Multi-Disciplinary Monitoring Agency (MDMA)

Context

The Indian Government recently disbanded the Multi-Disciplinary Monitoring Agency (MDMA) that was set up to investigate the assassination of the former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Key-points

• Multi-Disciplinary Monitoring Agency (MDMA) was set up in 1998 for two years based on the recommendations of the MC Jain Commission.
• The MC Jain Commission came across various leads, including bank transactions of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) frontal outfits before and after the assassination and movement of arms meant for the militant group during that period. 
• Hence, the NDMA was set up under the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), having officers from various central security agencies like the Intelligence Bureau, RAW, Enforcement Directorate, and the Department of Revenue Intelligence. 

Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi

• Rajiv Gandhi became the youngest Prime Minister of India at the age of 40 after his mother and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated in 1984. 
• His assassination occurred because of a suicide bombing in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991. 
• It was carried out by an LTTE member along with the Khalistan Liberation Force and the National Council of Khalistan.