What is the Difference Between CBI and RAW?

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) are two distinct agencies in India that serve different functions. The main differences between them are:

  1. Function: CBI is a special investigative agency that handles cases of fraud, corruption, and other criminal activities. On the other hand, RAW is an external intelligence agency that focuses on gathering and analyzing information about the activities of anti-India forces working abroad.
  2. Scope: CBI mainly deals with internal matters within India, while RAW is responsible for collecting intelligence from other countries and monitoring external threats.
  3. Operations: CBI is a domestic investigative agency that works under the control of the central government, which has led to some politicization. RAW, on the other hand, is an external intelligence agency that works along the lines of the CIA in the US and is known for its efficient operations.
  4. Recruitment: Both agencies have their own service cadre. CBI recruits from the Indian Police Service, law enforcement agencies, and the military. RAW initially depended on trained intelligence officers but later started recruiting candidates from military, police, and other services, and now has its own service cadre called the Research and Analysis Service (RAS).

In summary, CBI and RAW are two distinct agencies in India, with the former focusing on domestic investigations and the latter on external intelligence gathering and analysis.

Comparative Table: CBI vs RAW

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) are two distinct agencies in India, with different roles and responsibilities. Here is a table highlighting their differences:

Feature CBI RAW
Type of Agency Investigation Agency Intelligence Agency
Main Role Investigates crimes and arrests individuals Gathers intelligence, conducts counter-terrorism operations, and carries out covert operations in other countries
Cases Handled Deals mainly with cases of fraud, corruption, and other criminal activities Specializes in external intelligence, terrorism infiltration, VIP security, and intelligence research and analysis
Reporting Reports to the Central Government Reports to the Cabinet Secretary
Established As the Central Special Branch in 1887, later transformed into the CBI post-independence Established in 1968

CBI is a special investigative agency at the disposal of the central government, responsible for tackling cases of fraud, corruption, and other criminal activities. On the other hand, RAW is an external intelligence agency that focuses on gathering intelligence, conducting counter-terrorism operations, and carrying out covert operations in other countries.