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Karnataka Police Issues Directive to Expedite Forensic Analysis of Seized Mobile Phones

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Karnataka Police Department has issued a directive to all police units to send seized mobile phones to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) within 30 days of seizure. This move aims to address growing concerns over delays in examining crucial digital evidence. The order, issued by P Harishekaran, IPS, Additional Director General of Police (Crime & Technical Services), comes after reports that many Cyber, Economic, and Narcotics (CEN) police stations have been slow or even ignoring requests to forward phones for forensic analysis. Such delays have been causing significant setbacks in ongoing investigations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Karnataka Police Department has issued a directive to send seized mobile phones to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) within 30 days of seizure to expedite forensic analysis and address delays in examining crucial digital evidence.
  • The directive aims to boost the quality and speed of police work across Karnataka, particularly in solving crimes like cyber fraud, drug trafficking, and economic offences.
  • Misuse of seized phones has also been reported, with instances of accessing personal data and accounts, which hampers investigation and risks loss or tampering of crucial digital evidence.
  • In one such incident, SubInspector Sangappa Meti of Turuvekere Police Station was suspended for allegedly accessing an accused's PhonePe account and using it for online betting, resulting in a withdrawal of nearly `95,000.

Statistics:

  • The directive aims to expedite forensic analysis of seized mobile phones within 30 days.
  • There have been reports of delays in examining crucial digital evidence, causing significant setbacks in ongoing investigations.
  • Misuse of seized phones has resulted in instances of accessing personal data and accounts, risking loss or tampering of crucial digital evidence.
  • Nearly `95,000 was withdrawn from an accused's PhonePe account due to the alleged misuse by a police officials.

Sources:

  • The Times of India
  • Official directive from P Harishekaran, IPS, Additional Director General of Police (Crime & Technical Services)
  • Departmental inquiry report on the misconduct of SubInspector Sangappa Meti

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