Bhubaneswar, August 5: The Crime Branch of Odisha Police signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) located in Bhubaneswar. This partnership marks a significant step towards strengthening cyber policing and scientific investigations.
According to an official statement from Odisha Police, the collaboration aims to enhance capabilities in cyber crime investigations, digital forensics, and evidence-based policing.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Odisha Police’s Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, DGP of the Crime Branch Vinayatosh Mishra, and NFSU Bhubaneswar’s Campus Director Purabi Pokhriyal. Following the signing ceremony, the DGP inaugurated the first training program on cyber crime investigation and digital forensics under this partnership.
Addressing the gathering, Khurania described the MoU as a ‘historic milestone’ in the modernization and development journey of Odisha Police. He stated that the launch of the initial training program signifies the beginning of a new chapter in the field of cyber policing in the state.
The DGP emphasized that the nature of crime is rapidly evolving, and digital evidence has become crucial in nearly every case. He noted the rise in cyber crimes such as illegal accounts, online investment fraud, and ‘digital arrests,’ highlighting the central role of forensic science in investigations under new criminal laws.
Khurania pointed out that Odisha has established 20 new police stations dedicated to cyber and economic crimes, equipping them with modern hardware and software worth approximately 150 million rupees. He stressed the necessity of specialized training to ensure the effective use of these resources.
Furthermore, the DGP mentioned that the partnership with NFSU will 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 at the event, DGP Vinayatosh Mishra stated that the collaboration with NFSU will provide world-class technical training in cyber investigations and digital forensics to officers and personnel at all ranks. He revealed that by January 2027, a total of 480 officers and personnel from all 34 police districts and the Crime Branch will receive specialized training in 16 batches, with each batch comprising 30 participants ranging from constables to DSPs. The six-day program will include five days of classroom and laboratory training at NFSU, followed by a day of practical training at the cyber complex.
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