PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said Goa is emerging as one of the leading states in the country in the investigation sector as he inaugurated the Forensic Psychology Division and the e-Peshi (Nyay Shruti) video conferencing facility at the Forensic Science Department.
Speaking at the inauguration, Sawant said the state government is continuously investing in advanced forensic technology to strengthen the criminal justice system and ensure faster, scientific investigations.
"Goa is emerging as one of the best states in the country in the investigation sector. As the Home Minister, I will continue providing the equipment and infrastructure required by the Forensic Science Department," he said.
Sawant said proper investigations are the foundation of justice and require modern laboratories and specialised forensic facilities.
"For people to get proper justice, investigations must be conducted properly. To ensure proper investigations, setting up laboratories and facilities of that standard is equally necessary," he said.
Calling the Forensic Psychology Division a long-pending project, the Chief Minister said its inauguration would allow advanced forensic examinations to be conducted within Goa, reducing dependence on laboratories outside the state.
"This Forensic Psychological Division was long pending. Earlier, we had to send cases to Bengaluru or Gujarat for narco-analysis, polygraph examinations and other forensic psychological tests. From now on, these examinations can be conducted here itself. We have procured a Polygraph System and a Voice Analyzer," Sawant said.
He also inaugurated the video conferencing facility for e-Peshi (Nyay Shruti), established at an approximate cost of Rs 41 lakh, to facilitate virtual court proceedings under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
"The courts are promoting video conferencing for e-Peshi. Today, we have started this dedicated video conferencing room, which will strengthen the judicial process and improve coordination," he said.
Sawant said the government has upgraded the Forensic Science Department with advanced equipment across multiple disciplines, including DNA profiling, toxicology, chemistry, biology, narcotics, ballistics and fingerprint analysis.
"The Forensic Science Department is one of the most important departments when it comes to investigating different types of cases. Timely forensic reports make investigations faster and greatly assist both the police and the Directorate of Prosecution," he said.
The Chief Minister congratulated the department's officers and staff for their commitment, noting that they often work beyond regular office hours to ensure timely submission of reports.
Sawant also highlighted the contribution of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Goa, saying it has created opportunities for students pursuing forensic science, cyber security and digital forensics.
He said the university's Digital Forensic Laboratory, one of only 21 such laboratories in the country, has become an important resource for examining electronic evidence and assisting law enforcement agencies.
"As students graduate from the National Forensic Sciences University, they will have immense career opportunities both in Goa and across the country. The Digital Forensic Laboratory has been extremely useful in securing electronic evidence and supporting investigations," he said.
Reiterating the government's commitment to strengthening forensic infrastructure, Sawant said investments in modern technology and specialised equipment would continue to make Goa more self-reliant in scientific investigations and improve the overall criminal justice delivery system.
