Bhubaneswar, August 4: In a major step toward enhancing cyber crime investigation, digital forensics, and scientific policing, the CID-Crime Branch of Odisha Police and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Bhubaneswar, signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania. The MoU was formally exchanged between Crime Branch DGP Binaytosh Mishra and Dr. Purabi Pokhariyal, Campus Director of NFSU, Bhubaneswar.

On the occasion, the DGP also inaugurated a specialized training programme on cyber crime investigation and digital forensics.

Speaking at the event, DGP Khurania described the partnership as a historic milestone in the modernization and development of Odisha Police.

He said it would establish a strong institutional framework for capacity building and mark the beginning of a new era in cyber policing in the state.

Highlighting the changing nature of crime, the DGP noted that digital evidence has become crucial in almost every criminal investigation.

He pointed to the rapid rise in cyber crimes such as mule account frauds, online investment scams, and "digital arrest" frauds. With India's new criminal laws placing forensic science at the core of investigations, he stressed that every police officer must be equipped with the skills to properly seize, preserve, and manage electronic evidence.

To tackle the growing cyber threat, Odisha Police has established 20 new Cyber Crime and Economic Offences Police Stations across the state. In addition, modern hardware and software worth nearly ₹15 crore have been provided to police stations.

The DGP emphasized that advanced training is essential for officers to effectively utilize these technological resources.

He further stated that the MoU with NFSU would go beyond training and include cooperation in crime scene management, higher education, joint research, forensic infrastructure development, and technical consultancy, thereby strengthening the state's forensic and investigative capabilities.

Crime Branch DGP Binaytosh Mishra said the collaboration with NFSU would enable the police department to provide high-quality technical training to personnel at all levels.

He announced that by January 2027, a total of 480 police personnel and officers from all 34 police districts and the Crime Branch will undergo training in 16 batches, with 30 participants in each batch. Officers ranging from constables to Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) will take part in the programme. Each six-day course will include five days of classroom and laboratory training at NFSU and one day of practical training at the Cyber Complex.