The State Intelligence Department (SID) is the intelligence agency of Maharashtra. The agency's primary function is gathering intelligence, counter-terrorism, Counter-proliferation, and advising Maharashtra policymakers. It is one of the oldest such organization in India. It is headed by the Commissioner of Intelligence.

History

The State Intelligence Department was established in 1905 during the colonial rule in India, originally known as the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) (Intelligence Wing). The establishment of the department was recommended by the Frazer Commission to enhance the intelligence capabilities of the state police.

Initially headquartered in Pune, the CID (Intelligence Wing) was tasked with gathering intelligence on political, security, communal, and labor activities, as well as any threats to law and order. In 1981, the department underwent reorganization and was renamed the State Intelligence Department (SID).

Responsibilities

Department deals with collection, collation, analysis and dissemination of information in on such as political, security, communal, labour activity, security concerns and matter affecting law and order.[better source needed]

Phone tapping

Intelligence department came into mainstream news due to unauthorized phone tapping issue which led to resignation as well as transfers of several high level officials.

See also