An interactive training session on investigation procedures and legal awareness was conducted in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, bringing together police officers and judicial authorities to strengthen coordination and improve the quality of criminal investigations.
The programme was organised by the Andaman and Nicobar Police in collaboration with the Andaman and Nicobar State Legal Services Authority, in association with the District Legal Services Authority. The session took place at the Conference Hall of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Police Training Institute in Sri Vijaya Puram.
Officials stated that the session witnessed participation from Sub-Divisional Police Officers, Station House Officers and Investigating Officers from across the Islands. A total of 45 locations were connected virtually, while 30 officers attended in person, reflecting a broad-based engagement with the initiative.
The session was led by judicial officers including Chief Judicial Magistrate and Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority Samrat Roy, and Judicial Magistrate First Class-II and Principal Magistrate of the Juvenile Justice Board Jayanta Mukherjee. Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District, Shweta K Sugathan, was also present during the programme.
Discussions during the session focused on key legal frameworks governing criminal investigations. These included the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, and the Juvenile Justice Act, among other categories of cases.
Officials highlighted that the session aimed to sensitise investigating officers to the complexities involved in handling cases under these laws. Emphasis was placed on adherence to due legal procedures, proper documentation and the importance of maintaining evidentiary standards during investigations.
Judicial officers addressed common challenges encountered during investigation and trial stages, providing guidance on legal provisions and procedural requirements. The session also focused on practical aspects of case handling, including the preparation of case records and compliance with statutory mandates.
The interactive format of the programme enabled participating officers to seek clarification on specific issues and engage directly with judicial authorities. Officials noted that such exchanges are essential in bridging gaps between investigative practices and judicial expectations.
Authorities indicated that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the capacity of law enforcement personnel in the Islands. Strengthening the understanding of legal procedures among investigating officers is seen as critical to improving the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.
The programme also underscored the importance of coordination between the police and the judiciary in ensuring that investigations are conducted in accordance with established legal standards. Officials stated that improved collaboration can contribute to more efficient case processing and better outcomes in court.
Such capacity-building measures, authorities added, are expected to have a long-term impact on the quality of investigations and the delivery of justice. The session reflects a continued focus on training and institutional support to address evolving challenges in law enforcement.
