MHA sends advisory to all states and Union Territories

New Delhi: In the wake of the recent heinous crimes against women and girls across the country, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla issued an advisory to all the chief secretaries of states and UTs on Thursday, requesting personal and prompt intervention in such matters. He further asked them to set up independent forensic units.

The three-page advisory read: "Forensic evidence is critical to the delivery of justice... Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) is also undertaking courses on sensitivity in the investigation of crime against women. States/UTs need to ensure, at the earliest, that all officials concerned mandatorily undergo training in these courses."

The Union Home Ministry has also facilitated local police in states and UTs with access to the National Database on Sexual Offenders (NDSO) for better investigation.

The ministry is also actively following up the implementation of the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) in all the states and UTs. It is accessible through call, SMS, email and the '112 India' mobile app. 112 is an emergency response support system. Currently, the system is operational in 27 states and UTs. The Union Home Secretary also asked that the service is commenced immediately where it is yet to start.

The ministry directed the states to regularly monitor the Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO) portal and to update the data regularly on CCTNS. The portal is being facilitated to monitor the completion of a probe in serious sexual offences. Further, the advisory stated that failing to file a "Zero" FIR is punishable for any police official.

"It is necessary to ensure that police personnel are much more responsive and sensitive in handling complaints on crimes against women and girls," the advisory added.