NIA to open new branches in Jammu, Raipur
NIA officials said the government’s clearance of these proposals would go a long way in strengthening its capacity.
Across the four branches, a total of more than 200 new posts have been sanctioned in the NIA.
The government earlier this week sanctioned two new branch offices of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Jammu and Raipur. The move will increase the NIA’s footprint in sensitive areas and boost its local intelligence network, sources said.
The number of sanctioned posts in the NIA branch offices at Kochi and Guwahati — that have been grappling with manpower shortage while dealing with a large number of investigations — has also been increased.
Across the four branches, a total of more than 200 new posts have been sanctioned in the NIA. The Ministry of Home Affairs is likely to issue a formal order to this effect in a few days, government sources said.
According to the sources, the Jammu and Raipur offices have been sanctioned a staff strength of 70 officers and personnel each. An additional 80 posts have been sanctioned for the Guwahati and Kochi branches.
NIA officials said the government’s clearance of these proposals would go a long way in strengthening its capacity. “It will increase the NIA’s footprint across the country, raising the number of branches to eight. We were functioning out of a camp office in Jammu till now, primarily handling the Udhampur attack case. Having a full-fledged branch there will also significantly improve the intelligence we get from the area,” said an officer.
“Having a branch in Raipur will allow the agency to effectively investigate left-wing extremism cases and develop a good intelligence network there. Till now, officers would fly down from Lucknow to probe cases there,” the officer added.
The two new branches will be headed by Superintendent of Police-rank officers, with around three Deputy SPs below them.
Sources said the NIA’s Kochi branch is currently swamped with the maximum number of cases. However, the sanctioned strength of the branch is only 30. The Guwahati branch is investigating attacks by militant outfits in the Northeast under similar manpower pressure.
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