BHAIRAHAWA: The Province Police Office, Lumbini organized a province level review seminar on crime investigation, which underscored the urgency of equipping investigation with technology.

Scientific and evidence-based investigation could be ensured with a proper use of technology in view of changing dynamics of crimes, the speakers viewed.

Additional inspector general of the Nepal Police, Sushil Singh Rathaur, said crime investigation was facing a host of challenges owing to rapid development of information and communication technology. It has resulted in rising incidents of cybercrime, financial crime, money laundering, human trafficking and trans-border crimes.

More effective investigation and study are required with capacity building of related officers and use of modern technology and smooth coordination among related agencies, Rathaur added.

He reminded the Nepal Police that it could launch impartial and evidence-based investigations in serious crimes such as murder, human trafficking, kidnapping, hostage-taking and assault. “Use of digital forensics, criminal fingerprint database, artificial intelligence (AI), Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and Crime and Criminals Information System (CCIS) are modern tool to be amplified for making investigation deep and convincing, according to him.

On the occasion, deputy inspector general and chief Lumbini Province Police, Bhupendra Bahadur Khatri, informed that capacity development of the investigation officers was given priority across the province. Time has come to make criminal investigations timely, professional and credible, he stated.

Khatri also argued a well coordination among the police persons, prosecution officers, judiciary and concerned bodies would not only help ensure justice but also maintain consistency in investigations with scientific evidence collection and successful trials.

Related expert from the Crime Investigation Department, Nepal Police Headquarters facilitated the training on cybercrime, digital evidence management, scientific investigation systems and new investigation technologies during the seminar.

Even the officials from Attorney’s Office, judges from the District Court and the High Court had interactive presentations and sessions on legal procedures, evidence collection, prosecution and trials during investigations.