Planning a 360-degree assault on organised crime, says Amit Shah at anti-terror conference

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On December 26, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during an anti-terror conference, announced a "360-degree assault" on organised crime across India. A pivotal moment of the event was the unveiling of the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) updated crime manual. This declaration signals a robust governmental commitment to fortify India's internal security apparatus by systematically dismantling complex criminal networks, including those with terror linkages. The "360-degree" approach implies a multi-faceted strategy encompassing intelligence gathering, investigation, prosecution, capacity building, and international cooperation, moving beyond reactive measures to proactive prevention and disruption.

The immediate significance for India lies in the heightened focus on a pervasive threat that undermines national security, economic stability, and social fabric. Organised crime, often intertwined with terrorism, narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, and cybercrime, poses a formidable challenge. The updated NIA manual is expected to streamline investigative procedures, incorporate modern forensic techniques, and enhance coordination among various law enforcement agencies. For competitive exams, this development is critically important, touching upon key areas like Indian Polity (Centre-State relations in law enforcement), Internal Security (terrorism, organised crime, cyber security), Governance (efficiency of law enforcement), and Current Affairs. Aspirants must understand the legal frameworks, institutional mechanisms, and policy shifts underpinning this strategic initiative.

2. DETAILED BACKGROUND & CONTEXT

Organised crime in India has a long and complex history, evolving significantly since independence. Initially characterised by local gangs involved in extortion, smuggling, and illicit liquor, its scope expanded dramatically in the post-liberalisation era of the 1990s. Economic reforms and globalisation inadvertently provided new avenues for criminal enterprises, enabling them to diversify into narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, counterfeiting, and cyber fraud, often leveraging international networks. The nexus between organised crime and terrorism, particularly cross-border terrorism, became starkly evident with incidents like the 1993 Mumbai bombings, which highlighted the sophisticated operational capabilities and financial muscle of these networks.

Previous governmental responses have included several legislative and institutional measures. The Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), 1987, was an early, albeit controversial, attempt to tackle terrorism and related organised crime. Following its lapse, the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), 2002, was enacted post-9/11 but was subsequently repealed in 2004. A significant milestone was the enactment of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), 1999, which specifically targeted organised crime syndicates in Maharashtra and served as a model for similar state-level legislations. At the national level, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, has been the primary anti-terror legislation, significantly amended in 2004, 2008 (post-26/11 Mumbai attacks), 2012, and most recently in 2019, to broaden its scope and strengthen punitive measures against individuals and organisations involved in terrorism and its financing.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008, was a direct response to the intelligence and investigative failures exposed by the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Established as a central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency, NIA was empowered to investigate and prosecute offences listed in its schedule, including those related to terrorism, nuclear and aviation safety, and human trafficking, without requiring special permission from states. This was a crucial step towards centralising and professionalising terror investigations.

Constitutional and Legal Framework: The legal basis for combating organised crime and terrorism is primarily drawn from the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution:

• Union List (List I): Entry 2A (Deployment of armed forces in aid of civil power), Entry 8 (Central Bureau of Investigation), Entry 80 (Extension of police powers beyond state boundaries). These entries empower the Union government to take decisive action.
• Concurrent List (List III): Entry 1 (Criminal Law, including IPC), Entry 2 (Criminal Procedure, including CrPC). These allow both the Centre and states to legislate, though central laws generally prevail in case of conflict (Article 254).
• Article 355: Imposes a duty on the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance, providing a constitutional underpinning for central intervention in matters of internal security.

Policy Evolution Timeline:

• 1987: Enactment of TADA.
• 1999: Enactment of MCOCA.
• 2000: Information Technology (IT) Act enacted to combat cybercrime.
• 2002: Enactment of POTA.
• 2004: POTA repealed; UAPA amended to incorporate POTA's stringent provisions.
• 2008: NIA Act enacted; UAPA further amended post-26/11.
• 2012: UAPA amended to include provisions for combating financing of terrorism.
• 2019: UAPA amended to empower the central government to designate individuals as terrorists and to allow NIA to investigate cases across states without state permission.

International Context: India's fight against organised crime and terrorism is deeply intertwined with global efforts. India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC), 2000, and its three protocols (on trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, and illicit manufacturing of firearms). India actively participates in global forums like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an inter-governmental body established in 1989 to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. India's cooperation with Interpol, UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime), and bilateral intelligence-sharing agreements with countries like the USA, UK, and Israel are crucial components of its multi-pronged strategy. The "360-degree assault" aligns with these international frameworks, emphasising comprehensive and coordinated action against borderless threats.

3. KEY STAKEHOLDERS ANALYSIS

The "360-degree assault" on organised crime involves a complex interplay of various governmental, international, and societal stakeholders, each with distinct roles and perspectives.

Government Bodies/Ministries Involved:

1. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA): The nodal ministry for internal security, formulating policies, allocating resources, and overseeing central law enforcement agencies. It plays the primary role in strategic planning and coordination.
2. National Investigation Agency (NIA): The premier central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency, now with an updated crime manual, responsible for investigating and prosecuting offences related to terrorism and organised crime. Its role is central to the "assault."
3. Intelligence Bureau (IB): India's internal intelligence agency, responsible for gathering intelligence on national security threats, including organised crime and terrorism.
4. Research and Analysis Wing (RAW): India's external intelligence agency, crucial for intelligence gathering on cross-border organised crime and terror financing originating from foreign territories.
5. Enforcement Directorate (ED): A specialised financial investigation agency under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, responsible for enforcing the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and combating financial crimes linked to organised crime and terrorism.
6. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): India's primary investigative agency, handling a wide range of complex and high-profile cases, including those involving organised crime.
7. National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB): Collects and analyses crime data, providing crucial insights into trends and patterns of organised crime, which informs policy formulation.
8. State Police Forces: The first responders and primary law enforcement agencies, responsible for maintaining law and order, investigating crimes, and implementing central directives at the ground level. Their coordination with central agencies is paramount.
9. National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID): An integrated intelligence master database structure that aims to link diverse databases of various security and intelligence agencies to enhance real-time information access and analysis.

International Players:

1. Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization): Facilitates international police cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated operations against transnational organised crime.
2. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC): Promotes global action against illicit drugs and international crime, including human trafficking, illicit financial flows, and cybercrime, aligning with India's objectives.
3. Financial Action Task Force (FATF): Sets international standards to prevent illegal activities like money laundering and terrorist financing. India's adherence to FATF recommendations is vital for its global financial standing and counter-terrorism efforts.
4. Bilateral Partners (e.g., USA, UK, Israel, Russia): Crucial for intelligence sharing, capacity building, and joint operations against transnational criminal networks.

Affected Communities/Sectors:

1. General Public: Directly affected by the societal disruption, fear, and economic costs associated with organised crime. Enhanced security measures aim to protect citizens and uphold the rule of law.
2. Businesses and Industry: Suffer from extortion, counterfeiting, illicit trade, and economic instability caused by organised crime. FICCI's CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) estimated the illicit market in India to be INR 2.6 lakh crore in 2019-20, impacting various sectors like tobacco, alcohol, and consumer goods.
3. Financial Sector: Vulnerable to money laundering and terror financing activities, requiring robust regulatory oversight and reporting mechanisms.
4. Youth and Vulnerable Populations: Often targeted for radicalisation, drug trafficking, human trafficking (especially women and children), and cyber fraud, making them particularly susceptible to the allure or coercion of organised crime.

Expert Opinions: Think tanks such as the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) and the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) have consistently advocated for a holistic approach to internal security, emphasising intelligence fusion, inter-agency coordination, and technological upgradation. Former intelligence chiefs and police officials often highlight the need for sustained political will, adequate resource allocation, and continuous training to combat the evolving nature of organised crime. They often stress the importance of balancing national security imperatives with civil liberties.

Political Positions:

• Ruling Party (Bharatiya Janata Party - BJP): Strongly advocates for a robust national security framework, often prioritising a firm stance against terrorism and organised crime. The "360-degree assault" aligns with its governance philosophy of decisive action and zero tolerance for threats to national security.
• Opposition Parties: While generally supporting efforts to combat crime, they often raise concerns regarding potential overreach of central agencies, federalism issues (especially state police jurisdiction), and the impact on civil liberties and human rights, particularly concerning stringent laws like UAPA. They call for greater transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations.

4. COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION PERSPECTIVE

The Union Home Minister's announcement and the NIA manual update are multi-faceted, offering rich content for various competitive examinations.

UPSC Relevance:

• Prelims (Potential MCQ Topics):

  • Static + Current Mix:
    • NIA: Mandate, establishment date (2008), key amendments to NIA Act (e.g., 2019 empowering investigation across states).
    • UAPA: Key provisions, significant amendments (2004, 2008, 2012, 2019), grounds for designation of individuals/organisations as terrorists.
    • FATF: Role, functions, India's membership, grey/black list concepts.
    • UNTOC: Purpose, key protocols.
    • Types of Organised Crime: Definitions (e.g., human trafficking, narcotics, cybercrime, arms trafficking, counterfeit currency).
    • Constitutional Articles: Articles 355, 254, Entries in Seventh Schedule (List I, List III) related to law and order, police, CBI.
    • Key Agencies: Full forms and roles of MHA, IB, RAW, ED, CBI, NCRB.
    • Recent Initiatives: NATGRID, Multi-Agency Centre (MAC).
  • Specific Questions: "Which of the following acts primarily deals with organised crime in Maharashtra?" (MCOCA). "Which international body sets standards to combat money laundering and terrorist financing?" (FATF).

• Mains (GS Paper Connections):

  • GS Paper II (Polity & Governance):
    • Governance: Role of central agencies in internal security; challenges of inter-agency coordination; police reforms; criminal justice system reforms.
    • Federalism (Centre-State Relations): The NIA's expanded jurisdiction and centralisation of anti-terror efforts vs. state police powers (Article 246, Entry 2, List II - Police). Discussions on cooperative federalism in security.
    • Human Rights: Balancing national security with civil liberties; potential for misuse of stringent laws (e.g., UAPA) and accountability mechanisms.
    • International Relations: India's role in global counter-terrorism efforts; bilateral and multilateral cooperation (e.g., SCO, BRICS, G20).
  • GS Paper III (Internal Security & Economy):
    • Internal Security: Comprehensive topic. Direct questions on organised crime, its linkages with terrorism, narcotics, cybercrime, and border management. Challenges posed by non-state actors. Coastal security.
    • Money Laundering & Terror Financing: Mechanisms, impact, role of ED, FATF recommendations.
    • Cyber Security: Role of organised crime in cyber attacks, data theft, and online radicalisation.
    • Border Management: Cross-border organised crime, smuggling, infiltration.
    • Economy: Impact of illicit trade, counterfeiting, and black money on India's economy (e.g., loss of revenue, distortion of markets).
  • Essay: Broader themes like "National Security vs. Individual Freedoms," "The Evolving Nature of Internal Security Challenges in India," "Role of Technology in Combating Crime," "India's Approach to Global Terrorism."

• Previous Year Questions (Similar Topics):

  • "What are the challenges to India's internal security from organised crime? Examine the role of various agencies in tackling them." (UPSC CSE Mains GS-III)
  • "Discuss the implications of the recent amendments to the UAPA on civil liberties and the fight against terrorism." (UPSC CSE Mains GS-II)
  • "Analyze the role of FATF in combating money laundering and terror financing. What challenges does India face in adhering to its recommendations?" (UPSC CSE Mains GS-III)

SSC/Banking Relevance:

• Current Affairs Section Importance: High probability of direct questions on this announcement.
  • "Who announced the '360-degree assault' on organised crime?" (Amit Shah).
  • "Which agency's crime manual was unveiled?" (NIA).
  • "What is the full form of NIA?" (National Investigation Agency).
  • "When was NIA established?" (2008).
  • "Headquarters of NIA?" (New Delhi).
• Economic/Banking Angle:
  • Understanding money laundering, terror financing, and their impact on financial institutions.
  • Role of RBI and banks in implementing FATF guidelines and KYC norms.
  • Impact of illicit trade on the formal economy and government revenue.
• Static GK Connections:
  • Union Home Minister (current incumbent).
  • Constitutional provisions related to law and order.
  • Heads of key agencies (NIA Director General, CBI Director).

Exam Preparation Tips:

• Key Facts to Memorize: Dates of NIA Act (2008), UAPA amendments (2004, 2008, 2012, 2019), MCOCA (1999).
• Important Abbreviations/Full Forms: MHA, NIA, UAPA, FATF, UNTOC, UNODC, CBI, ED, IB, RAW, NCRB, NATGRID, MAC.
• Data Points to Remember: FICCI CASCADE's estimate of illicit market (INR 2.6 lakh crore in 2019-20), NCRB data on organised crime trends (e.g., increase in cybercrime cases).
• Cross-Topic Connections: Link organised crime to cyber security, border management, economic development, human rights, and international relations. Understand the "why" and "how" of these connections.
• Conceptual Clarity: Differentiate between terrorism, organised crime, and conventional crime. Understand the nuances of "360-degree assault" – holistic approach covering intelligence, investigation, prosecution, forensics, and international cooperation.

5. MULTI-DIMENSIONAL IMPACT ANALYSIS

The announced "360-degree assault" on organised crime and the updated NIA manual will have far-reaching impacts across various dimensions of Indian society and governance.

Economic Impact:

1. GDP/Sector Implications: Organised crime, through activities like counterfeiting, smuggling, and illicit trade, significantly drains the formal economy. FICCI's CASCADE estimated that illicit markets cost the Indian economy INR 2.6 lakh crore in 2019-20, impacting sectors like tobacco, alcoholic beverages, mobile phones, and consumer goods. A successful crackdown can reduce these losses, potentially boosting GDP growth by fostering a more legitimate and competitive market environment.
2. Employment Effects: Illicit trade often leads to job losses in legitimate industries. For instance, counterfeiting can force genuine manufacturers to scale down operations, affecting formal employment. Curbing organised crime can safeguard existing jobs and create new ones in legitimate sectors.
3. Fiscal Implications: Organised crime thrives on tax evasion, denying the government substantial revenue from customs duties, GST, and income tax. A successful "assault" would lead to increased tax collection, improving the government's fiscal health and allowing for greater allocation towards public welfare schemes and infrastructure development. Conversely, increased expenditure on law enforcement, intelligence gathering, and judicial processes would be required, potentially necessitating higher budgetary allocations for MHA and related agencies.
4. Industry/Business Effects: Businesses often face extortion, protection rackets, and unfair competition from those engaged in illicit activities. A stronger stance against organised crime can create a more predictable and secure business environment, encouraging domestic and foreign direct investment (FDI). It also enhances India's image as a safe investment destination, potentially attracting more capital.

Social Impact:

1. Communities Affected: Vulnerable populations, particularly women, children, and migrant workers, are disproportionately affected by human trafficking, drug peddling, and cyber fraud—activities often controlled by organised crime. Rural and tribal areas are susceptible to illegal mining and resource exploitation. A targeted approach can improve safety and security for these communities, reducing their exploitation.
2. Rights/Welfare Implications: While enhanced security measures aim to protect citizens, stringent laws like UAPA and expanded powers for agencies like NIA can raise concerns about civil liberties, due process, and potential for misuse. The balance between national security and individual rights will be a critical monitoring point. The updated manual must ensure adherence to human rights standards. Improved law enforcement can reduce instances of social disorder, fear, and intimidation, enhancing overall public welfare and trust in the justice system.
3. Gender/Minority Considerations: Women and girls are primary victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation and forced labour. Minority communities might face targeting or disproportionate impact due to specific crime patterns or enforcement actions. The "360-degree assault" must incorporate a gender-sensitive and inclusive approach to avoid unintended negative consequences.

Political Ramifications:

1. Governance Implications: The initiative signifies a strengthening of the central government's role in internal security, potentially leading to more centralised control over investigation and intelligence. This could streamline operations but also raise federalism concerns from states, particularly regarding the NIA's ability to operate across state boundaries without prior permission. Effective implementation will depend on seamless Centre-State cooperation.
2. Policy Direction Changes: This announcement cements a policy direction of proactive and comprehensive engagement with organised crime, moving beyond reactive measures. It signals a shift towards leveraging technology, forensic science, and intelligence fusion more extensively. Future policy initiatives are likely to focus on capacity building for state police, cybercrime investigation units, and international cooperation frameworks.
3. International Relations Angle: A successful crackdown on organised crime, especially cross-border narcotics and terror financing, enhances India's standing in international forums like FATF and UNODC. It demonstrates India's commitment to global security, potentially leading to stronger bilateral and multilateral cooperation agreements on intelligence sharing, extradition, and joint operations with key partners. Conversely, perceived overreach or human rights violations could draw international scrutiny.

Environmental Considerations:

1. Sustainability Aspects: Organised crime often has significant environmental ramifications. Illegal mining of sand, coal, and rare minerals, illicit timber trade, and poaching of endangered wildlife are major revenue streams for criminal syndicates. These activities lead to deforestation, biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and pollution, severely impacting environmental sustainability.
2. Climate Change Connections: While not directly linked, environmental degradation caused by illegal activities can exacerbate climate change vulnerabilities (e.g., loss of forests reduces carbon sinks). Organised crime can also hinder efforts to implement environmental protection policies and sustainable development goals.
3. Natural Resource Implications: The illegal exploitation of natural resources by organised criminal groups depletes finite resources and damages ecosystems. A robust assault on organised crime would inherently target these illicit resource extraction networks, contributing to better natural resource management and conservation efforts.

6. FUTURE OUTLOOK & MONITORING POINTS

The "360-degree assault" on organised crime is an ambitious undertaking with significant implications for India's internal security landscape. Its success will depend on sustained political will, adaptive strategies, and robust institutional reforms.

Short-term Developments (next 3-6 months):

• Implementation of NIA Manual: Expect a phased rollout and training programs for NIA officers and potentially state police forces on the updated manual's procedures, forensic techniques, and investigative protocols.
• Increased Investigative Activity: A likely surge in NIA-led or coordinated investigations, particularly targeting nexus cases involving terrorism, narcotics, and financial crimes, with a focus on dismantling the financial backbone of these networks.
• Enhanced Inter-Agency Coordination: Greater emphasis on real-time intelligence sharing and coordinated operations through platforms like the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) and the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), fostering synergy between central and state agencies.
• Technological Upgradation: Initial investments in advanced forensic tools, cybercrime investigation capabilities, and data analytics for pattern recognition and predictive policing.

Long-term Policy Implications (1-2 years):

• Evolution of Legal Framework: Continuous review and potential further amendments to existing laws (e.g., UAPA, PMLA, IT Act) to address emerging forms of organised crime, such as deep-fake technology misuse, cryptocurrency-based money laundering, and drone-facilitated cross-border smuggling.
• Capacity Building Across States: A sustained effort to enhance the investigative, forensic, and intelligence-gathering capabilities of state police forces, recognising that law and order is primarily a state subject. This might involve central funding and training initiatives.
• International Cooperation Deepening: Strengthening bilateral and multilateral agreements for intelligence exchange, extradition, mutual legal assistance treaties, and joint operations with key international partners, particularly for tackling transnational organised crime.
• Focus on Prevention: Beyond enforcement, a long-term strategy will likely incorporate preventative measures, including de-radicalisation programs, youth engagement initiatives, and public awareness campaigns against cyber fraud and human trafficking.

Related Upcoming Events/Deadlines/Summits:

• FATF Plenary Meetings: India's performance on anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing (AML/CFT) measures will continue to be scrutinised. Upcoming plenaries will highlight new recommendations and assessments.
• G20, SCO, BRICS Summits: Counter-terrorism and transnational organised crime will remain recurring agenda items, offering platforms for India to advocate for stronger global cooperation and showcase its initiatives.
• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Annual Reports: These reports will provide crucial data on crime rates, convictions, and budgetary allocations for security agencies, serving as key indicators of progress.
• NCRB Data Releases: Annual crime statistics will offer insights into the changing landscape of organised crime and the effectiveness of enforcement strategies.

Areas Requiring Monitoring for Exam Updates:

• Judicial Pronouncements: Landmark court judgments related to UAPA, PMLA, and NIA cases will shape the interpretation and application of these laws.
• Government Notifications: Any new rules, guidelines, or amendments issued by MHA concerning the NIA manual or other security policies.
• International Reports: Reports from UNODC, Interpol, and other international bodies on global organised crime trends and India's position.
• Technological Advancements: The adoption of new technologies (AI, blockchain forensics, advanced surveillance) by law enforcement agencies and their implications.
• Federalism Debates: Any friction or cooperation models emerging between the Centre and states concerning law enforcement jurisdiction.