NIA Secures Unprecedented ‘100% Conviction Rate’ in 2024, Unveils Major Breakthroughs in Terrorism and Crime Cases

New Delhi, Dec 31 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has accomplished an exceptional 100% conviction rate for the year 2024, highlighting a significant year of achievements in its persistent struggle against terrorism, extremism, and organized crime. This success was anchored in the agency's rigorous emphasis on Left Wing Extremism (LWE), North-East insurgency, and the increasing collaboration between terrorists and gangsters.

The annual report from the NIA reveals that the agency handled 80 cases in 2024, leading to a total of 210 arrests spanning various criminal offenses. The predominant focus areas included LWE (28 cases) and North-East insurgency (18 cases), along with significant attention to Jammu & Kashmir jihadi activities, explosives, human trafficking, and the terror-gangster nexus.

In 2024, the NIA tackled a variety of cases, comprising seven linked to J&K jihadi activities, six involving explosive materials, and five concerning human trafficking. The agency also registered four additional jihadi cases, four related to Khalistani terrorism, and two cases associated with ISIS. Moreover, the agency addressed issues related to gangsters, cyber terrorism, FICN (Fake Indian Currency Notes), among others.

The NIA's 2024 performance was highlighted by 68 convictions across 25 cases and the filing of charge sheets against 408 accused individuals. In addition, the agency seized 137 properties and assets valued at Rs 19.57 crore, as part of its ongoing mission to dismantle terrorist, gangster, and other criminal networks.

With LWE cases contributing to the highest number of arrests, 69 individuals were detained concerning 28 LWE cases. The NIA's efforts also focused on North-East insurgency, particularly operations aimed at the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA-I). A notable crackdown resulted in several arrests tied to ULFA-I's call for an Independence Day boycott and their alleged placement of IEDs across Assam.

One of the standout achievements of 2024 was the agency’s decisive action against the burgeoning terrorist-gangster nexus. In total, 14 individuals were apprehended in connection with Khalistani terrorism, and 13 arrests were made tied to gangster-related activities. The NIA conducted 662 searches throughout various cases, reflecting a substantial uptick in its operations.

The NIA's swift resolution of high-profile cases was evident throughout the year, particularly in the murder of VHP leader Vikas Prabhakar, where the agency promptly charge-sheeted six individuals, including the Pakistan-based Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) leader, Wadhawa Singh. Additionally, the agency made rapid advancements in the extortion and firing case involving gangster Goldy Brar, charge-sheeting 10 individuals, including Brar himself.

Moreover, the successful extradition of Khalistani terrorist Tarsem Singh Sandhu from the UAE underscored the NIA’s global reach in combating cross-border terrorism.

Significant arms seizures throughout the country were another crucial aspect of the NIA’s operations. A major weapons haul occurred in Jammu, where a Hizbul Mujahideen overground worker was caught with explosives and firearms.

Similar recoveries were reported in cities such as Jaipur, Patna, and Ranchi, showcasing the agency's unwavering commitment to curbing illegal arms trafficking.

Other noteworthy developments included the arrest of 11 ISIS jihadis, five individuals linked to J&K-based jihadist groups, and 24 others associated with various terror activities. The NIA also targeted human trafficking networks, apprehending key players involved in smuggling people from Myanmar to India.

In one of the year’s most significant cases, the NIA quickly resolved the Rameshwaram cafe blast case, resulting in five arrests and four charge sheets. This case, among others, demonstrated the NIA's ability to act promptly, aided by close collaboration with intelligence agencies and state police forces.

The NIA also prioritized apprehending long-sought fugitives, with 27 absconding criminals arrested, including Savad, who had evaded capture for 13 years in connection with the Kerala professor hand-chopping case. Other notable arrests involved individuals linked to human trafficking and the murder of BJP leader Praveen Nettaru.

As part of its continuous efforts to bolster national security, the NIA conducted 11 training sessions for 1,678 state police officials in 2024. The agency also established two exclusive NIA courts in Jammu and Ranchi, marking a pivotal advancement in strengthening its operational capabilities.

In addition, the agency released a new handbook on investigating terrorism cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P)A), standardizing procedures for addressing national security threats.