Guwahati: The conviction rate in Assam has nearly doubled since the implementation of the three new criminal laws about a year and a half ago, a senior police official said on Wednesday.
Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Assam Police Special Director General (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta said the increased reliance on technology, scientific evidence and mandatory videography during investigations has significantly reduced instances of witnesses turning hostile during trials.
“With greater emphasis on scientific investigation, conviction rates have risen substantially. More than 50 per cent convictions have been recorded in charge sheets filed under the new criminal laws,” Gupta said. In contrast, he noted that the conviction rate in cases registered under the old laws stands at around 25 per cent.
Gupta explained that the mandatory deployment of forensic experts for crimes punishable with seven years or more has improved the quality of evidence collected at crime scenes. “The use of technology in investigations is exceptionally high now, and this has directly contributed to better outcomes in courts,” he said.
He added that videography has been made compulsory during search and seizure operations, making it difficult for witnesses to retract their statements. The introduction of e-summons under the new legal framework has also streamlined the judicial process.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and Indian Evidence Act (IVA), respectively, with effect from July 1, 2024.
According to Gupta, around 70,000 FIRs have been registered in Assam under the new laws so far. Investigations have been completed in nearly 95 per cent of these cases, and charge sheets have been filed accordingly.
He further said Assam has achieved an implementation score of 81 per cent, significantly higher than the national average of 57 per cent, placing the state at the top nationwide in enforcing the new criminal laws.
Meanwhile, the Assam Police Criminal Investigation Department has organised an exhibition on the new legislation, titled ‘Exhibition on Naveen Nyaya Sanhita’. The exhibition, inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday, will remain open to the public until January 2.
The exhibition aims to raise public awareness by showcasing the objectives, key features and implementation of the newly enacted criminal laws.
