Shah calls for tech upgrade at key meeting of top cops

India's top police and intelligence brass on Friday began annual deliberations on a host of internal and external security issues, with a focus on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), deepfakes, security at India's borders, unauthorised people staying in the country, and a road map for the implementation of three new criminal codes, people familiar with the matter said.

The discussions were held in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and national security adviser Ajit Doval.

Inaugurating the three-day director generals of police (DGPs)/inspector generals of police (IGPs) conference at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur, Shah asked the chiefs to train officers from SHO (station house officer) rank to DGP level and upgrade the technology from police stations to police headquarters for the successful implementation of the three criminal laws.

The government plans to notify the laws - Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to replace the Indian Penal Code, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to replace the Code of Criminal Procedure, and Bharatiya Suraksha to replace the Evidence Actby Republic Day, and implement them across the country in phases by the year-end.

The home minister highlighted that 2023 marked the start of "Amrit Kaal" (25-year period leading to 100 years of Independence in 2047) and stressed on two important devel opments during this period - the formulation of the New Education Policy (NEP), and the enactment of three new criminal laws, replacing British era laws according to a statement by the ministry of home affairs.