Panaji: August 04, 2026
Strengthening Goa’s criminal justice system through scientific innovation and digital transformation, the Government of Goa today inaugurated the Forensic Psychology Division and the e-Peshi (Nyay Shruti) Video Conferencing Facility at the Directorate of Forensic Sciences, Verna. The twin initiatives mark a significant step towards enhancing scientific investigation, improving forensic services and ensuring faster, technology-enabled justice delivery across the State.
Expanding Goa’s scientific investigation capabilities, the newly inaugurated Forensic Psychology Division, established through Government of Goa funding at an investment of approximately ₹70 lakh, introduces advanced forensic techniques, including Polygraph examinations and the Layered Voice Analyzer (LVA). The investment includes approximately ₹28 lakh for the Polygraph System, ₹35 lakh for the LVA and around ₹7 lakh towards infrastructure and furnishing. The Division will reduce dependence on laboratories outside Goa, support investigating agencies with scientifically validated assessment methods, assist in complex investigations and promote ethical, evidence-based interrogation practices while improving the speed and accuracy of criminal investigations.
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said, “Scientific investigation is vital to ensuring proper justice and strengthening public confidence in the criminal justice system.” He added, “Our Government remains committed to promoting modern technologies in policing and forensic sciences while extending full support to the Home Department to build a transparent, efficient and citizen-centric justice system.” He also praised the officers and staff of the Directorate of Forensic Sciences for their dedicated service and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening institutions such as the National Forensic Sciences University to build a future-ready law enforcement ecosystem for a safer Goa.
Advancing digital transformation in the criminal justice system, the Directorate also inaugurated five Video Conferencing cubicles for e-Peshi (Nyay Shruti) in accordance with the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Established through Government of Goa funding at an investment of approximately ₹41.26 lakh, the facility will enable forensic experts to depose before courts across the State and the country through secure virtual platforms, reducing travel time, improving operational efficiency and ensuring timely expert testimony without disrupting forensic laboratory work.
The inauguration was attended by Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou, Director of the Directorate of Forensic Sciences Shri Ashutosh Apte, Director of Prosecution Smt. Poonam Bharne, Senior Government officials, Officers and Staff of the Directorate of Forensic Sciences, and other dignitaries.
