Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday gave approval state’s first ever Witness Protection Scheme. Under this scheme the witnessed will protected during investigation and trials of case. The witnessed will be protected by safeguarding from threats, intimidation and harm. The scheme aims to foster and robust and reliable justice system.
He has announced about the scheme in the cabinet meeting held at Nalbari and gave approval about the Witness Protection scheme 2024 to ensure adherence to Section 398 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma approved for Assam Witness Protection Scheme
CM said during the cabinet meeting “…The Competent Authority is a standing committee in each district chaired by the District and Sessions Judge. The district’s Head of Police and an officer, not below the rank of ADC, nominated by the District Magistrate, will be members. The Head of Prosecution in the district will serve as the Member Secretary. Witnesses will categorized as A, B, and C based on threat perception. A Witness Protection Fund will be established under the scheme, and a State Witness Protection Authority will be constituted.”
The protection measures under the Witness Protection Scheme are thorough and include private trails by installing like CCTV and alarms at the witness house, providing close protection, regular patrolling, temporary relocation, court escorts and government vehicles on hearing days.
We know that witness is crucial for any case so the Witness Protection Scheme is very much important. During the absence of the scheme many witnesses have faced threats and retaliation, causing them to change their statements or refuse to testify. This weakens trials and hinders justice. The Witness Protection Scheme in Assam aims to solve these problems directly.
In this cabinet meeting Assam CM also announced new traffic law about the fines of Two-wheelers and Auto Rickshaw.
Also read: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma: Two-wheelers fine only for Helmet violation
