The National Investigation Agency (NIA), India’s lead counter-terror probe body, has undergone a significant expansion of its national presence and workforce, according to a written statement provided to the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on December 2. This strategic enhancement is designed to bolster the agency’s ability to effectively tackle complex security threats across the country.
Minister Rai confirmed that the NIA now operates a network of 21 branch offices nationally, in addition to its main headquarters situated in New Delhi. Complementing this structure are two newly established Zonal Offices, one located in Guwahati and the other in Jammu. This expanded infrastructure is purposed to improve the NIA’s coordination, response time, and overall reach in investigating crimes that threaten India’s sovereignty, security, and international standing.
The agency’s human resources have also seen a substantial boost. Rai detailed that the NIA currently has 1,901 sanctioned posts, with a remarkable 769 of those approved within the last five years. This demonstrates the government’s commitment to significantly strengthening the agency’s investigative and operational capacity through increased manpower.
To ensure specialized and expedited legal proceedings, the government has designated 52 NIA Special Courts across India. Within this total, three courts—specifically located in Ranchi, Jammu, and Mumbai—have been assigned the exclusive function of handling cases investigated solely by the NIA.
In his reply to a question raised by MP Dilip Saikia, Rai reiterated the foundational purpose of the organization. The NIA was established following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks under the National Investigation Agency Act of 2008 to serve as the central law enforcement authority for counter-terrorism. Its mandate covers offenses impacting national security, the integrity of the state, diplomatic relations with foreign countries, and matters connected to international treaties listed in the NIA Act. The minister concluded by underscoring the government’s continued dedication to reinforcing the NIA’s investigative capabilities, infrastructure, and institutional framework as an essential component of the nation’s broader security architecture.
