Maharashtra to set up New Cyber Lab for National Security

Maharashtra is set to establish the nation’s most advanced and largest cyber lab in Navi Mumbai, announced Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The Evidence Management Centre (EMC), notable for its lack of human intervention, is designed to enhance the handling and processing of evidence, which in turn is expected to boost conviction rates. 

During the announcement Fadnavis emphasized the importance of readiness among Maharashtra police for the implementation of three new laws set to come into effect from July 1st. The new laws - the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharat Sakshya Act got the approval of Parliament on December 21 last year and President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on December 25.

While speaking at the launch of the Evidence Management Centre (EMC) and the Evidence Despatch Van (EDV) in Navi Mumbai, Fadnavis mentioned that the new acts will bring changes as they include provisions for the most modern electronic and technical evidence, which will increase conviction rates.

“The EMC and EDV are the first of its kind in the state. These should be replicated across Maharashtra. The EMC has no human intervention and the entire procedure of handling evidence through it will increase conviction rates. Instances of hacking and other cyber frauds are on the rise,” he said.

“The conviction rate was 9 per cent in 2011-12 and has now gone up to 50 per cent. Focus on technical evidence will be strong so that conviction can be had even if witnesses turn hostile. This will deter crime. The police must also opt for blockchain as tampering is not possible,” he said.

As per the new acts, in cases where the sentence is more than seven years the evidence needs to be collected by the experts.

“The Navi Mumbai police commissionerate is the first in the country that is as per the new acts that will come into force from July 1. As digital transactions increase so will cyber crimes. The most modern cyber project and cyber lab in the country will be based in Navi Mumbai. All banks, NBFCs, social media sites will be brought on one platform to detect crimes as quickly as possible,” Fadnavis said.

Maharashtra Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla and Navi Mumbai police commissioner Milind Bharambe attended the event.