Fadnavis Calls for Police to Embrace Technology Under New Criminal Laws
Nagpur: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday emphasized that police forces must utilize advanced technology in alignment with the three new criminal laws to outsmart criminals who have adapted to commit digital offenses. Speaking at the inauguration of the 69th All-India Police Duty Meet at Shivaji Stadium, Fadnavis highlighted the shift from colonial-era legislation to modern justice systems.
From Colonial Repression to Modern Justice
"Colonial-era laws like the IPC, CrPC and Indian Evidence Act were tools of repression, while the BNS, BNSS and Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita aim to provide better and swift justice, and service," Fadnavis stated. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for spearheading these transformative changes in India's legal framework.
Six-Day Police Duty Meet Underway
The six-day event, organized by Nagpur Police and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), features participation from over 1,300 police personnel and police dogs from across the country. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityananda Rai is scheduled to attend the concluding function, underscoring the national importance of this gathering.
Focus on Cyber Awareness and Technological Integration
Fadnavis explained that the meet showcases professional skills, discipline, and modern capabilities, with a particular emphasis on cyber awareness and computer-based technologies. "It serves as a platform for states to showcase their unique policing capabilities and share best practices in investigations and technology," he noted.
The Chief Minister stressed that technology plays a crucial role in justice delivery, specifically mentioning how blockchain technology enhances evidence authenticity, thereby making acquittals more challenging for offenders.
Maharashtra Leads in Police Modernization
Fadnavis pointed out that Maharashtra is at the forefront of police modernization efforts, incorporating:
- AI-driven investigative tools
- State-of-the-art cyber laboratories
- Advanced forensic facilities
He called for technology-driven investigations, robust forensic evidence collection, continuous skill enhancement for officers, and strengthened inter-state collaboration to combat crime effectively.
Nagpur's Historical Role in Policing
The Chief Minister also acknowledged Nagpur's significant role in police history, noting that the city hosted the first police duty meet back in 1959. This historical context highlights the enduring importance of such gatherings in advancing law enforcement capabilities.
Distinguished Attendees
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including:
- State Director General of Police Sadanand Date
- Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal
- State CID Chief Sunil Ramanand
- Joint Commissioner of Police Navinchandra Reddy
- Additional Director General of Administration
The event underscores Maharashtra's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into policing practices, setting a benchmark for other states to follow in the fight against digital crime.
