Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Aug 17: In a first-of-its-kind move, Goa Police have turned to social media to spread awareness on India’s new criminal laws, aiming to empower citizens and eliminate confusion over the transition from the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
Launching the campaign on Saturday, Crime Branch SP Rahul Gupta said the initiative will rely on creative posts, reels, and memes in both English and Konkani, ensuring that legal awareness reaches every section of society.
“Citizens are encouraged to follow the official channels of Goa Police to stay updated and spread this important awareness,” Gupta said. “This is necessary as the criminal justice system has undergone a historic transformation with the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.”
He explained that the changes go far beyond renumbering sections. They include simplification of laws, time-bound trials, zero FIR, e-FIR, forensic-based investigations, gender-sensitive provisions, and greater use of scientific and electronic evidence.
To avoid confusion, Gupta highlighted examples of the new codes — IPC section 420 (cheating) is now BNS section 318, IPC 302 (murder) is now BNS 103, and IPC 376 (rape) is now BNS 64.
He stressed that awareness of rights is equally vital: “Victims, witnesses, and accused persons must know about their rights, including the right to know the reason for arrest, free legal aid, time-bound investigations, and protection of identity.”
Moving away from traditional bureaucratic advisories, Goa Police will now deploy over 100 unique pieces of digital content — including reels, memes, videos, and carousel posts — in collaboration with influencers, to present the reforms in a simple, relatable, and engaging manner.
“Public confidence is built in the justice delivery system when people realise the reforms are meant for justice, not just punishment,” Gupta added.