The Centre will soon form a Federal Investigating Agency, according to Special Secretary (internal security) M L Kumawat.

The federal agency will centralise data, gather intelligence, conduct its own investigations and prosecute as the police currently does, Kumawat told rediff.com.

Single agency should tackle terrorism: Kalam

The Intelligence Bureau currently does not have the authority to file cases and arrest or prosecute the accused without assistance from the police.

The new federal agency will have the IB's mandate, the Central Bureau of Investigation's zeal and the powers of the police force, as well as jurisdiction across India. Though many states are expected to oppose such a federal agency, the Congress will have another poll plank before the next Lok Sabha elections.

'Federal agency must investigate terrorist crimes'

The issue of terrorism is a growing concern for the United Progressive Alliance government as well as the Congress party. In view of the Bharatiya Janata Party's active campaign against the UPA's stance on terrorism, the government is compelled to take a significant step to prove that it is responding to the political challenge related to security.

Right now, the concerned ministries and departments are exchanging notes and files related to the Federal Investigating Agency at a fervent pace.

'India needs an agency like FBI to fight terror'

The proposal for the agency is likely to take final shape only after the Home Ministry has completed the formalities related to the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action -- an elite force constituted to combat Naxalism.

COBRA, which is expected to be ready by January, has been structured on the lines of the Greyhound force in Andhra Pradesh. It will be led by well-known police officer Durgaprasad.

'India could face super-terrorism'

The force is made up of young troopers, who have received special training in jungle warfare. Equipped with the latest technology and a budget of Rs 1, 400 crore, the COBRA is ready to sting.