Port Blair, Aug 11: In a significant move to align with the newly implemented criminal laws of India—namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) – 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) – 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) – 2023—the Andaman & Nicobar Police, under the visionary guidance of Shri Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, Director General of Police, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has undertaken a series of proactive measures aimed at enhancing the professional competencies of its workforce, particularly the Investigating Officers.
With the introduction of the New Criminal Laws, a special emphasis has been placed on the collection and utilization of forensic evidence. Recognizing the importance of building the necessary infrastructure and expertise in this area, the Andaman & Nicobar Police has moved swiftly to ensure that its Investigating Officers and Scientific Officers from the Forensic Wing are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to meet these new standards.
As part of its strategy to enhance forensic capabilities, the Andaman & Nicobar Police submitted a proposal to the Andaman & Nicobar Administration for the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This prestigious university, is a Central Institution established in 2008, is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and has been accredited with an "A" grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) is recognized as an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Govt. of India, by an act of the Indian Parliament. NFSU is solely dedicated to Forensic Science, Investigative Science and Criminology.
The proposal received approval from Admiral D.K. Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Vice-Chairman of the Islands Development Agency, emphasizing the support of this initiative for the A & N Administration. It was pushed by Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary, underscoring the administrative support and the strategic importance of this collaboration.
With the approval secured, the Andaman & Nicobar Police is now poised to execute the MoU with NFSU. The signing ceremony, which will formalize this strategic partnership, is scheduled to take place shortly and will be executed between Director General of Police, Andaman & Nicobar Police, and the Campus Director of the National Forensic Sciences University.
This collaboration is expected to significantly bolster the forensic capabilities of the Andaman & Nicobar Police, ensuring that its officers are well-prepared to effectively implement the new criminal laws.
It is also noteworthy that the Andaman & Nicobar Police has recently entered into an MoU with the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, to provide specialized training on the New Criminal Laws to its Investigating Officers. This initiative, along with the forthcoming partnership with NFSU, underscores the commitment of the Andaman & Nicobar Police to continuous professional development and the enhancement of law enforcement standards in the region.