheets against 408 individuals.
The key crime categories included 28 LWE cases, 18 North-East insurgency cases, 7 Jammu and Kashmir Jihadi cases, and others related to Khalistan, ISIS, gangsters, and cyber-terrorism. The agency also attached 137 properties worth Rs. 19.57 crore to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks. The significant operations and arrests are that the NIA made strides in countering terrorism with notable seizures, including arms and ammunition recovered from operatives linked to banned organizations. A crackdown on Khalistani networks led to 14 arrests and 101 searches, while 11 ISIS Jihadis and 5 J&K Jihadis were apprehended. Key cases included convictions of four terrorists, including Kulwinderjeet Singh, alias Khanpuria, involved in multiple terror attacks.
The charge sheeting of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) chief Wadhawa Singh and Khalistan Terrorist Force (KTF) operatives deported from the Philippines. The NIA established two new exclusive courts in Jammu and Ranchi to enhance efficiency and released a handbook on UA(P)A investigations. The agency also trained 1,678 state police officials through 11 programs to strengthen state-level investigative capacities. In contrast to the NIA’s record, the Supreme Court has expressed concerns over the low conviction rates of other investigative agencies. In October 2024, the Apex Court criticised the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for its “very low conviction rate,” which it stated emboldens white-collar criminals. The Supreme Court emphasised the need for investigative agencies to improve their conviction rates to ensure justice is served efficiently and effectively. The NIA’s 2024 record sets a benchmark for other agencies to follow.