Nearly 15 years after it was launched, all 17,130 police stations in the country have been linked through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS). This feat was achieved after the last remaining 40 police stations in Manipur, Nagaland, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Lakshwadeep, and Odisha were connected to the system. This completes the 100% CCTNS deployment across 28 States and 8 Union Territories in the country.

About CCTNS

It is a centralized online platform conceptualized under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Launched in 2009 with a budget of Rs 2,000 crore as a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

It aims to establish a comprehensive and integrated system to enhance the efficiency and transparency of police operations at the police station level.

It is part of India’s National e-Governance Plan and classified as a Mission Mode Project (MMP).

It provides law enforcement with tools for investigation, data analytics, policymaking, and delivering citizen-centric services.

Implementing Agency: National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)

It is a key pillar of the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) which aims to integrate the main pillars of criminal justice. Its other pillars include, Courts (e-Courts), Jails (e-Prisons), Forensic Lab (e-Forensic) and Prosecution (e-Prosecution).

Key Features of CCTNS:

• Nationwide integration: It connects all 17,130 police stations across 28 states and 8 Union Territories. Recently achieved 100% deployment, including in remote areas like Manipur, Nagaland, and Lakshadweep.
• Comprehensive crime database: Stores records of accused persons, habitual offenders, proclaimed offenders, and crime-related data such as missing persons and stolen vehicles.
• Analytical tools: Generates crime statistics and detailed reports for analysis at the police station level.
• Citizen services: Enables tracking of complaints, verification requests, and case updates, making police processes more accessible.
• Enhanced scope: Integrated with the Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS), connecting police data with courts, prisons, prosecution, forensics, and fingerprint databases.

Key Modifications Under New Criminal Laws:

CCTNS plays a pivotal role in implementing the new criminal laws introduced on July 1, 2024:

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (replaces Indian Penal Code, 1860).
• Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (replaces Indian Evidence Act, 1872).
• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (replaces Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898).

Key updates include:

• Mandatory videography: Crime scene videography and forensic evidence collection in cases punishable by over seven years.
• Forensic investigations: Biological samples collected upon request of investigating officers.
• Arrest transparency: Senior officer approval required for arrests in specific cases and Communication arrest information to relatives and displaying it publicly.
• Case monitoring: Victims updated on investigation progress within 90 days.
• Digital reporting: Daily diaries sent to magistrates fortnightly.

About National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)

It was established in 1986 under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to serve as a central repository of information on crime and criminals in India.

Its primary function is to assist law enforcement agencies in linking crimes to their perpetrators through comprehensive data collection and analysis.

Headquarters: New Delhi.

It is responsible for

• Collecting and analyzing crime statistics.
• Managing the Central Finger Print Bureau, which maintains a national database of fingerprints.
• Publishing key reports like Crime in India, Accidental Deaths & Suicides, and Prison Statistics.
• Providing technical support in areas like Digital Forensics and Network Security.