Bhubaneswar: The state govt empowered SP-ranked officers Wednesday to monitor investigations of three specific case categories — mob lynching, terrorism and organised crime, as introduced in BNS.“Officers below the rank of SP should not be allowed to directly monitor such cases,” said chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi while reviewing implementation of three criminal legislations — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which were introduced on July 1, 2024.A senior police officer said “While ASP-ranked officers will continue supervision of these cases, the direct monitoring responsibilities will rest with SPs.”During the review, Majhi underscored the significance of zero FIR while providing guidance on the efficient functioning of e-FIR, e-summons, and e-evidence systems to accelerate judicial processes. He recommended linking correctional facilities, medical centres, forensic laboratories, and courts via video conferencing, enabling witnesses to testify from their respective locations. The chief minister highlighted the necessity of electronic methods in investigation and judicial proceedings. “Odisha police would soon receive 32 advanced mobile forensic vehicles to strengthen their investigative capabilities,” the chief minister’s officer said in a statement.The discussion emphasised bolstering police, correctional facilities, prosecution, and judicial frameworks for successful implementation of the new regulations. The govt is upgrading forensic laboratories and has established 247 new positions for forensic and cyber forensic specialists, the CMO informed.