Central Bureau of Investigation is

● The Central Bureau of Investigation traces its origin to the Special Police Establishment (SPE) which was set up in 1941 by the Government of India. The functions of the SPE then were to investigate cases of bribery and corruption in transactions with the War & Supply Deptt. Of India during World War II.  ● Even after the end of the War, the need for a Central Government agency to investigate cases of bribery and corruption by Central Government employees was felt. The Delhi Special Police Establishment Act was therefore brought into force in 1946.  ● The CBI is not a statutory body but derives its power to investigate from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 ● Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigating police agency in India. It provides assistance to the Central Vigilance Commission and Lokpal. ● It functions under the superintendence of the Deptt. of Personnel, Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances, Government of India - which falls under the prime minister’s office. However for investigations of offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, its superintendence vests with the Central Vigilance Commission. ● The establishment of the CBI was recommended by the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption (1962–1964).