Bokaro Police Workshop Develops Comprehensive SOP for Criminal Asset Seizure Under BNSS
In a significant move to strengthen the fight against organized crime, the Bokaro police organized a crucial video conferencing workshop on Thursday. The session was chaired by the Inspector General (IG) of Police for the North Chotanagpur Range, Bokaro, marking a proactive step towards curbing criminal activities through systematic legal measures.
Formulation of Standard Operating Procedure for Asset Seizure
During the intensive workshop, authorities formulated a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) specifically designed for the seizure and attachment of illegal assets acquired by offenders involved in serious organized crimes. This SOP applies to cases falling under Section 107 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), covering a broad spectrum of criminal activities including Naxal-related incidents, illegal narcotics trafficking, and sophisticated cybercrime operations.
A senior police officer involved in the proceedings explained that participating officers received comprehensive guidance on the legal procedures required for effectively seizing and attaching criminal proceeds. The workshop aimed to standardize approaches across law enforcement agencies to ensure consistency and legal compliance in asset recovery efforts.
Key Focus Areas and Legal Framework
The Inspector General provided crucial clarifications during the session, beginning with a detailed explanation of what constitutes "proceeds of crime" under the BNSS framework. He outlined systematic methods for accurately assessing the value of such illegal assets, which is essential for proper legal documentation and court proceedings.
Emphasis on Due Process and Judicial Coordination
A central theme of the workshop was the absolute necessity of strict adherence to due process. The IG stressed that all seizure and attachment actions must follow established legal protocols to withstand judicial scrutiny. He highlighted the importance of maintaining close coordination with concerned courts throughout the process, ensuring that law enforcement actions remain within legal boundaries and receive proper judicial oversight.
Documentation and Procedural Standards
The workshop placed significant emphasis on robust documentation practices. Officers were instructed on the preparation of mandatory records that must accompany all seizure and attachment procedures. The use of standardized formats for official correspondence was strongly recommended to create uniformity across cases and departments.
These documentation standards are designed to ensure that cases involving seized criminal assets can withstand rigorous legal examination and contribute to successful prosecutions.
The development of this SOP represents a strategic advancement in Bokaro's approach to combating organized crime, providing law enforcement with clear guidelines for disrupting criminal financial networks while maintaining strict legal compliance.
