Operation Dhvast involving arrests and uncovering of terrorist-gangster-drug smugglers’ networks has been in the news in recent times. In this article, you can learn more about Operation Dhvast, a topic relevant for the IAS exam, especially for the prelims exam.
Operation Dhvast
The objective of Operation Dhvast is to dismantle the network of terrorism, which encompassed targeted killings, terror financing, extortion, and the illicit trade of drugs and weapons.
- The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids as part of “Operation Dhvast” targeting a nationwide terrorist-gangster-drug smugglers network.
- A total of 129 locations were raided in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chandigarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
Operation Dhvast Impact:
- Disruption of a nationwide terrorist-gangster-drug smugglers network.
- Arrests of key individuals involved in liaising with gangsters, terror conspiracies, and Khalistan-related activities.
- Seizure of weapons and recovery of crucial evidence.
- Unveiling connections between criminals inside jails and their counterparts operating abroad.
- The spotlight on these gangs has become sharper following reports of several prisons becoming havens of the deadly nexus and hubs of gang wars.
National Investigation Agency (NIA)
- It was established in 2009 under the National Investigation Agency Act.
- Mandate and Jurisdiction:
- The NIA is entrusted with the responsibility of combating and investigating terrorism-related cases across the country.
- It has jurisdiction over offenses related to terrorism, terror financing, organized crime, and attacks targeting vital installations, among others.
- Objectives:
- The primary objective of the NIA is to maintain national security by effectively addressing and neutralizing threats posed by terrorist activities.
- It aims to investigate and prosecute cases in a professional, thorough, and fair manner to ensure justice and deterrence.
- Powers and Authorities:
- The NIA possesses extensive powers, including the ability to conduct searches, seizures, and arrests, as well as to examine witnesses and gather evidence.
- It can take up cases on its own or receive them from state governments or other agencies, thereby ensuring a coordinated and centralized approach to counterterrorism efforts.
- Counterterrorism Operations:
- The NIA conducts investigations into a wide range of terrorist activities, such as bomb blasts, hijackings, attacks on security forces, funding of terror groups, and conspiracies involving domestic and international networks.
- It works closely with various intelligence and law enforcement agencies at the national and international levels to gather intelligence, share information, and facilitate joint operations.
Read more on the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the linked article.
Operation Dhvast [UPSC Notes]:- Download PDF Here
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