Rakesh Aggarwal Gets Additional Charge as NIA Chief

In an important administrative development related to internal security, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has assigned the additional charge of Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to senior IPS officer Rakesh Aggarwal. The move aims to ensure institutional stability and continuity at the helm of India’s premier counter-terrorism agency.

Why in the news?

• The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an Office Memorandum assigning additional charge of DG, NIA to Rakesh Aggarwal.
• He will hold this charge until a regular incumbent is appointed or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

Background of the Decision

• The decision follows the premature repatriation of Sadanand Vasant Date, a 1990 batch IPS officer of the Maharashtra cadre.
• The repatriation was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
• Date was overseeing several sensitive investigations related to terrorism, organised crime, and national security at the time of his repatriation.

Who Is Rakesh Aggarwal?

• Rakesh Aggarwal is a 1994 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Himachal Pradesh cadre.
• He is currently serving as Special Director General of the NIA.

Key points about his role,

• Appointed as Special DG on September 29, 2025
• Position created by temporarily upgrading his ADG post
• Tenure of two years or until further orders

Role and Importance of NIA

The National Investigation Agency is India’s premier counter-terrorism investigation agency.

It investigates offences related to,

• Terrorism and terror financing
• Radicalization networks
• Cross border linkages
• Threats to national security

The agency functions under the NIA Act, 2008 and plays a crucial role in safeguarding India’s internal security.

Experience and Expertise

Rakesh Aggarwal is regarded as a seasoned counter-terrorism professional.

During his tenure at NIA, he has been associated with investigations involving,

• Terror funding networks
• Online and offline radicalisation
• Organized crime with national security implications

His elevation reflects the government’s preference for institutional familiarity and operational experience.

Key Takeaways At Glance

Question

Q. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) functions under which ministry?

A. Ministry of Defense
B. Ministry of Law and Justice
C. Ministry of Home Affairs
D. Cabinet Secretariat