Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Kohima: Nagaland Police has overhauled its investigative strategy, moving from a tradition of armed policing to a focus on scientific evidence. On July 27, Director General of Police Rupin Sharma announced the induction of 12 mobile forensic vans and the State Cabinet’s approval for a new Directorate of Forensic Sciences. This transition aligns the state with the requirements of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which mandates forensic examinations for offences carrying a sentence of more than seven years.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio flagged off a total of 549 police vehicles, including the forensic units, representing an investment of roughly Rs 81.65 crore. These additions replace nearly 40 percent of the state’s aging fleet. The procurement is part of a broader Rs 150 crore modernization program. The new forensic vans feature tools for cloning mobile devices, collecting biological samples, and performing preliminary field tests on narcotics and explosives. ADGP Sandeep M Tamgadge noted that the vehicles are equipped with generators and inverters to maintain functionality in the field.
Addressing the deployment strategy, Sharma stated that vans would be stationed based on crime patterns rather than a one-per-district quota, though the long-term goal remains full coverage. The police headquarters has proposed the creation of specific Scene of Crime Officers to secure evidence before experts arrive. Currently, investigating officers are undergoing mandatory training via the federal iGOT Karmayogi platform. Specialized workshops covering cybercrime and insurgency are also underway in partnership with the NIA and NIELIT.
Regarding the July 13 IED blast in Chümoukedima, Sharma confirmed that samples are currently with the National Security Guard for analysis. While the state government proposed transferring the case to the NIA, the Ministry of Home Affairs has yet to finalize the handover. Sharma stated, "The implementation of the new criminal laws had made scientific investigation a priority."
The Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Council welcomed these reforms but urged the government to expedite the recruitment of forensic scientists and cyber experts. They pushed for the development of local laboratories capable of handling DNA, ballistics, and toxicology. The government has already advertised five technical posts through the Nagaland Public Service Commission, with more roles expected to follow. As the state builds this new infrastructure, the Directorate will operate alongside the existing police department.
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