Police tap social media for awareness of criminal laws | Goa News

Panaji: In a shift from its usual methods, Goa Police has begun using social media platforms to eliminate confusion, empower citizens with knowledge of the law, and strengthen confidence in the criminal justice system. This initiative aims to educate the public about the new laws implemented in the country. On Saturday, Goa Police launched a new social media awareness series to inform citizens about the transition from the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.Crime branch superintendent of police (SP) Rahul Gupta said the campaign will use creative awareness posts and reels to present the changes in a simple yet engaging way. The posts will be published in both English and Konkani, ensuring that legal awareness reaches every section of society.“Citizens are encouraged to follow the official channels of Goa Police to stay updated and spread this important awareness,” Gupta said. “Why is this necessary? The criminal justice system of India underwent a historic transformation with the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.”Gupta noted that the changes are not limited to renumbering of provisions but include simplification of laws, speedy justice through time-bound trials, zero FIR, e-FIR, forensic-based investigation, gender-sensitive provisions, use of scientific and electronic evidence, and greater transparency.“Popularising the new laws ensures that citizens are not confused when familiar IPC sections like 420 (cheating), 302 (murder), or 376 (rape) are now replaced by BNS sections 318, 103, and 64 respectively,” the SP said.He emphasised that victims, witnesses, and accused persons must be informed of their rights under the new framework, such as the right to know the reason for arrest, free legal aid, time-bound investigation, and protection of identity.“Public confidence is built in the justice delivery system, reinforcing that the reforms are aimed at justice for people, not merely punishment,” Gupta said.TOI reported earlier that in an initiative without precedent, Goa Police are putting aside grey, bureaucratic warnings about cybercrimes and have turned to vivid content in vogue with the internet generation: Reels and memes, and droll comics-style narratives.Goa Police will engage influencers to develop and produce a minimum of 100 unique digital content pieces, including reels, videos, memes, and carousels. In social media, a carousel enables people to add multiple images or videos to one post.