NIA creates database of more than 22,000 terrorists from around the world

Mumbai – The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has created a database of more than 22,000 terrorists active across the world, which will provide information on thousands of crimes registered against them in the country. The National Terrorism Data Fusion and Analysis Centre (NTDFAC) has been established on the lines of the ‘Global Terrorism Database’ of the US.

The NIA, which was established after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, receives information about terrorist activities from the intelligence department. Therefore, the Anti-Terrorism Squads of different States have to manage sources independently. The NIA, which is tasked with acting against terrorism, has created a database after a relentless effort over 15 years. It also provides information about all the terrorist organisations banned in the country including Indian Mujahideen, and Lashkar-e-Taiba along with information on their leaders.

In 2023, the NIA arrested 625 terrorists. A database of all terrorists involved in terrorist activities, their organisation names, fingerprints, audio tapes, photographs and information on social media has been compiled. NIA has fingerprints of 92 lakh suspects linked to terrorist activities. Information on more than 5 lakh drug smugglers has also been compiled along with their recent photographs. Full details about the suspects who fund the terrorists have also been made available. Techniques have also been developed to identify the accused from the photograph taken from a CCTV.

A senior officer informed, “This sophisticated system is going to be beneficial in eradicating terrorism. The data will also be available to the State Anti-Terrorism Squads. The Anti-Terrorism Squad in each State has compiled data on terrorist activities in that State; but with this new database, information about the terror activities across the country will be available to them for better coordination.”