Assam Special Director General of Police (SDGP) Munna Prasad Gupta has said that the state has recorded a major improvement in solving criminal cases and securing convictions over the past year. Speaking to the media, the senior police officer said that nearly 70,000 First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered across Assam in the last one year, and almost 95 percent of these cases have already been solved.
According to Gupta, this marks one of the highest disposal rates in recent years. He said that the police force has been working to strengthen investigation systems and improve coordination at all levels. The officer also stated that the conviction rate in criminal cases has gone up significantly. While the conviction rate was earlier around 26 percent, it has now increased to nearly 50 percent.
Gupta said the department is encouraging professional and responsible policing. Officers who carry out proper investigations and submit strong charge sheets leading to punishment of criminals are being recognised and rewarded. At the same time, the department is also taking action against officers who display negligence or intentionally make mistakes during investigations.
He pointed out that weak or faulty investigations often become a major reason for acquittals in court. To address this problem, it has now been made compulsory for investigating officers to visit the crime scene. Forensic experts also need to examine the spot, collect evidence and conduct videography. The aim is to ensure that every case is backed by proper documentation and scientific support.
Gupta further said that recent legal changes have placed greater emphasis on the rights of victims and the public. Under the new system, people are now allowed to file complaints at any police station, even if the incident took place in another area. This is expected to make the process easier and more accessible for citizens.
He added that the police department is working to ensure that cases are resolved within a fixed time frame. According to him, timely investigations and court proceedings are important so that the public gets justice without long delays. Gupta also stated that criminal trials will now continue even if the accused person does not appear before the court.
Another key change highlighted by the SDGP is the facility for witnesses to give their statements through video conferencing. This is expected to reduce the need for repeated physical visits to court, saving both time and effort for witnesses. Gupta said the move will make the justice process smoother and more convenient for ordinary people.
He said that the focus of the police department remains on fairness, accountability and public trust. The SDGP said that by improving investigation quality and monitoring officer performance, the state police hope to further strengthen the criminal justice system in the coming years.