Police, judicial officials explore forensic evidence and cybercrime trials at BPR&D training

Police personnel and judicial officials are exploring the role of forensic evidence digital investigation and cybercrime trials in the criminal justice system at a threeday training programme organised by the Bureau of Police Research and Development BPRampD in Bhopal from October 22 to 24The programme focuses on strengthening understanding of Indiarsquos new criminal laws and improving coordination between the police forensic science laboratories and the judiciaryThe Bureau of Police Research and Development BPRampD under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has launched a threeday training programme on Indias new criminal laws at the Central Academy for Police Training CAPT in BhopalTitled Naveen Nyaya Sanhitayen the programme began on October 22 and will continue until October 24 2026 It aims to improve the understanding and practical application of the new criminal laws among police officers and other professionals working in the criminal justice systemAccoording to the officials Vijay Jayvantrao Thakre Director of the Maharashtra State Forensic Science Laboratory SFSL Mumbai attended the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest L N Singh Assistant Director and course coordinator at CAPT Bhopal delivered the welcome address and coordinated the proceedingsTraining focuses on investigation forensics and court proceduresThe programme covers the procedural investigative forensic and judicial aspects of Indias new criminal laws with particular emphasis on the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita BNSS they saidThe sessions focus on scientific investigation digital evidence procedural safeguards and effective trial procedures The training is intended to help criminal justice professionals apply the new legal framework more effectively in their daytoday workSpeaking to MidDay from Bhopal Thakre said the programme was part of ongoing efforts to improve understanding and practical application of the new criminal laws among police and judicial officials from across the countryldquoWe are sending a batch of 10 minimum staff from forensic science laboratories judiciary and police establishments to attend the programme so that our regular work is not affectedrdquo he saidSessions examine faulty probe and trials in absentiaOn the first day Dr Amit Mehrotra a guest faculty member conducted sessions on procedures for trials in absentia and landmark judgments related to the subject He also addressed faulty investigations and the role of a judgeThe sessions highlighted important judicial principles procedural safeguards and the need for accurate legally sound investigationsDivya Salim Assistant Professor at the National Law Institute University NLIU Bhopal also conducted sessions explaining the new criminal laws and their practical implicationsThe second day October 23 will focus on crime scene management the collection and preservation of forensic evidence and procedures for sending evidence to forensic laboratories for examinationDr Harsh Sharma a former director of a state forensic laboratory will speak about crime scene investigation and the presentation of scientific and medicolegal evidence before courtsThe programme will also include institutional visits in Bhopal and interactive sessions to familiarise participants with practical policing methods and institutional practicesOn October 24 Harsh Singh Bharawat District Judge and Registrar Administration at the Madhya Pradesh High Court will address the role of trial judges in analysing digital evidence collected in cybercrime investigations under the BNSSThe session will examine the legal and evidentiary aspects of digital investigations and the importance of presenting evidence effectively during court proceedingsThe programme will conclude with group discussions experiencesharing sessions and presentations on successful practices following the implementation of the new criminal laws A postcourse examination valedictory function and certificate distribution ceremony are also scheduled for October 24Focus on strengthening the criminal justice systemThe initiative reflects BPRampDs efforts to strengthen professional training and support the implementation of Indias new criminal justice frameworkBy bringing together professionals from policing forensic science academia and the judiciary the programme aims to improve scientific investigation evidence management and coordination among agencies involved in the criminal justice system