THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 4, 2026

In a major step towards strengthening cyber policing and scientific investigation, 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, build digital forensic expertise and promote scientific methods in policing.

The MoU was signed by Director General of Police (Crime Branch) Vinaytosh Mishra and NFSU Bhubaneswar Campus Director Dr Purvi Pokhariyal in the presence of Odisha Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania.

Following the signing ceremony, DGP Khurania inaugurated a six-day training programme titled "Cyber Crime Investigation and Digital Forensics" for police personnel, describing the initiative as a historic milestone in the modernisation of Odisha Police.

Addressing the gathering, Khurania said the partnership between Odisha Police and NFSU would provide a strong foundation for strengthening cyber policing in the state at a time when crime patterns are undergoing rapid transformation and digital evidence has become an integral part of almost every criminal investigation.

He said the growing incidence of cybercrimes, including mule account fraud, online investment scams and so-called "digital arrest" cases, has underscored the importance of scientific investigation and forensic analysis, particularly under the new criminal laws.

"The proper seizure, preservation and management of electronic evidence should become an essential skill for every police officer," the DGP said, stressing that effective cybercrime investigation depends on the ability to secure and present legally admissible digital evidence before courts.

Highlighting the state's preparedness to tackle cybercrime, Khurania said the Odisha Police has established 20 new cybercrime and economic offence police stations across the state. Besides, police stations have been equipped with modern hardware and software worth nearly Rs 15 crore to improve cyber investigation capabilities.

However, he said technology alone would not be sufficient without trained personnel capable of using these resources efficiently.

"The MoU with NFSU is not confined to training alone. It envisages collaboration in crime scene management, higher education, joint research, development of forensic infrastructure and technical consultancy, making it a comprehensive partnership for capacity building," Khurania said.

Speaking on the occasion, Crime Branch DGP Vinaytosh Mishra said the collaboration would enable advanced technical training for police officers and personnel across different ranks and significantly enhance the state's cyber investigation capabilities.

He said a total of 480 officers and personnel drawn from 34 police districts and the Crime Branch would undergo specialised training in 16 batches by January 2027. Each batch will comprise 30 participants, ranging from constables to Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs).

According to Mishra, the six-day programme will include five days of classroom lectures and laboratory-based practical sessions at the NFSU campus, followed by one day of hands-on training at the Cyber Complex.

Interacting with the first batch of trainees, DGP Khurania said the true success of the programme would not be measured by certificates but by the participants' ability to scientifically investigate cyber offences, effectively collect and preserve digital evidence and present legally sustainable evidence during trial.

He also urged the trainees to disseminate the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme among colleagues in their respective districts to strengthen cyber policing across Odisha.

Director of the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL) Dr Santosh Bala, NFSU Campus Director Dr Purvi Pokhariyal and Inspector General (Crime) Dr Sarthak Sarangi were among those present on the occasion. NFSU Associate Professor Dr Bishwa Kallyan Dash coordinated the programme.