Guwahati: Assam took a decisive step toward overhauling its criminal justice system and modernising policing practices as the latest Superintendents of Police (SP) conference concluded on Wednesday, May 21, at the Lachit Borphukan Police Academy in Dergaon, Golaghat district.
Chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the high-level meeting focused on strengthening investigative mechanisms, accelerating prosecution reforms, and reinforcing the state’s commitment to a more transparent and citizen-focused law enforcement model.
Chief among the announcements was a major new initiative targeting the state’s prosecution system, with a renewed focus on empowering the office of the Director of Prosecution. The reform is expected to significantly enhance the quality and timeliness of criminal investigations and court proceedings, ultimately contributing to a more efficient justice delivery system across Assam.
The Chief Minister also reviewed key recent breakthroughs by the police force, commending officers for their successful operations in dismantling several major criminal networks. Among the highlights were the busting of an ivory smuggling ring near the Assam-Bhutan border, the neutralisation of a rhino poaching syndicate operating across 11 districts, and the takedown of drug trafficking groups. The police also exposed a fake SIM card racket in Morigaon, apprehended a cyber fraud gang in Sonitpur, and disrupted a counterfeit currency operation.
These enforcement achievements were presented as part of a broader push to modernise Assam’s police force with the use of technology and data-driven practices. The reform agenda includes measures to improve accountability, increase public trust, and make policing more proactive and responsive to citizen needs.
This conference was the latest in a series initiated by the Sarma-led government, beginning with the inaugural session held at Kaziranga on June 9, 2021. The platform serves as a strategic review and planning forum, allowing law enforcement leadership to reflect on past performance and set clear operational priorities for the coming year.
Top-ranking officials joined the session, including Home Minister (Prisons, Home Guards and Civil Defence), Chief Secretary Dr Ravi Kota, Director General of Police Harmeet Singh, and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr KK Dwivedi. Their presence underscored the state’s top-down commitment to transforming policing standards and reinforcing the rule of law.
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