NCRB-Abhigyan, CrPI, e-Prosecution 2.0 and e-Forensics 2.0: A Digital Leap in India’s Criminal Justice System

Why in News ?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched NCRB-Abhigyan, CrPI, e-Prosecution 2.0 and e-Forensics 2.0 to modernize India’s criminal justice system.

What Are These Four Systems ?

1. NCRB-Abhigyan App

The NCRB-Abhigyan App is a real-time identity verification and criminal record checking system developed to assist law enforcement agencies in the field.

• Enables instant fingerprint scanning during field operations 
• Quickly retrieves criminal history and background details of individuals 
• Helps police officers in on-the-spot identification and verification 
• Strengthens rapid decision-making during investigations 

Purpose : To ensure fast, accurate, and reliable identity verification during criminal investigations and field policing activities.

2. CrPI System (Centralized Criminal Identification System)

The CrPI System is a nationwide integrated biometric and identification database designed to support criminal investigation processes across India.

It includes a wide range of identity data such as :

• Fingerprints and palm prints 

• Iris and retina scans 

• DNA samples (including blood, saliva, and other biological traces) 

• Photographs, signatures, and handwriting records 

All this data is securely stored in the central database maintained by the NCRB and can be accessed only by authorised law enforcement agencies.

Purpose : To build a unified and comprehensive national identification repository that enhances accuracy and efficiency in criminal investigations.

3. e-Prosecution 2.0

e-Prosecution 2.0 is a fully digital prosecution management system that connects police departments, public prosecutors, and the judiciary on a single platform.

• Tracks criminal cases from FIR registration to final court judgment 
• Enables digital submission of charge sheets, reports, and case updates 
• Provides real-time monitoring of case progress and legal proceedings 
• Reduces dependency on manual paperwork and physical file movement 

Purpose: To improve transparency, reduce procedural delays, and enhance efficiency in the prosecution process.

4. e-Forensics 2.0

e-Forensics 2.0 is a digital forensic evidence management system designed to modernize the handling of scientific evidence in criminal investigations.

• Digitizes forensic reports including DNA analysis, cyber forensics, ballistic reports, and fingerprint examinations 
• Ensures secure and direct transfer of forensic findings to investigators and courts 
• Maintains a strong chain of custody for all pieces of evidence 
• Improves coordination between forensic laboratories and law enforcement agencies 

Purpose : To strengthen scientific accuracy, reliability, and speed in criminal investigations through digital forensic integration.

How the System Works Together

• Crime scene evidence (DNA, CCTV footage, fingerprints) is collected 
• CrPI system and forensic labs process and analyse the data 
• NCRB-Abhigyan helps in instant identity verification of suspects 
• e-Prosecution 2.0 manages the entire legal case workflow digitally 
• The system ensures seamless coordination from investigation to justice delivery 

DNA Records and National Database Expansion

• More than 1 lakh DNA profiles stored in the NCRB database 
• Biological samples such as blood and saliva are being collected 
• Over 2,600 measurement collection units established nationwide 
• National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) holds over 1.27 crore fingerprint records, enabling rapid inter-state matching 

Concerns

• Data Privacy Issues : Large-scale collection of biometric and DNA data raises concerns about individual privacy. 
• Data Security Risks : Centralised databases may face risks of cyberattacks or misuse. 
• Scope of Collection : Broad categories of individuals eligible for data collection may raise questions of proportionality. 
• Retention Period : Long-term storage of sensitive data requires strong safeguards. 
• Oversight Mechanism : Need for independent monitoring to ensure lawful access and prevent misuse. 

 Way Forward

• Strong Data Protection Framework : Align implementation with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. 
• Judicial and Institutional Oversight : Ensure checks on data collection and usage. 
• Cybersecurity Strengthening : Advanced encryption and regular audits of databases. 
• Standardised Procedures : Uniform protocols across states for data collection and storage. 
• Training of Personnel : Capacity building for police and forensic staff for proper handling of digital systems. 
• Periodic Review : Regular evaluation of the law and systems to ensure balance between security and privacy.