Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has authorised SP-ranked officers to oversee investigations into three specific case types—mob lynching, terrorism, and organised crime.
“Officers below the rank of SP should not be allowed to directly monitor such cases,” the CM said while reviewing implementation of three criminal legislations — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).
Majhi also emphasised the importance of zero FIR and and suggested implementing systems like e-FIR, e-summons, and e-evidence to streamline the justice delivery process, making it simpler, faster, and more efficient. He also issued directives to Odisha police, mandating the acceptance of zero FIRs from complainants, regardless of where the crime occurred. He also instructed DGP Y B Khurania to take disciplinary action, including suspension, against police officers who decline to register zero FIRs.
Majhi advised connecting jails, hospitals, forensic labs, and courts through video conferencing to enable witnesses to provide evidence from their locations.
The Chief Minister stressed the need to conduct investigations and justice delivery processes in electronic mode as much as possible.
The meeting focused on strengthening police, jails, prosecution, and judicial systems for the effective implementation of the new laws.
“Over 98% of police personnel and officers have been trained on the new criminal laws, and steps are being taken to use modern technology for efficient investigations. Forensic labs are being upgraded, and 247 additional posts for forensic and cyber forensic experts have been created. Similarly, all jail department staff have been trained on the new laws, and video conferencing facilities are being introduced in jails. Additionally, 267 new posts have been created in the prosecution cadre, and changes are being made to the Odisha Prosecution Rules as per the BNSS law,” the CMO release said.
The Chief Minister stated that if all institutions involved in the justice delivery system operate efficiently, justice will be delivered swiftly and fairly to all.