Bhubaneswar: The CID-Crime Branch of Odisha Police and the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Bhubaneswar, on Tuesday signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cybercrime investigation capabilities, strengthen digital forensics skills, and promote scientific methods in policing.
The MoU was signed by DGP, Crime Branch, Vinaytosh Mishra, and NFSU Campus Director Dr Purvi Pokhariyal in the presence of Director General of Police (DGP), Odisha, Yogesh Bahadur Khurania.
Following the signing ceremony, DGP Khurania inaugurated a training programme titled “Cyber Crime Investigation and Digital Forensics” for police personnel.
Describing the occasion as a historic milestone in the modernisation of Odisha Police, DGP Khurania said the partnership between Odisha Police and NFSU would provide a strong foundation for strengthening cyber policing in the state.
He said crime patterns are changing rapidly and digital evidence has become an important component in almost every criminal investigation. With cybercrimes such as mule account fraud, online investment scams, and “digital arrest” cases witnessing a rise, scientific investigation and forensic analysis have assumed greater significance under the new criminal laws.
The DGP stressed that proper seizure, preservation, and management of electronic evidence should become an essential skill for every police officer.
Highlighting the steps taken to combat cybercrime, Khurania said 20 new cybercrime and economic offence police stations have been established across Odisha. Besides, police stations in the state have been equipped with modern hardware and software worth around Rs 15 crore. However, he emphasised that effective utilisation of these technologies requires specialised training.
He said the MoU with NFSU goes beyond training and includes areas such as crime scene management, higher education, joint research, development of forensic infrastructure, and technical consultancy.
DGP Crime Branch Vinaytosh Mishra said the collaboration with NFSU would help provide advanced technical training to police officers and personnel at different levels.
He informed that 480 officers and personnel from 34 police districts and the Crime Branch would be trained in 16 batches by January 2027. Each batch will consist of 30 participants, including personnel from the rank of constable to DSP.
The six-day training programme will include five days of classroom and laboratory-based sessions at NFSU, followed by one day of practical training at the Cyber Complex.
Addressing the first batch of trainees, DGP Khurania said the success of the programme would not be limited to receiving certificates but would depend on their ability to collect and preserve digital evidence, conduct scientific investigations, and present legally admissible evidence before courts.
He urged the trainees to share their knowledge and skills with colleagues in their respective districts after completing the programme.
Director, SFSL, Dr Santosh Bala; NFSU Campus Director Dr Purvi Pokhariyal; and IG (Crime) Dr Sarthak Sarangi were among those present at the event. NFSU Associate Professor Dr Bishwa Kallyan Dash coordinated the programme.
