NIA CHARGES 17 IS OPERATIVES FOR RADICALISATION, EXPLOSIVES FABRICATION

Why in the news?

  • NIA files chargesheet against 17 hardcore agents of Islamic State (IS) for radicalisation and fabrication of explosive devices.
  • Chargesheeted under various sections of IPC, UAPA, Arms Act, and Explosive Substances Act.
source:medium

 About National Investigation Agency (NIA):

  • Establishment: Formed post-2008 Mumbai terror attacks under the National Investigation Agency Act 2008.
  • Works under the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure swift and effective trials.
  • Headquarters: Located in New Delhi.
  • Branch Offices: Spread across 12 cities including Hyderabad, Guwahati, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
  • Function: Central Counter Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency of India.
  • Objective: Set standards in counter-terrorism and national security investigations.

 

About Explosive Substances Act of 1908:

Definitions:

  • Defines explosive substances and special category explosives like RDX.
  • Punishments: Enforces penalties for causing explosions endangering life or property, attempted explosions, and possession of explosives with malicious intent.

Peroxide Chemicals

  • Definition: Organic compounds containing a peroxide functional group (R−O−O−R).
  • Examples: Hydrogen peroxide, Benzoyl peroxide.
  • Reactivity: Weak bond makes them highly reactive, susceptible to alteration by other chemicals.

About Arms Act of 1959:

  • Purpose: Regulate sale of weapons and ammunition.
  • Objectives: Control issuance of licenses, restrict lethal weapons, regulate dangerous weapons.
  • Applicability: Applies to entire India.

2019 Amendment Highlights:

  • Firearm Limit: Restricted permissible firearms from three to one.
  • License Validity: Extended license validity period to five years.
  • Penalties: Increased imprisonment for illegal ammunition possession from 7 to 14 years.
  • Firearm Conversion: Prohibited firearm conversion without license.
  • Illegal Activities: Illegal manufacture, sale, transfer punishable by minimum seven-year prison term, potentially life imprisonment, and fine.