Will act against officers for delayed filing of chargesheets: Chief minister Pramod Sawant

Panaji:Goa police will act against investigation officers if they do not file chargesheets on time, said chief minister Pramod Sawant on Friday after reviewing the implementation of the three new criminal laws. He also said that with forensic investigation becoming important after the implementation of the new criminal laws, Goa police will receive three new forensic vans to ensure that evidence-gathering teams reach all crime scenes.
State govt issued standard operating procedures (SoPs) to investigate terror-related cases and organised crime. Sawant reviewed the implementation of the three new criminal laws in the state with officers of Goa police, the home department, and the directorate of prosecution, among others.
The state started implementing the new criminal laws — Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam — from July 2024.
The chief minister vowed that 100% of forensic teams will visit crime scenes and there will be no delay in filing chargesheets. “In case anyone finds a delay in filing chargesheets, responsibility will be fixed and necessary action will be initiated against those investigation officers,” Sawant said.
He added that training would be provided to all the officers of police, home department, and directorate of prosecution. Besides, infrastructure would be created so that e-medical reports are soon sent to the police department from the forensic department, he said.
As for the three forensic vans, Sawant said two will be from central govt and one from state govt.
The chief minister said that eight cases were registered in Goa for organised crime. Necessary SoPs have been issued to all police stations to act against terrorism, organised crime, and mob lynching.
He added that 53 videoconference facilities would be created in the state to connect jails with courts. At present, 13 videoconference facilities are available.
“Henceforth, e-summons would be delivered. Govt is focusing on fast-tracking investigations and trials in cases,” Sawant said, and added that govt is expediting the return of land involved in illegal land grabs.
Stating that govt is working to increase the conviction rate, Sawant said that govt has taken steps to streamline the registration of zero FIRs and e-FIRs. He said govt has decided to hasten the clearing of the pendency at the forensic department.