NIA clocks 100 per cent conviction rate in 2024 with crackdown on major terrorism cases
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) achieved a 100 per cent conviction rate in 2024, as 68 accused were convicted in 25 cases, while 408 others were chargesheeted.
A total of 210 accused were arrested across key categories of crimes in 80 cases registered by NIA in 2024. Of these cases, Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and Northeast insurgency topped the list at 28 and 18 cases.
The crackdown on the growing terrorist-gangster nexus was also a key highlight of the year.
NIA arrested 14 accused in connection with foreign-based Khalistani terrorist cases during the year, which saw 101 searches being conducted in these cases.
The total searches carried out across all kinds of cases in 2024 stood at 662. Thirteen arrests were made in gangster related cases during the year.
The agency’s efforts in cracking terrorism cases were evident in the fact that it had charge sheeted Pakistan-based Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) chief Wadhawa Singh alias Babbar and five other terrorists in the murder of VHP leader Vikas Prabhakar alias Vikas Bagga in Punjab within months of the fatal attack.
Similarly, 10 accused, including foreign-based terrorist Goldy Brar, were expeditiously charge sheeted in a case pertaining to firing for extortion at the house of a businessman in Chandigarh.
The agency had also charge sheeted Khalistan Terrorist Force (KTF) members Manpreet Singh alias Peeta and Mandeep Singh, after their successful deportation from Philippines.
Meanwhile, Left Wing Extremism (LWE) remained under NIA’s scanner throughout the year, leading to the maximum of 69 arrests of the total 210 arrests reported in 2024.
The anti-terror agency scaled up its operations multifold in 2024, cracking the Rameshwaram café blast case. Five accused have already been arrested and four have been charge sheeted in the high-profile case.
A total of 137 properties and assets worth Rs 19.57 crore were attached during the year as part of the agency’s sustained efforts to dismantle the various terrorist, gangster and other criminal networks.
North-east insurgency was also high on NIA’s radar with 15 arrests. The Independence Day boycott call by ULFA(I) in Assam saw the arrest of five accused in two separate cases.
Arms seizure emerged as a key milestone against attempts by anti-national forces to unleash violence in the country. Cases of weapons recovery and seizure were reported from across the country, including Jammu, Jaipur, Ranchi, Patna, and Chandigarh.
The arrest of 11 ISIS Jihadis, five J&K Jihadis and 24 other Jihadis marked another major step forward for the agency.
