Hyderabad: Hyderabad City Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar inaugurated a Zonal Investigation Branch at the Golconda Zone DCP office in Mehdipatnam on Tuesday. The police launched the dedicated investigation unit as a pilot project to improve the quality and efficiency of criminal investigations.
The initiative aims to separate criminal investigations from routine law and order responsibilities, allowing investigators to concentrate on serious cases.
Currently, police station personnel handle both investigations and daily policing duties. However, bandobust arrangements and other responsibilities often limit the time available for detailed investigations.
Zonal Investigation Branch to handle serious criminal cases
The newly established Zonal Investigation Branch comprises two Detective Inspectors, one Sub-Inspector, one Head Constable and 10 Constables. The dedicated team will investigate grave and other serious criminal cases registered within the Golconda Zone.
Additionally, investigators will coordinate with the Health Department, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and prosecution authorities to strengthen evidence collection. The unit will focus on gathering scientific evidence and filing charge sheets within prescribed timelines.
The arrangement is intended to improve coordination between investigating officers and departments involved in criminal proceedings. Speaking at the inauguration, Sajjanar said the primary objective of policing was to ensure timely and complete justice for victims.
He emphasised that routine law and order duties should not interfere with criminal investigations. Accordingly, the new team will handle cases from their registration until investigators file charge sheets before the courts.
Sajjanar also highlighted the importance of scientific evidence in securing convictions. He maintained that modern investigation methods were essential for establishing offences and bringing those responsible before the justice system.
The Commissioner said dedicated investigators would be able to devote greater attention to serious and complex criminal cases.
Zonal Investigation Branch to strengthen case monitoring
The Zonal Investigation Branch will complement the Investigation Monitoring Cell already functioning within the Hyderabad City Police Commissionerate. While the existing cell monitors investigations, the new branch will provide continuous attention to serious cases at the zonal level.
Furthermore, the initiative is expected to reduce the investigation workload of regular police stations. This arrangement will allow station personnel to concentrate on maintaining law and order, routine policing and crime prevention.
The Commissioner said police would assess the performance of the Golconda pilot project before considering its extension to other zones. The decision on further implementation will follow a review of the initiative’s results.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Tafseer Iqubal attended the inauguration along with Golconda Zone DCP J. Raghavendar Reddy. Traffic DCP-1 Avinash Kumar and Traffic DCP-2 Kajal Singh also participated in the programme. Women Safety Wing DCP Lavanya Nayak and other police officers and staff were present.