Latest news with #DeveshSrivastava
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Delhi Police's Fingerprint Bureau Gets ISO Certification
New Delhi: The Fingerprint Bureau of achieved a notable milestone by receiving the ISO 9001:2015 certificate. This quality management system standard acknowledges its rigorous methods and procedures in fingerprint analysis and crime investigation, as certified by a quality control certification body. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This is significant as the certification has made the investigations validated by the bureau more credible, according to police. The bureau helped crack a significant number of cases in the last three years, the data shows. According to special commissioner of police Devesh Srivastava, the bureau helped solve 171 cases in 2022, while 275 cases were solved in 2023, and the figure rose to 314 in 2024. By July 25, the bureau already helped crack 101 cases. Given the performance of the last few years, police brass decided to obtain the standardisation of its work. The processes and technicalities of its working were formalised and documented. After a thorough audit of the procedure and documentation, the Quality Control Certification granted the ISO 9001:2015 certificate to the Fingerprint Bureau Unit. Established in 1983, the bureau is a specialised wing that plays a crucial role in identifying suspects and linking them to crime scenes through scientific analysis of fingerprints. "Initially, fingerprint-related work for Delhi Police was managed by the Fingerprint Bureau in Phillaur, Punjab. While this arrangement served its purpose, the process of obtaining fingerprint results was often time-consuming and challenging for Investigating Officers," Srivastava recalled. Recognising the need for a more efficient and streamlined system, the establishment of an independent Fingerprint Bureau for the Union Territory of Delhi was proposed. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In response, a full-fledged Fingerprint Bureau was set up in 1983 at RK Puram. The first batch of fingerprint cadre personnel joined in 1985, marking the beginning of expert, in-house fingerprint analysis in Delhi. "With a vast database pool of over 5 lakh criminals, the bureau, which is a part of the crime branch, utilises advanced forensic techniques and software to deliver accurate and timely results," Srivastava said. The Fingerprint Bureau databases include the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFPIS), the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), and the Crime Record Information System (CRIS). The use of modern technology and traditional expertise has made it an indispensable part of Delhi Police's crime-solving mechanism, members of the team said. "The bureau's activities include capturing finger/palm prints of arrested and convicted persons, editing and analysing received finger/palm slips, and operating modern applications. The unit also imparts training and refresher courses for Delhi Police personnel and other law enforcement agencies," explained a senior officer. The ISO standard provides a framework for consistently delivering services that meet court and regulatory requirements, ultimately contributing to a higher rate of conviction. The bureau's director, Sanjay Jha, works in close coordination with DCP Harsh Indora to analyse possible suspects in crimes. This certification is expected to further improve the quality and legal value of evidence. "This recognition highlights the unit's commitment to maintaining high standards in crime investigation. It is also a testament to the police striving for quality management and public satisfaction," Srivastava added.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Drugs worth 1cr sold in Vasant Kunj every month: Diary
New Delhi: A diary recovered during the raids on the cocaine ring appears to have exposed the nitty-gritty of drug sales in Delhi-NCR, besides revealing the hotspots where the contraband was sold to youngsters. The diary, in which everyday drug sales were recorded by the cartel members, reveals that an area like Vasant Kunj, for example, had average sales of around Rs 1 crore every month. The presence of "delivery boys" was recorded in Noida and Gurgaon, besides Saket, Vasant Kunj, Qutub Institutional Area, Chhatarpur, Vasant Vihar, Malviya Nagar, Moti Nagar and Punjabi Bagh, among others, sources said. Explaining how the cartel operated, special commissioner (crime) Devesh Srivastava said that the syndicate operated a call centre-like setup in Nigeria, where Indian customers placed orders on WhatsApp numbers, and delivery of drugs was ensured via their local delivery boys located closest to the customer. Each delivery agent had his own area of operation. For example, a mule code-named "Tall Guy" delivered cocaine and MDMA in Saket, while another named Victor was selling to youngsters in Vasant Kunj. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi They used to receive WhatsApp calls from Nigeria from a UK number and were instructed with the quantity of the drugs to be delivered and the number of the car of the customer, along with the location. "Based on the information, he delivered the drugs and collected payments. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo He was to reach a specific place at a given time to deliver collected cash and receive fresh drug stock," additional CP Mangesh Kashyap said. The interrogation of suspects also revealed that the delivery agents followed a dress code—typically a checked shirt and black helmet—for discreet identification during handovers. If one delivery boy got arrested, he was replaced by a new one, as the customer's data and the number on which customers called remained with the Nigerian handlers, leaving cops in a fix. A few cartel owners operated kitchens in Chattarpur and other areas, which doubled up as drug stores to replenish the peddlers. The proceeds were handed over to supervisors near the jal board office in Vasant Kunj, the accused disclosed. Investigation revealed that the cartel adulterated pure cocaine in a 1:4 ratio to produce street-grade cocaine, selling it at huge profits. "The two bricks of cocaine recovered from him would have yielded around 8 kg of cocaine worth over 80 crore in the international market," said DCP (crime) Harsh Indora. The mixing of chemicals helped increase the quantity as well as the potency of the cocaine. It also raised the reliance of the consumer on this specific cocaine, cops said. The cartel's customers were not only college students but middle-aged businessmen and private firm managers/executives too. "As the cartel supplied only cocaine and MDMA, they had a very niche customer base because both drugs are expensive. The end user was paying up to Rs 15,000 for a gram of cocaine. Similarly, 1 gram of MD crystals was being sold for around Rs 6,000," said a source. "Both the drugs are highly addictive," the source explained. The tentacles of this network were spread to Goa, Chennai and Bengaluru as well.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Time of India
City sees 4% increase in murders, overall criminal cases drop
New Delhi: Compared with last year, murders rose by 4% this year between Jan and June, according to Delhi Police, though the crime data for the period showed that overall, there was a decrease of 8.4% in criminal cases. The data listed 250 murders in the current year, marking a slight increase compared with the 241 murders in the first six months of the previous year. A senior officer disclosed that the majority of this year's murders were unpremeditated, spur-of-the-moment actions, triggered by disputes, personal vendetta and longstanding enmity. The data also showed that 1,29,693 criminal cases were reported in Jan-June 2024, including 2,543 heinous cases. This year, this figure decreased to 1,18,822, among them 2,209 heinous cases. As many as 386 cases of attempted murder were reported this year, whereas last year the number was 430. The statistics show 637 reported cases of robbery this year against 826 documented last year. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi When examining cases related to rape and those registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, the data had 932 such cases this year compared with a higher 1,040 cases last year. "In most cases, we have come to know that the accused were known to the survivors," an officer said. In Pocso cases, survivors sometimes turned hostile because the accused were family members or known to them. "Because of social stigma, survivors often become hostile, making prosecution of the accused difficult," the officer added. Last year, 968 cases of molestation and 176 of eve teasing were reported, whereas this year, the numbers have dropped, respectively, to 863 and 154. Snatching cases slid 25.9%, dropping from 3,381 in the first half of 2024 to 2,503 cases in the same period in 2025. Burglary cases also declined by 25.4%, falling from 4,271 to 3,186 in the period. There was also a reduction in motor vehicle thefts, from 18,626 cases last year to 17,512 cases, a decrease of 5.9% Devesh Srivastava, special commissioner of police (Crime), said that several measures adopted had contributed to the decline in crime, including increased use of technology and enhanced surveillance of criminals. He claimed, "We have completely digitalised the records of criminals and use many analytical tools, providing a comprehensive platform for all our personnel to easily access detailed information on offenders on a 24x7 basis. Additionally, we have focused on the arrest of repeat and proclaimed offenders. Our efforts to engage and reach out to the public have also paid rich dividends. Enhanced CCTV coverage across the city has helped us a lot."
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Time of India
New Laws: 2.5 Lakh FIRs & 62K Chargesheets In A Year
New Delhi: It has been a year since Union home minister Amit Shah ordered the rollout of new criminal laws, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Delhi Police have marked the milestone with staggering numbers. Over the past 12 months, the police force has registered more than 2.5 lakh FIRs. While 81,753 of these were regular FIRs, 37,976 e-FIRs pertained to motor vehicle theft and 1,34,320 e-FIRs were for other thefts. Apart from this, Delhi Police filed 62,153 chargesheets under BNS, with 47,218 filed within 60 days of case registration and 6,901 within 90 days. An additional 8,034 chargesheets were filed under other categories, the data revealed. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi So, what changed in the past one year? According to the Delhi Police leadership, the implementation of BNS brought about a notable shift in the way the force operates, with a greater emphasis on accountability, transparency and a victim-centric approach. Special commissioner (crime) Devesh Srivastava said the investigating officers reported improved efficiency in probes due to streamlined procedures and the use of technology. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo "The focus on forensic evidence also enhanced the quality of investigations, leading to more convictions and better outcomes for victims. The use of technology improved accessibility and responsiveness of police services, making it easier for citizens to report crimes and seek help," he added. One of the primary changes is the modernisation of laws, where colonial-era laws have been updated to align with modern societal needs and human rights standards. This shift has enabled police to tackle contemporary challenges more effectively while also ensuring the rights of citizens are protected, he said. Another key aspect of BNS, according to senior officers, was its focus on simplification and clarity. The new code aims to simplify and clarify legal provisions, reducing ambiguity and facilitating more effective policing. This clarity, they said, will enable police officers to understand their roles and responsibilities better, leading to more efficient and effective law enforcement. By streamlining legal provisions, BNS aims to reduce confusion and misinterpretation, ultimately leading to better outcomes for citizens. Elaborating on the experience of using new features in BNS, an inspector said, "In cases involving proclaimed offenders, there is now an in-absentia trial process. If a proclaimed offender is absconding or fails to participate in the investigation, the legal proceedings continue without delay or interruption." Moreover, the new laws help reduce adjournments during trials. Section 346(2)(B) of BNS limits the number of adjournments to two, provided the circumstances are beyond a party's control, after hearing objections from the other party and recording reasons in writing, the officer added. Similarly, specific sections of BNS related to organised crime, particularly sections 111 and 112, have aided police in curbing criminal activities. Section 111 addresses serious offences such as kidnapping, robbery and cybercrimes, with punishments ranging from the death penalty or life imprisonment to fines of up to Rs 10 lakh if the crime results in death. On the other hand, Section 112 deals with petty organised crime, prescribing prison terms of at least one year and potentially up to seven years. The code also highlights the importance of forensic evidence in investigations. It stresses the need for high-quality evidence collection and analysis, which help improve the effectiveness of investigations. By prioritising forensic evidence, BNS aims to reduce the reliance on eyewitness testimony and other potentially unreliable forms of evidence. This shift, officials said, will enable the police to build stronger cases and secure more convictions. BNS also places a strong emphasis on accountability and transparency in policing. It also introduces streamlined procedures for investigation and trial, aiming to reduce delays and improve efficiency. Furthermore, BNS incorporates provisions prioritising victim welfare, support and protection. This reflects a more victim-centric approach to justice, where the needs and rights of victims are given greater consideration, according to officers. A key aspect of BNS is the e-Sakshya application for electronic evidence documentation. Police can use this app on their mobile phones to record evidence. "The app helps counter claims that investigating officers planted evidence or did not visit the crime scene. With e-Sakshya, officers can record searches and seizures using a mobile phone, uploading multiple four-minute videos per FIR," an officer said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Time of India
Call of duty: Police ring in relief, return 265 stolen phones
New Delhi: For many, a stolen phone is a lost cause, a frustration resigned to memory. However, Delhi Police 's Crime Branch has brought a smile — and solace — on the faces of 265 individuals, achieving a remarkable feat of recovering their mobile devices. As part of its ongoing initiative, Operation Track Back–II, the Crime Branch recovered these stolen mobile phones and handed them over to their verified owners at an event held at Police Headquarters on Monday. The operation also led to the arrest of 29 individuals and helped solve 72 related cases. This event marked the second such mass handover since Feb, when 216 phones were returned under the first phase of the initiative. According to Devesh Srivastava, special commissioner of police (Crime), the special programme is aimed at strengthening the cops' connection with the citizens. "Recognising the incidents of mobile phone theft in Delhi-NCR and the associated risks to citizens' personal data and security, the Crime Branch launched the operation with the tag line that says 'Returning happiness to the citizens'. We made a significant breakthrough in tracking and recovering stolen and lost phones," Srivastava said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The officer added, "The initiative aims to provide relief to innocent victims who suffer distress due to the loss or theft of their valuable mobile devices. Besides solving heinous cases, these are small steps which can restore happiness to common people." The latest operation follows months of targeted raids and investigations by teams from various units of the Crime Branch. Among the key recoveries, a team led by inspector Gurmeet Singh seized 117 phones over four months from several accused individuals. Of these, 25 devices were tied to online FIRs and 34 were flagged in lost reports, both from Delhi and other states. Another team arrested two men and recovered 40 stolen phones, an office revealed. However, restoring the phones to their owners was not easy. According to joint commissioner Surendra Kumar, many phones were either locked or completely drained, rendering the task of determining their owners challenging. "There were a large number of recovered devices and linking these phones to the registered FIRs and lost reports required meticulous efforts. But the team did a remarkable job," Kumar said. The process involved using a combination of technical tools and investigative techniques, particularly IMEI analysis, according to sources. A team of police officers spent several hours tracking IMEI numbers, FIRs and the new numbers of phone users whose stolen devices they had recovered. The laborious task required the team to meticulously sift through volumes of data for details and follow up on every lead to identify the rightful owners of the phones. Despite the complexity and time-intensive nature of the effort, the team successfully reunited many stolen devices with their owners. Delhi Police has urged citizens to promptly file e-FIRs and keep IMEI numbers safe to aid recovery.
