ICT Advancement Making Crime Investigation Easier but Creating New Challenges, Experts Say

Rapid advancements in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) have significantly improved crime investigation processes, but at the same time, they have introduced new and increasingly complex challenges as criminals adopt sophisticated automated technologies, experts said during a provincial-level review workshop held in Butwal on Monday.

The conclusion was reached during the Lumbini Province-Level Crime Investigation Review Workshop, jointly organized by Nepal Police Headquarters, the Crime Investigation Department, and the Lumbini Province Police Office in Dang. Participants emphasized that modernization of investigative techniques has become essential as criminal activities evolve with technological advancement.

Addressing the workshop, Additional Inspector General of Nepal Police, Sushil Singh Rathor, said that while technological progress has made crime investigation more efficient, it has simultaneously increased the complexity of criminal activities, creating new obstacles for law enforcement agencies.

He stressed that strengthening the technical capacity of police personnel and integrating advanced technologies into investigative procedures are now critical priorities.

According to Rathor, the fundamental responsibility of the police force is to conduct investigations in an objective, scientific, and evidence-based manner. However, rapid developments in information technology have transformed traditional criminal behavior into more sophisticated operations.

“Today’s criminals are operating organized, cross-border, modern, automated, and transnational crime networks that go far beyond traditional boundaries,” he said.

He further highlighted that digital and cybercrime have become growing concerns, with increasing cases involving misuse of social media platforms, online financial fraud, cyber-related offenses, and technology-driven criminal activities.

Speaking at the event, Chief Judge of the Rupandehi District Court, Ashok Kumar Basnet, said criminal investigation is a highly complex process that demands precision, professionalism, and thorough evidence collection.

He emphasized that the police play a critical role in the justice system, stating that law enforcement officers are often considered the “first judge” for crime victims because the quality of initial investigation directly impacts the delivery of justice.

Basnet stressed that investigations must be carried out effectively from the very beginning, ensuring all necessary evidence is collected properly to support fair judicial outcomes.

Chief District Officer of Rupandehi, Bishwo Prakash Aryal, highlighted the need for the police organization to continuously prepare itself to confront evolving forms of criminal threats emerging in the modern era.

He noted that as crimes become more technologically driven and complex, law enforcement agencies must improve not only investigative techniques but also organizational management systems to effectively tackle future security challenges.

Similarly, Chief of the Lumbini Province Police Office, DIG Bhupendra Bahadur Khatri, stressed that every stage of criminal investigation must strictly follow legal procedures and remain grounded in truth, facts, and credible evidence.

District Attorney at the District Government Attorney’s Office, Rupandehi, Prakash Marasini, also underscored the importance of timely evidence collection, conducting investigations within established legal timeframes, and improving prosecution procedures.

He said stronger coordination between investigators and prosecutors is necessary to ensure more effective criminal investigations and successful legal outcomes.

Participants at the workshop collectively concluded that while technological advancements have greatly supported law enforcement agencies in solving crimes faster and more efficiently, they have also empowered criminals with new tools and methods.

As cybercrime, transnational criminal networks, and digital fraud continue to rise, experts stressed that modernization, technological investment, and continuous capacity-building within Nepal Police have become indispensable to maintaining effective law enforcement in the digital era.