Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards strengthening cyber crime investigation and 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 agreement seeks to enhance the scientific investigation of cyber crimes through specialised training, digital forensic expertise, research collaboration and technical support.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania by Crime Branch DGP Vinaytosh Mishra and NFSU Bhubaneswar Campus Director Dr Purabi Pokhriyal. The DGP also inaugurated the first training programme on “Cyber Crime Investigation and Digital Forensics” on the occasion.
Describing the initiative as a landmark in the modernisation of Odisha Police, Khurania said the five-year partnership would establish a strong institutional framework for capacity building and mark the beginning of a new chapter in cyber policing in the state.
Highlighting the evolving nature of crime, the DGP said digital evidence has become crucial in the investigation of almost every offence. He noted that cyber crimes such as mule account frauds, online investment scams and “digital arrest” frauds are increasing rapidly, while the new criminal laws have placed forensic science at the centre of criminal investigations.
He stressed that every police officer must acquire the skills required for the proper seizure, preservation and management of electronic evidence to ensure effective investigations and successful prosecution.
Khurania also highlighted the state’s efforts to strengthen cyber policing infrastructure. He said Odisha has established 20 new Cyber Crime and Economic Offences Police Stations and equipped police stations across the state with modern hardware and software worth nearly Rs 15 crore. He emphasised that advanced training is essential for the effective utilisation of these technological resources.
The DGP further said the collaboration with NFSU would extend beyond training to include crime scene management, higher education, joint research, development of forensic infrastructure and technical consultancy, thereby creating a comprehensive ecosystem for scientific policing.
Speaking on the occasion, Crime Branch DGP Vinaytosh Mishra said the partnership would enable police personnel across all ranks to receive high-quality technical training in cyber investigation and digital forensics.
He informed that by January 2027, a total of 480 officers and personnel from all 34 police districts and the Crime Branch would be trained in 16 batches. Each batch will comprise 30 participants, ranging from constables to Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs).
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, Khurania said the success of the programme should not be measured merely by obtaining certificates but by the ability to collect digital evidence scientifically, conduct professional investigations and present legally admissible evidence in courts. He also urged the participants to share the knowledge gained during the training with their colleagues after returning to their respective districts.
Among those present at the event were State Forensic Laboratory Director Dr Santosh Bala, NFSU Bhubaneswar Campus Director Dr Purabi Pokhriyal, Crime Branch Inspector General Dr Sarthak Sarangi and NFSU Associate Professor Dr Bishwakalyan Das, who conducted the proceedings.
