Patna: Starting July 1, Bihar will witness the implementation of three new criminal laws: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita(BNS) , Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita(BNSS) , Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). These laws, replacing colonial-era regulations, mark a significant overhaul in the legal framework across the state.
Bihar Police has undertaken extensive preparations to ensure smooth implementation of these new laws. A comprehensive training program has been conducted, encompassing 25,000 police officers ranging from constables to Additional Director Generals (ADGs). The training, initiated by DGP RS Bhatti on June 10 at Gyan Bhawan, covered key aspects of the new laws, including revised sections, additions, and removals compared to the old laws. Officers were also trained in modern investigative techniques such as collecting scientific evidence at crime scenes through videography, photography, and forensic expertise.
In anticipation of the rollout on July 1, Bihar Police has scheduled informational programs at all police stations across the state. Station heads have been instructed to engage with local communities, inviting citizens to familiarize themselves with the new laws. Women police officers will play a crucial role in educating the public on provisions related to women and children, facilitated by booklets distributed to attendees outlining major changes under the new criminal law.
The digital transformation of Bihar Police is also set to enhance citizen services significantly. Every police station will be digitally connected, enabling online access to services such as FIR downloads through the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB) website. Future services, including reporting missing property or persons, character verification of domestic help and drivers, senior citizen registration, and tenant verification, will also be facilitated online.
Furthermore, the Bihar Police website (https://police.bihar.gov.in/) has been updated to include the new criminal laws in Hindi and English. A dedicated section provides comprehensive information on these laws, alongside an interface for citizens to lodge complaints and provide suggestions. Police stations across the state can now be contacted via email for registering complaints, enhancing accessibility and responsiveness.
To bolster forensic capabilities, mobile forensic units have been deployed in every district, ensuring rapid response and evidence collection at crime scenes. This initiative aims to strengthen the justice system by enabling quick matching of fingerprints from crime scenes with those in the national database of arrested persons.
The deployment of smartphones and laptops to police officers further empowers them to efficiently record statements from victims and witnesses, thereby facilitating quicker resolution of cases and ensuring justice is served.
