New Delhi: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today stressed the urgent need for a techno-legal approach to tackle emerging cybercrimes, including AI-driven threats like deepfakes, during the 21st D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture on the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) 62nd Foundation Day.
The event, held at Bharat Mandapam, saw the minister outlining a strategic roadmap for the agency’s role in India’s development towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
Harnessing Technology for Justice
Vaishnaw emphasized that India’s scientific and academic expertise must be leveraged to develop cutting-edge investigative tools. “Law alone will not be sufficient; we need a techno-legal approach to address new-age crimes,” he said, urging the CBI to establish state-of-the-art cyber forensic labs in collaboration with institutions like MeitY, DoT, and DST.
Four Pillars of India’s Growth Strategy
The minister highlighted India’s transformative progress under four key strategies:
- Infrastructure Development – Expansion of highways, airports, and digital connectivity, including 118 crore telecom users and 70 crore smartphone owners.
- Inclusive Growth – Schemes like Ayushman Bharat, 54 crore Jan Dhan accounts, and 4 crore houses for the poor.
- Manufacturing & Innovation – Success in electronics, semiconductors, and defense under Make in India.
- Legal Simplification – Repealing 1,500 outdated laws and introducing the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
Honoring CBI’s Excellence
The minister presented President’s Police Medals to five officers and Police Medals for Meritorious Service to 21 personnel, recognizing their contributions. Notable awardees included SP K. Pradeep Kumar, ASP Mukesh Kumar, and retired Head Constable Ramji Lal Jat.
Tribute to CBI’s Legacy
The event paid homage to D.P. Kohli, the agency’s founding director, with CBI Director Praveen Sood underscoring the institution’s commitment to integrity and impartiality. Senior officials from the NIA, ED, and paramilitary forces attended the lecture, which was also webcast live.
The CBI, established in 1963, continues to evolve as India’s premier investigative body, now tackling cyber-enabled financial crimes and international law enforcement coordination as INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau.
