Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 30: In a major move to curb crime and speed up the justice delivery system, the Maharashtra government has directed that the entire process from FIR to chargesheet be made fully digital within the next six months.

Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis issued the directive to the Director General of Police after a high-level meeting with senior police officials.

Highlighting progress in tackling Maoist activity, Fadnavis said the threat in Maharashtra has nearly been eliminated and credited the police force for its efforts. He noted that 244 police personnel had sacrificed their lives in the fight against Maoism.

Announcing a new recognition, he said personnel who have served at least three years in the C-60 anti-Naxal force will be awarded the ‘C-60 Medal’.

The state will also enhance the use of advanced technology in criminal investigations. Fadnavis said the Evidence Management System will be upgraded using blockchain technology, and all processes up to the trial stage will be digitised. He added that the infrastructure already exists and now needs to be implemented across all police stations.

The government has also set a target to increase the conviction rate from the current 50 per cent to 95 per cent. To achieve this, the CID has been directed to analyse past cases from the last four to five years using artificial intelligence to identify gaps in investigations and improve future outcomes.

Fadnavis further said the state will intensify its campaign against drugs by strengthening the ‘drug-free campus’ initiative, with a dedicated strategy to be prepared by the police leadership.

Additionally, a road safety model on the lines of Nagpur and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway will be implemented to reduce accidents across the state, he added.