Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday, 19 June 2026, called on law enforcement agencies across India to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to transform raw data into actionable crime intelligence. Speaking at the 26th All India Fingerprint Conference–2026 in New Delhi, Shah urged states to build dedicated AI teams capable of studying crime patterns, profiling repeat offenders, and tracking international criminals.

Key Directives from the Home Minister

Shah was direct in outlining what he expects from the system. “We need to build AI teams and use our software as an effective tool for crime analysis and to make the best use of all the provisions,” he said. He added that every state must deploy such teams specifically to identify repeat offenders and prevent criminals from exploiting jurisdictional gaps between states — a long-standing vulnerability in India’s fragmented law enforcement architecture.

Shah also flagged the urgency of countering cybercrime, calling for stronger third-party audits and rigorous checks on the misuse of authority within the system.

Criminal Justice System in Transformation

The Home Minister framed the conference in the context of a broader shift in India’s criminal justice landscape. “Today, as far as the criminal justice system is concerned, our country is going through a transformation phase. There was a time when the police station and law and order were considered the main tools for maintaining peace. Whenever there was a dispute, the station in-charge would immediately resolve it. If not, a case would be filed, and matters would remain pending for years,” Shah said.

He argued that this model is no longer sufficient and that data-driven intelligence must now underpin policing at every level. He also stressed that the system must fix accountability clearly in cases where attempts are made to disturb national security.

New Criminal Laws and Forensic Reforms

Shah highlighted provisions in India’s new criminal laws — which replaced older colonial-era statutes — as a structural upgrade for investigations. Under the new framework, forensic experts are required to visit crime scenes for serious offences, with mandatory evidence collection in cases punishable by seven years or more. The entire evidence-collection process at crime sites must now be video-graphed, a safeguard designed to prevent tampering and strengthen the evidentiary chain in court.

This dual mandate — expert presence and video documentation — is intended to raise the quality and reliability of investigations and support a fairer administration of justice, according to officials.

What This Signals for Policing

The Fingerprint Conference is one of India’s oldest forensic-science forums, and Shah’s address signals a clear policy push toward technology-led policing. Notably, the call for AI and ML integration comes as India’s National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) continues to expand its digital databases. The emphasis on cross-state coordination also reflects growing concern over organised crime networks that operate across state lines, exploiting inconsistent enforcement.

As the Centre moves to operationalise the new criminal laws, the pressure on states to build technical capacity — including AI teams and forensic infrastructure — is set to intensify in the months ahead.