Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday, 25 October 2026, called for coordinated collective action to counter mounting cyber threats — including deepfakes, cyber fraud, and identity theft — while stressing the need to preserve the integrity of digital evidence. He was addressing the second day of Tech Sangam 2026, a three-day international conference hosted by the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science (UPSIFS) in Lucknow.

AI as a Tool, Not the Final Word

Chief Minister Adityanath struck a cautionary note on the expanding role of artificial intelligence in governance and justice delivery. 'We should not simply follow AI's reasoning or accept its decisions as the ultimate truth. If we become entirely dependent on AI for everything, the very power that helps us could also become a challenge,' he said.

While acknowledging that AI, digital technology, and emerging quantum computing capabilities have created significant new possibilities for problem-solving, the Chief Minister urged that these tools operate within a structured, accountable framework. He emphasised that the conference brings together perspectives on governance, the economy, national security, and the judicial system.

Forensic Infrastructure and Criminal Justice Reform

Adityanath highlighted that integrating scientific evidence and modern forensic investigation into criminal proceedings can substantially reduce delays in delivering justice. He cited the case of a mafia operative who committed his first offence in 1980 but was convicted only in 2022 — 42 years later — due to a lack of evidence and destroyed DNA samples. He described the case as a stark illustration of the cost of inadequate forensic systems.

Under new criminal laws, he noted, particular emphasis has been placed on collecting forensic evidence in offences carrying a punishment of more than seven years. To support this, forensic laboratories are being developed across all 18 police ranges of the state. Twelve laboratories have already been completed, with six in the final stages of development. The state has also deployed more than 150 forensic vans to enable rapid evidence collection and expedite investigations.

From Land Mafia to World-Class Forensic Institute

The Chief Minister recalled that the nearly 100-acre land on which the UPSIFS now stands was once occupied by a 'major land mafia figure' in Lucknow — a situation so entrenched that, according to Adityanath, even the police were unable to act effectively at the time. After an investigation was ordered in 2017 and two FIRs were registered, the accused surrendered and vacated the land. Today, he said, the institute built on that site is providing direction in scientific investigation, crime detection, and technical education across the state.

This narrative — from criminal occupation to a centre of forensic excellence — was presented by the Chief Minister as emblematic of Uttar Pradesh's broader law-and-order transformation under his administration.

UP as an AI and Data Centre Hub

Adityanath also outlined Uttar Pradesh's technology ambitions, noting that the state has set a target of developing five gigawatts of data centre capacity by 2030 and is working to establish five major data centre clusters. He recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had described data as the 'new oil', and asserted that Uttar Pradesh is positioning itself as a leading hub for AI and data infrastructure.

He further noted that the state now accounts for approximately 60 per cent of India's total expressway network and has five international airports and 17 domestic airports, citing improved infrastructure as a driver of economic growth.

Key Launches at the Event

During the conference, Adityanath inaugurated the LEXQ Centre of Excellence, dedicated to quantum forensics and legal compliance. He also launched a Consent Management Portal, laid the foundation stone for the 'Abhedya' project, and unveiled the book 'AI in Construction'. These launches signal the state government's intent to embed emerging technologies — quantum computing, AI, and data governance — into both law enforcement and administrative infrastructure.

With Tech Sangam 2026 continuing through its final day, the conference is expected to produce a set of recommendations on national cyber-forensic standards and AI governance frameworks that could inform policy beyond Uttar Pradesh's borders.