Inauguration Ceremony
Media Coverage | Start Date |
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Under Media Coverage Report On International Conference On Role Of Forensics And Cyber Security For Enabling Justice Under New Criminal Laws |
A two day International conference on the topic “Role of Forensics and Cyber Security for enabling Justice under New Criminal Laws” was organized by Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science, Lucknow commemorating the ‘Constitution Day’ celebration on 26th November, 2024 & 27th November, 2024. The ‘Inauguration Ceremony’ featured the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh as the Chief Guest, he inaugurated the website, digital library,and newsletter “Abhyuday” and released the official flag of the institute. In his address, the Chief Minister emphasized that the newly enacted criminal laws are justice-centric, focusing on providing fair outcomes for victims rather thanpurely on punitive measures. He reiterated that the institute is an integral part of the state’s zero-tolerance policy towards crime, aligning with its vision for a safer and more just society.
The Chief Minister praised the institute’s progress, crediting Dr. Goswami for his dedication and visionary leadership in establishing the institute so swiftly since its foundation was laid by Shri Amit Shah Ji in August 2021. He also expressed the importance of celebrating Constitution Day, noting the evolution of laws over time. He remarked that while initial laws had numerous loopholes, the new criminal laws now reflect the changing needs of society and address the shortcomings of previous regulations. He attributed the enactment of these reforms to the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, who believes that “every aggrieved person should get justice while every of ender should be punished.” The Chief Minister further emphasized that this institute is not only a milestone for Uttar Pradesh but will also be a leading centre of excellence for North India, advancing the integration of forensic science and cybersecurity into the criminal justice system. He concluded by stating that the vision for this institute,with its focus on justice and victim-oriented approaches, would be pivotal for transforming criminal law enforcement in the region. Day 1 concluded with a high tea.
November 26, 2024 ,10:00 AM
The conference marked its beginning with its first-panel discussion on the topic “Locating Forensic Justice in New Criminal Laws” in which prominent veterans of the field including Prof. G.S. Bajpai (Hon’ble Vice-chancellor, NLU Delhi), Prof. Amar Pal Singh (Hon’ble Vice-chancellor, RMLNLU, Lucknow), Prof. Arvind Kumar Tiwari (School of Law, TISS, Mumbai) and Prof. Manoj Kumar Sinha (Vice-chancellor, NLU Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) shared their insights on the given topic. This panel discussion was moderated by Dr. G.K. Goswami,Director, UPSIFS Lucknow. Prof. Amar Pal Singh highlighted the pivotal role of forensic evidence in achieving justice emphasizing the values of Justice, Equality,Liberty, and Fraternity enshrined in the Constitution of India. Prof. G.S. Bajpai stressed the need for infusing scientific temper into the criminal justice system and explored the relevance of constitutional provisions like Articles 21, 22, 14, and 39-A in forensic science. Prof. Arvind Kumar Tiwari emphasized the significance of speedy and accessible adjudication while highlighting the evolving admissibility of electronic evidence with technological advancements. Prof. Manoj Kumar Sinha discussed the integration of technology in investigations, linking it to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
November 26, 2024 ,10:45 AM
The next session featured Mr. Amit Sharma (Advisor Cyber, MoD), who spoke on “Advanced Cyber Threats to National Security: Issues and Challenges.” He highlighted evolving cyber threats driven by digitization, advancements in weapon technology, and the rise of DDOS and spear-phishing attacks.
November 26, 2024, 11:30 AM
The next panel discussion on “Cyber Defence Capacity Building” featured Shri Rakshit Tandon (Cyber Security Expert, India), Dr. Prashant Mali (Cyber Law Expert, Mumbai), Shri Rohit Negi (Senior Vice President, C3i Hub,IIT Kanpur), and Prof. Arunabha Mukhopadhyay (Information Technology and Systems, IIM Lucknow), moderated by Shri Harold D’costa (President, Cyber Security Corporation, Pune). Shri Rakshit Tandon highlighted training initiatives like the Gurgaon Police Cyber Internship and NCRB Cyber concerns. Dr. Ashish Dubey focused on the transformative impact of DNA-based tests in healthcare but pointed out the barriers of high costs and limited insurance coverage. Dr. Arun Khatri underlined the importance of education and recommended integrating DNA technology into curricula. Shri Rohit Negi discussed the challenges of cryptocurrency investigations due to jurisdictional issues and emphasized the need for global cooperation. Prof. Arunabha Mukhopadhyay stressed the importance of staying updated in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, citing diverse attack vectors across sectors. Dr. Prashant Mali elaborated on the legal significance of digital evidence under Section 63 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. The session concluded with a collective call for continuous learning to enhance cybersecurity awareness and protection.
November 26, 2024, 11:30 AM
The next panel discussion on “Reimaging Justice in the Era of Forensics and Emerging Technologies and Handling Cyber Crimes” featured Prof. Arun Mohan Sherry (Director, IIIT, Lucknow), Smt. Roopa M. (IPS, Director, I4C,MHA, New Delhi), and Sh. Akhilesh Variar (NCIIPC, New Delhi), with Shri Milind Raj (the Drone Man of India, Lucknow) moderating. Prof. Arun Mohan Sherry explained AI and machine learning by comparing it to a child learning to recognize images, noting that AI’s outcomes depend on its training. He also highlighted the role of routers and switches in verifying data authenticity and warned of AI’s potential risks if misused. Smt. Roopa M. highlighted the rise in cybercrimes in India, with nearly 45 lakh reported cases, stressing that many go unreported.She introduced the I4C platform and discussed challenges in cybercrime investigations, such as limited resources and training. Sh. Akhilesh Variar spoke about his organization’s role in protecting critical digital information and securing data for major firms. Shri Milind Raj concluded by emphasizing the growing threat of cybercrimes as technology advances, urging the importance of prevention.
November 26, 2024 ,12:40 PM
The session began with Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan (IIT Mumbai) presenting on “Leap Frogging in Cyber Defence with BharatGen.” He focused on the production process of Large Language Models (LLMs) and how their initiatives help AI tools like ChatGPT utilize the databases they create. He also discussed career opportunities in Cyber Defence and the challenges that future generations may face in this evolving field.
November 26, 2024, 1:00 PM
The next session started with Prof. Mohamed A. Arafa (Professor of Law, Cornell Law School, Ithaca, NY, USA),who appreciated the concept of “Law with Labs,” stating it would bridge the gap between theory and practice,making legal studies more dynamic and interdisciplinary. He emphasized the importance of experiential learning through mock trials in moot courts and highlighted the interconnection of scientific investigation with fair trials to achieve constitutional objectives.
November 26, 2024, 2:00 PM
The event resumed after a short break, and the next session focused on “DNA as a Potent Tool for Human Identification and Diagnostics: Issues and Challenges in India,” featuring Dr. Madhusudan Reddy Nandinei(Incharge of Lab DNA Fingerprinting, CDFD, Hyderabad), Dr. Ranjeet Singh (CEO, SIFS, India), Dr. Arun Khatri (Assistant Professor, UPSIFS, Lucknow), and Dr. Ashish Dubey (Co-Founder, Redcliff Labs Pvt. Ltd.,India). Dr. Madhusudan Reddy Nandinei discussed the role of DNA fingerprinting in crime investigations, disaster victim identification, and paternity disputes, highlighting challenges like limited resources and inadequate training.Dr. Ranjeet Singh emphasized the role of private companies in providing fast DNA analysis, stressing the need for regulations to address privacy concerns. Dr. Ashish Dubey focused on the transformative impact of DNA-based tests in healthcare but pointed out the barriers of high costs and limited insurance coverage. Dr. Arun Khatri underlined the importance of education and recommended integrating DNA technology into curricula. The session concluded with recommendations for standardizing DNA technology, increasing public awareness, subsidizing DNA tests, and investing in workforce training to ensure its societal benefits.
November 26, 2024, 2:40 PM
The next panel discussion on “Decoding Cryptocurrency Fraud and Investigation” began with the introduction of Shri Samir Kumar Datt (CEO, Foundation Futuristic Technologies Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India), Shri Arvind Tripathy (Blockchain Expert & General Secretary, Youth For Nation), and [Air Vice Marshal (Retd.)] Dr. Devesh Vats, under the moderation of Shri Rohit Negi (Senior Vice President, C3i Hub, IIT Kanpur). Shri Samir Kumar Datt initiated the discussion by highlighting various fraudulent activities associated with cryptocurrency, including hacking, cheating, and scams like the “Pump and Dump” method and the emerging issue of ‘Deep Fakes.’ He also brought attention to scams such as the “Whatsapp Group Scams,” where individuals are tricked into sharing sensitive information by making them feel like they’ve won rewards. Additionally, Shri Samir Kumar Datt discussed the rise of online game scams linked to cryptocurrency. The session concluded with a focus on raising awareness about these issues.
DAY 2
The international conference, reached its successful second day on November 27th, 2024. This impactful event delved into the vital intersection of forensic science and cybersecurity, emphasizing their critical roles in fortifying the justice system under India’s newly implemented criminal laws.
The panel discussion, on the topic “Forensic Evidence under New Criminal Law : A Critical Review moderated by Dr.Kumar Askand Pandey (Associate Professor, RMLNLU Lucknow), included insights from Prof. Arvind Kumar Tiwari (Dean, TISS Mumbai), Dr. G.K. Goswami (Director, UPSIFS Lucknow), and Dr. Ranjeet Singh (CEO, SIFS, New Delhi). Prof. Arvind Kumar Tiwari stressed the integration of law with technology, highlighting e-FIR and zeroFIR for accessible justice. He also emphasized the need for forensic experts to understand law and legal experts to be familiar with forensic science. Dr. G.K. Goswami highlighted the shift from punishment to justice in the new criminal laws and proposed a “PPP Model” for private sector involvement in forensic science. He also called for a clearer definition of ‘expert’ in the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
Dr. Ranjeet Singh addressed the challenges of the admissibility of electronic evidence. He emphasized the importance of continuous certification for experts, citing practices in European countries. The discussion focused on the need for integrating forensic science into the legal system for a fairer and more efficient justice process.
November 27,2024, 10:40 AM
The next panel discussion, building on previous insights, focused on “Building Trust in Digital India: Public-Private Partnership for Securing Computer Infrastructure.” Moderated by Balaji Venketeshwar (Cyber Defence Researcher), the session featured Ms. Neha Jain (IAS, Special Secretary, IT & Electronics, Lucknow), Shri Pawan Sharma (Founder & CEO, Braviti Digital Inc, USA), and Shri Upendra Giri (CEO & Founder, UpBuild Global Inc., USA).
Ms. Neha Jain discussed Uttar Pradesh’s initiatives like UP SWAN and DPIF for securing digital infrastructure and supporting agriculture. She also highlighted India’s role in exporting Digital Public Goods globally. Shri Pawan Sharma emphasized the need for digital literacy and GRC Compliance, noting India’s cybersecurity progress. Shri Upendra Giri focused on how technology fosters transparency and trust, sharing his ABC Formula: A for SelfAwareness, B for Big Goals, and C for Commitment.
November 27, 2024 ,11:20 AM
The next event invigorated the audience with a dynamic discussion on “AI-Powered Cyber Defence Opportunities and Challenges.” Moderated by Shri Rohit Negi (Senior Vice President, C3i Hub, IIT Kanpur), the panel featured Col. Harkamal Sidhu (Cyber Defence Expert & Ex-NCSC, PMO) and Shri Balaji Venketeshwar (Cyber Defence Researcher). Dr. Neha Mathur (Professor, UPSIFS, Lucknow) highlighted the difference between ‘Operators’ and ‘Engineers’ and encouraged students to explore ‘Kernel Coding’. Col. Harkamal Sidhu shared insights into the relationship between AI and Cybersecurity, explaining how different GPTs functioned before ChatGPT and discussed his ambition to develop an ML Model for enhanced cybersecurity. He concluded with an emphasis on advancements in Malware Analysis and security protocols.
November 26, 2024, 2:40 PM
Students were captivated as world-renowned Prof. José Antonio Lorente (Department of Legal Medicine,Toxicology, and Physical Anthropology, University of Granada, Spain) joined the event online to discuss “DNAPROKIDS: Strategies for Addressing Child Trafficking.” He introduced DNA-PROKIDS, an organization focused on linking databases of missing children with their families using DNA identification. He stressed the significance of forensic science in addressing organized crime and highlighted the ultimately aiding of forensic science in the fight against child trafficking worldwide.
November 27, 2024, 12:15 PM
The panel discussion on “Dynamics of Cyber Crimes: Issues and Challenges in India” stirred insightful reflections among students as Shri B.K. Singh (IPS, ADG, Cyber Crime, UP Police), Shri Amitabh Yash (IPS, ADG, L&O and STF, UP Police), Shri Arvind Chaturvedi (SP Vigilance, Uttar Pradesh), Shri Rajesh Yadav (IPS, SP Cyber Crime, UP Police), and Dr. P.V. Jiju (Deputy Director, DFSS) joined the conversation, moderated by Dr. Ranjeet Singh (CEO,SIFS India). The experts discussed the challenges in combating cybercrime, touching upon financial inclusion. Shri Arvind Chaturvedi highlighted various cybercrime categories, including defamation and illicit money acquisition,while Shri Rajesh Yadav emphasized cybercrime’s borderless nature, introducing new trends like “cyber slavery” and “digital arrest.” He also pointed out the establishment of cyber police stations in every district of Uttar Pradesh. Dr.P.V. Jiju explained the role of the Digital Forensic Science Section (DFSS) in addressing cybercrime and mentioned CFSL Hyderabad’s transition into the National Forensic Sciences University’s digital lab. The session concluded with Shri Rajesh Yadav announcing plans for a Central Forensic Science Lab in Uttar Pradesh to tackle future cybercrime challenges.
November 27, 2024, 12:50 PM
The next session further enriched the audience as Dr. A.B. Pant (Principal Scientist, IITR, Lucknow) and Dr. G.Khan (Additional Director, State Medico-Legal Cell, Lucknow) joined the discussion on “Forensic Toxicology and Historical Case Studies,” moderated by Dr. G.K. Goswami. Dr. A.B. Pant stressed that no chemical is inherently poisonous or medicinal; rather, it is the dosage that determines toxicity. He outlined the three essential aspects of forensic science: determining the cause of death, identifying the chemical involved in the crime, and preparing the prosecution report. Dr. G. Khan shared his insights, explaining how the colour of a body can indicate the cause of death, such as a greenish hue from phenyl intake or cherry red from oxygen deficiency.
November 27, 2024 , 2:00 PM
The event continued after lunch with a session on “Current Landscape of Forensic DNA.” Prof. Robert Green (OBE, University of Kent) delivered the online lecture, discussing the evolution of DNA analysis from the 1985 Multi-Locus Probe to STRs and the introduction of Familial DNA Sequencing in 2002. Prof. Green also highlighted the advancements in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), which has revolutionized DNA analysis. He concluded by urging the audience to further explore familial DNA searching, micro-variance, and the Golden State Killer case, showing the powerful role of DNA in solving complex cases.
November 27, 2024, 2:30 PM
The next session continued with Mr. Manvendra Singh (Computational Biologist in Germany), who explained the differences between the neurons of a healthy individual and someone with mental health issues, using the example of Jaffery Tambor, a criminal with a troubled childhood. He introduced their solution of using a hypoxia chamber for individuals suffering from depression or anxiety.
November 27, 2024 , 2:45 PM
The event continued with industrial sponsors sharing their expertise on forensic technologies. Dr. Vibha Pandey from Thermo Fisher Scientific introduced advanced tools like Capillary Electrophoresis, Genetic Analyzers, and Rapid DNA Technology, enabling report generation within 90 minutes. Mr. Hemant Medidi from QIAGEN highlighted Next Generation Sequencing and DNA Phenotyping for estimating phenotype through genetic data. Mr. Mukesh Singh from the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce proposed an MOU with companies to enhance students’ practical skills and career prospects. Mr. Hemant Shah from Quick Soft Solution presented a mobile app for chain of custody, victim statements, and 3D laser scanning for crime scene investigations. Finally, Mr. Samir Dutt from Forensic Guru discussed the “Octopus” software and its role in crime investigations, including its use of Cell Site Analyzers for analyzing crime data, photos, and GPS coordinates.
November 27, 2024 , 3:30 PM
The next session focused on “Future Prospects for Young Forensic and Technology Professionals: Exploring the Roadmap” and featured an engaging panel comprising Shri Pawan Sharma (Founder & CEO, Bhavit Digital Inc, USA), Shri Upendra Giri (CEO & Founder, UPBuild Global Inc., USA), and Shri Anil Kumar Sagar (IAS, Principal Secretary, Govt of UP), moderated by Dr. G.K. Goswami (IPS, Director, UPSIFS, Lucknow). Addressing student queries, Shri Anil Kumar Sagar emphasized humility, lifelong learning, and the importance of personality development. Shri Upendra Giri introduced the concept of cyber Yoddhas and inspired students with the mantra, “You cannot leave this Earth until you succeed in achieving your goals in life.” He also predicted India’s rise in forensics and cybersecurity. Shri Pawan Sharma encouraged innovative thinking and startups, advocating for exponential growth in one’s learning curve. Concluding the session, Dr. Goswami shared, “Reading has nothing important until you learn something useful from it,” and urged students to adopt the formula “learn, learn, learn” as an extension of Shashi Tharoor’s “read, read, read.”
November 27, 2024 , 4:15 PM
The event transitioned into a dynamic discussion on “Cognitive and Information Warfare—Cyber Warfare Dimension,” captivating the audience’s attention. The panel featured Mr. Shiv Kumar Pandey (Group CISO, Adani Group), Dr. Saptrushi Basu (Researcher on Cognitive Science & Information Warfare), and Mr. Balaji Venkateshwara (Cyber Defense Researcher) as the moderator. Mr. Balaji opened the session by highlighting the evolution from conventional warfare to a new era where platforms like Facebook and Twitter shape the perceptions of billions. His insights centred on how social media can be weaponized to manipulate thoughts and beliefs. Dr.Saptrushi Basu delved into the concept of Cognitive Warfare, explaining how AI and psychographic profiling enables influence campaigns that can adapt in real-time until targeted cognitive and behavioural outcomes are achieved. The session concluded with a cautionary note: “Don’t trust blindly on social media and be aware of deepfakes.”
Valedictory Session
The valedictory session of the international conference on “Role of Forensics and Cyber Security for Enabling Justice under New Criminal Laws” was held in the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Justice Rajeev Singh (Chief Guest, Allahabad High Court, Lucknow Bench), Shri R.K. Vishwakarma (Former DGP UP and Chief Information Commissioner, UP),and Shri Asim Arun (Minister of State, Social Welfare & SC/ST Welfare, Govt. of UP). Dr. G.K. Goswami, Director,UPSIFS, in his address, reflected on the extraordinary contributions of the distinguished guests in shaping the institute. He shared his vision by stating, “We want to create minds, not hands,”. Shri R.K. Vishwakarma commended the institute for its growth under Dr. Goswami’s leadership and expressed confidence that “UPSIFS will touch Himalayan heights” in the near future.
Shri Asim Arun highlighted the importance of human capital in institutional excellence, asserting, “First men, and then great institutions,” emphasizing that it is the quality of faculty and students that defines a distinguished institution. He encouraged research-driven policymaking, particularly addressing issues faced by transgenders and marginalized communities, and lauded Dr. Goswami as a “global expert” whose leadership would elevate UPSIFS to “international recognition and global prestige.” Hon’ble Justice Rajeev Singh discussed the dynamic relationship between law and society, stating, “As society develops, the crime rate also multiplies. Law is an instrument of social change, like a river that flows between two banks,” emphasizing the need for a balance between legal frameworks and societal evolution.He predicted that UPSIFS would soon achieve world-class status under Dr. Goswami’s guidance.
Shri Rajeev Malhotra, Additional Director, officially marked the session’s conclusion, describing the event not as an end but “a new beginning of a perennial river of thoughts and curiosities” that would evolve into “an ocean of innovative knowledge and solutions” to address forensic and cyber challenges. The event concluded with a dynamic ‘Nukkad Natak’ performed by students, educating the audience on proactive measures to combat cybercrime and demonstrating actionable strategies for public safety.
The Significant Outcomes Of The Conference
- Forensics as a Service (FaaS) Model: Introduced the FaaS concept to enhance accessibility of forensic services,promoting its use in legal frameworks for justice delivery. This model envisions forensic science as a publicutility.
- Policy Reforms for Forensic Evidence: Advocated revising the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, to precisely define ‘expert’ roles for admissibility of forensic evidence. Judicial training on digital and audio evidence was highlighted to improve evidentiary standards.
- DNA Technology for Human Identification: Promoted DNA-PROKIDS for identifying trafficked children, recommending public-private partnerships and subsidized testing to democratize forensic DNA access and mitigate privacy concerns.
- Innovative Cybercrime Investigation Tools: Featured advanced solutions like cell site analyzers, 3D laser scanning apps, and blockchain-based fraud detection, urging their integration into India’s cyber forensic frameworks.
- Linking Law, Technology, and Experiential Learning: Introduced “Law with Labs” for dynamic legal education,combining scientific investigation techniques with legal studies to improve conviction rates and trial fairness.
- Public-Private Partnership for Digital Infrastructure: Proposed the creation of the UP SOC for securing state infrastructure, with strategies for exporting Digital Public Goods and improving agriculture through tech-driven governance.
- AI in Cyber Defense and Cognitive Warfare: Explored psychographic profiling and real-time AI manipulation risks, emphasizing awareness of deepfakes and recommending tools for enhanced malware analysis.
