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The home minister releases SoP for UAPA investigations, promises a new National Counter Terrorism Policy and Strategy, and combating terror involves legally empowering agencies fighting it.
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Key Issues Discussed |
Terrorist Group Formation and Criminal Linkages |
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Case Studies and Emerging Threats |
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Counter-Terrorism Coordination and Strategy |
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Technological Challenges in Terrorism |
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National Databases for Counter-Terrorism |
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Organized crime refers to a category of transnational, national, or local group of centralized enterprises run to engage in illegal activity, most commonly for profit. It is generally thought of as a form of illegal business, some criminal organizations, such as terrorist groups, rebel forces, and separatists, are politically motivated.
Many criminal organizations rely on fear or terror to achieve their goals or aims and maintain control within the organization. They may adopt tactics commonly used by authoritarian regimes to maintain power. Some forms of organized crime simply exist to cater to the demand for illegal goods in a state or to facilitate the trade of goods and services that may have been banned by a state (such as illegal drugs or firearms).
In India, organized crime includes activities such as drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, extortion, and illegal mining.
The analysis focuses on two main dynamics: terrorist groups engaging in criminal activities to fund their ideological pursuits, and criminal groups employing terrorist tactics for financial gain. Primary criminal activities include drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, and money laundering, while terrorism tactics range from murder and kidnapping to extortion and attacks on civilians and infrastructure.
Organised crime is defined as “those involved, normally working with others, in continuing serious criminal activities for substantial profit, elsewhere”. Organised criminals that work together for the duration of a particular criminal activity or activities are what we call an organised crime group.
Organised crime group structures vary. Successful organised crime groups often consist of a durable core of key individuals. Around them, there’s a cluster of subordinates, specialists, and other more transient members, plus an extended network of disposable associates.
Organized crime has always existed in India in some form or another. It has, however, assumed its virulent form in modern times due to several socio-economic and political factors and advances in science and technology. Even though rural India is not immune from it, it is essentially an urban phenomenon.
Category |
Key Measures and Actions |
Anti-Trafficking Nodal Cell |
Established by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as a central point for communicating decisions and following up on action taken by state governments to combat human trafficking |
Ministry of Women and Child Development Programs |
Funds NGO-run shelter and rehabilitation services for women and children through two key programs: Ujjawala program: specifically for female sex trafficking victims Swadhar program: for women in difficult circumstances |
International Agreements |
India has signed agreements with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bahrain, and other nations to curb human trafficking |
Drug Trafficking Statutory Measures |
Enactment of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) and the Prevention of Illicit Trafficking of Narcotics Drug and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988, to address various aspects of the drug problem |
Operation Dhvast (2023) |
NIA, in coordination with Punjab and Haryana Police, dismantled a Terrorist-Gangster-Drugs-Arms Trafficking nexus |
International Conventions |
India is a signatory to all three UN Conventions on drugs: Single Convention on Narcotics Drugs, 1962 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1988 UN Convention against Illicit Trafficking of Narcotics Drugs, Psychotropic Substances Supports global efforts led by UNODC to combat drug trafficking |
Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2021 |
Introduced in Lok Sabha with key features including: Establishment of investigation and rehabilitation authorities at district, state, and national levels Anti-Trafficking Units to be set up for victim rescue and case investigation |
Absence of a Specific National Law |
There is no specific national-level law to combat the menace of organized crimes. |
Ineffectiveness of Existing Laws |
General laws like criminal conspiracy and special Acts by some states are inadequate as they target individuals rather than criminal groups. When a few members are apprehended, the group's activities continue with minimal disruption. |
Difficulty in Gathering Evidence |
Organized crime groups have hierarchical structures, making it challenging to trace their leaders. If a group member is caught and makes a statement naming a higher-up, such a statement is inadmissible under Section 25 of the Indian Evidence Act. Additionally, limited resources in most states lead to inadequate support for police investigations. |
Lack of a National Coordinating Agency |
There is no national-level agency to coordinate efforts among state police, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and other agencies to effectively combat organized crime. |
Political Differences and Cooperation Issues |
Disparities in political opinions create a lack of cooperation between central and state governments, complicating efforts to tackle gangster-related issues. |
For the eradication of this problem following suggestions are given:
Although there is no specific law at the national level to deal with organized crimes, there are general laws that deal with organized crimes and some states have enacted specific laws to eradicate this evil.
READ ABOUT
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, (UAPA) 1967
United Nations Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund (UNCTF)
STRENTHENING INDIA'S COUNTER-TERRORISM
Reference
https://www.legalservicesindia.com/article/1290/Organized-Crime-In-India.html
Source:
PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Discuss the various channels and methods used by terrorist organizations to finance their activities through illicit networks. Evaluate the role of international in disrupting these networks and preventing the flow of funds to terrorist organizations. (250 words) |
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