Bhubaneswar, 04 August (H.S.) : In a significant step towards strengthening cyber crime investigation and enhancing digital forensic capabilities, the CID–Crime Branch of Odisha Police on Tuesday signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Bhubaneswar.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania. Crime Branch DGP Vinaytosh Mishra and NFSU Bhubaneswar Campus Director Dr. Purabi Pokhariyal formally signed the agreement. Following the signing ceremony, DGP Khurania inaugurated a specialised training programme on “Cyber Crime Investigation and Digital Forensics.”

Describing the occasion as a milestone, DGP Khurania said the collaboration marks a historic step in the modernization and development journey of Odisha Police. “This five-year partnership will establish a strong foundation for capacity building and usher in a new era in cyber policing in the state,” he said.

Highlighting the evolving nature of crime, the DGP noted that digital evidence has become central to nearly all forms of criminal investigation. With the rise in cyber offences such as mule accounts, online investment frauds, and so-called “digital arrests,” he stressed the need for police personnel to acquire core skills in seizure, preservation, and handling of electronic evidence.

To tackle the growing cyber threat landscape, the state has already set up 20 new cyber crime and economic offence police stations. Additionally, modern hardware and software worth approximately ₹15 crore have been provided to police stations across Odisha. “However, effective utilisation of these resources requires high-quality training,” he added.

The MoU with NFSU goes beyond training and will cover multiple areas including crime scene management, higher education, joint research, development of forensic infrastructure, and technical consultancy.

Crime Branch DGP Vinaytosh Mishra said the collaboration would enable officers and personnel at all levels to receive advanced technical training, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the police force.

He further informed that by January 2027, a total of 480 officers and personnel from 34 police districts and the Crime Branch will be trained in 16 batches. Each batch will consist of 30 participants, ranging from constables to DSP-rank officers. The six-day training programme will include five days of classroom and laboratory sessions at NFSU, followed by one day of practical training at the Cyber Complex.

Addressing the first batch of trainees, DGP Khurania emphasised that the true success of the programme lies not merely in certification but in the ability to collect digital evidence accurately, conduct scientific investigations, and present legally admissible evidence in courts. He also urged participants to share their knowledge with colleagues upon returning to their respective districts.

The initiative is expected to significantly strengthen Odisha’s cyber policing framework and enhance its readiness to combat emerging digital threats.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda