Central Bureau of Investigation - Definition and Overview

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), established in 1963, is the premier investigation agency of India which focuses primarily on economic crimes and corruption charges, though at times, it is put in charge of investigating other crimes as well. It is analogous in structure to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States. It is a Central subject under the Constitution of India, meaning that it reports to the Indian Government and not to the individual states.

Normally, cases assigned to the CBI are sensitive and of national importance. It is a usual practice for the respective state police department, to initially register any case coming under its jurisdiction, and if necessary, through mediation by the central government, the cases may be transferred to the CBI.

The CBI is the official Interpol unit for India. A director of the CBI, P.C. Sharma, was elected as Vice-President of Interpol in October 2003. The current director of CBI is Shri Umashankar Mishra (December 6, 2003 - present)