What is the Difference Between Intelligence Bureau (IB) and CBI?

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The Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are two distinct agencies in India that serve different purposes and have different responsibilities. The main differences between them are:

  • Nature of Work: The IB is an intelligence agency that primarily deals with gathering intelligence, both domestically and internationally, through various means such as surveillance, research, and interception of communication. On the other hand, the CBI is an investigative agency responsible for investigating crimes and arresting individuals involved in those crimes.
  • Scope of Work: The IB focuses on issues related to terrorism, rebellion, and domestic security. The CBI, however, deals with financial crimes, corruption issues, and economic offenses.
  • Legal Powers: The CBI has the legal power to arrest, interrogate, and search individuals and properties, as it is a police force. The IB does not have these powers, as it is not a police force, even though it is primarily staffed with police officers.

In summary, the IB is primarily concerned with gathering and analyzing intelligence, while the CBI is responsible for investigating and prosecuting various types of crimes, including financial crimes and corruption issues.

Comparative Table: Intelligence Bureau (IB) vs CBI

Here is a table comparing the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):

Feature Intelligence Bureau (IB) Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Type of Agency Intelligence Agency Investigation Agency
Primary Role Gather intelligence, research and analysis of intel, counter-intelligence, terrorist infiltration, VIP security Investigation of crimes, arrests, interrogations, economic offenses, and corruption cases
Formed 1947 1941 as the Special Police Establishment
Branches - Anti-Corruption Division, Special Crimes Division, Directorate of Prosecution, Economic Offences Division, Policy and Coordination Division, Administration Division, and Central Forensic Science Laboratory
Popularity Less popular due to its confidential nature More popular because it deals with high-profile cases involving common people
Jurisdiction Internal intelligence and counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism National investigative police agency

The IB is primarily an intelligence agency responsible for gathering intelligence, research and analysis, counter-intelligence, terrorist infiltration, and VIP security. On the other hand, the CBI is an investigative agency that deals with the investigation of crimes, arrests, interrogations, economic offenses, and corruption cases. The IB is an internal equivalent of RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), which is an external analysis agency. The CBI is more popular than the IB due to its involvement in high-profile cases involving common people.