What Steps is the Mizoram Government Taking to Accelerate Crime Investigations and Boost Conviction Rates?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mizoram government implements measures to enhance crime investigation.
- Ten Mobile Forensic Vehicles launched for rapid response.
- The new criminal law emphasizes forensic evidence certification.
- Funding of Rs. 6.13 crore allocated for forensic upgrades.
- Forensic experts play a crucial role in ensuring justice.
Aizawl, Sep 2 (NationPress) To enhance the rapid investigation of various crimes, including cyber crimes, and to elevate the conviction rate in Mizoram, the state government has implemented a range of measures, according to officials on Tuesday.
A high-ranking police official stated that the Mizoram government’s initiatives include reinforcing the infrastructure and improving forensic testing capabilities in all 11 districts. Plans are underway to hire trained experts soon.
On Monday, Home Minister K. Sapdanga inaugurated 10 Mobile Forensic Vehicles. These vehicles, acquired at a cost of Rs. 4.81 crore from the government of India, come fully equipped with vital forensic tools and equipment, as explained by the official, noting that these vehicles were delivered to the state in August.
Since July 1, 2024, the new criminal law – Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 – has been enacted across India, placing a greater emphasis on forensic examinations. This law mandates that forensic experts certify evidence in all cases where the sentence exceeds 7 years, the official indicated.
To ensure the effective delivery of forensic services, the government of India has been supplying essential infrastructure to states and Union Territories, including advanced machinery, equipment, and Mobile Forensic Vehicles (MFVs).
For Mizoram, the Centre has allocated Rs. 6.13 crore for 15 sets of sophisticated equipment for the state Forensic Science Laboratory, in addition to the 10 Mobile Forensic Vehicles, the official mentioned.
Currently, the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratory, Mizoram, situated at the Mizoram New Capital Complex, operates District Mobile Forensic Units in Aizawl, Lunglei, and Champhai. Plans for more district units are in the pipeline. During the inauguration of the Mobile Forensic Vehicles, the Home Minister remarked that India ranks among the leading nations in forensic science.
The importance of forensic science surged following the notorious 2012 Delhi gangrape ‘Nirbhaya Case,’ which underscored the critical need for scientific investigations, he noted.
The Home Minister acknowledged that since that incident, India has made significant strides to enhance forensic capabilities, and the Mizoram Forensic Science Laboratory is also leading the way by implementing paperless casework, expedited examinations, and a case tracking system.
Currently, under the guidance of Director T. Lalropuia, 14 forensic experts are actively working in Mizoram. They frequently visit crime scenes throughout the state, perform laboratory examinations, and provide expert testimonies in court. Their collaborative efforts with the Mizoram Police have significantly contributed to ensuring just and accurate outcomes in numerous high-profile cases.