Lumbini Police Call for Greater Use of Technology in Criminal Investigations

Bhairahawa, June 30: Police officials and legal experts have stressed the need to strengthen criminal investigations through the use of modern technology and scientific methods, citing the growing complexity of crime.

Speaking at a province-level review seminar on crime investigation organized by the Province Police Office, Lumbini, Additional Inspector General of Nepal Police Sushil Singh Rathaur said rapid advances in information and communication technology have contributed to the rise of cybercrime, financial crime, money laundering, human trafficking and cross-border offences.

He said addressing these challenges requires stronger investigative capacity, greater use of digital technology and closer coordination among law enforcement and other concerned agencies. Rathaur emphasized that investigations into serious crimes should remain impartial and evidence-based, supported by tools such as digital forensics, the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), artificial intelligence, criminal fingerprint databases and the Crime and Criminals Information System (CCIS).

Lumbini Province Police Chief and Deputy Inspector General Bhupendra Bahadur Khatri said the province has prioritized improving the skills of investigation officers to make criminal investigations more timely, professional and credible. He added that effective coordination among police, prosecutors, the judiciary and other stakeholders is essential for scientific evidence collection and successful prosecution.

The seminar also included training sessions on cybercrime, digital evidence management and emerging investigation technologies, with participation from experts from Nepal Police Headquarters, prosecutors and judges from district and high courts.