Navi Mumbai: Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently announced the establishment of India’s most advanced cyber lab in Navi Mumbai, aimed at reinforcing crime fighting capabilities. Speaking at an event recently, Fadnavis, who also oversees the state’s home department, added that the introduction of new criminal legislation will lead to a higher conviction rate.
The Deputy CM informed that the Maharashtra police need to prepare for the implementation of three significant laws set to take effect nationwide from July 1: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharat Sakshya Act.
These laws, which were approved by Parliament on December 21 last year and received President Droupadi Murmu’s assent on December 25, are expected to introduce modifications to the criminal justice system by incorporating cutting-edge electronic and technical evidence guidelines.
According to Fadnavis, these changes will not only enhance conviction rates but also modernise the overall legal framework, with a special focus on expert evidence collection in crimes punishable by over seven years.
Highlighting the unique position of the Navi Mumbai police commissionerate, Fadnavis pointed out that it is the first to align with the new acts. He stressed the inevitability of rising cyber crimes with the increase in digital transactions and assured that the state-of-the-art cyber project and lab in Navi Mumbai will integrate various stakeholders, including banks, NBFCs, and social media platforms, to expedite crime detection.
The announcement was made in the presence of Maharashtra Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla and Navi Mumbai police commissioner Milind Bharambe.
