The Varanasi Police Commissionerate has significantly expanded the use of the e-Sakshya system to make criminal investigations more transparent, scientific and technology-driven. According to official data, digital evidence has been securely preserved and assigned a Unique Evidence Identification Number (Unique SID) in nearly 93% of First Information Reports (FIRs) registered over the past six months. The system is designed to securely preserve electronic evidence collected from crime scenes, reduce the possibility of tampering, and strengthen the prosecution’s case before courts.
Official figures show that between January 1, 2025, and June 15, 2026, a total of 5,129 FIRs were registered across the Varanasi Police Commissionerate. Of these, 4,776 cases had digital evidence uploaded to the e-Sakshya digital repository, with a Unique SID generated for each case. The remaining cases are currently undergoing the prescribed process for uploading digital evidence.
Among the commissionerate’s police zones, Gomti Zone recorded the best performance. Out of 969 FIRs, 940 cases (approximately 97%) had Unique SIDs generated, while only 29 cases remain pending. Varuna Zone generated Unique SIDs in 1,980 out of 2,152 FIRs (around 92%), with 172 cases still under process. Similarly, Kashi Zone generated Unique SIDs in 1,856 out of 2,008 FIRs (about 92%), while work is ongoing in the remaining 152 cases.
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Under India’s new criminal justice framework, investigators photograph and videograph crime scenes, witness statements, searches, seizures, and other key investigative procedures. These digital records are then uploaded to the e-Sakshya portal, where each item of evidence is assigned a Unique SID. The digital identifier helps preserve the authenticity and integrity of evidence throughout every stage of the investigation and prosecution.
According to the available data, Luxa Police Station and the Women’s Police Station achieved 100% compliance, generating Unique SIDs for digital evidence in every registered case. Officials believe the initiative is making investigations more systematic, accountable, and evidence-based while improving documentation standards.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that digital evidence has become one of the most critical components of modern criminal investigations. According to him, assigning a Unique SID at the time photographs, videos, CCTV footage, mobile data, and other electronic evidence are collected helps maintain a robust chain of custody, thereby enhancing the credibility and admissibility of evidence before courts. He added that technology-driven evidence management systems not only improve the quality of investigations but also strengthen prosecution and increase the likelihood of successful convictions.
Experts believe that digital evidence management has become an integral part of contemporary policing. Secure preservation of electronic records, crime scene images, videos, and other technical evidence enables investigators to conduct more scientific analysis while ensuring the authenticity of evidence during judicial proceedings.
Authorities said efforts are continuing to ensure that digital evidence is preserved in an increasing number of cases through the e-Sakshya platform. The long-term objective is to make technology-based evidence management a standard component of investigations in all serious criminal cases, thereby making the criminal justice process more transparent, evidence-driven, and consistent with modern judicial standards.
