Introduction of Abhigyan App

The Abhigyan app, developed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), was launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on June 19, 2026. The app aims to enhance police and investigating agencies' capabilities with portable fingerprint scanners linked to a national database of 1.3 crore criminal suspects and convicts.

Key Features and Functionality

• The app is connected to the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), which houses fingerprint scans of accused and convicts.
• Fingerprints can be matched with the NAFIS database in approximately 35 seconds.
• During routine checks, biometric scans can identify individuals with pending criminal records, providing instant alerts to police officers.

Legal Framework

The Criminal Procedure Identification Act, 2022 provides the legal basis for fingerprint checks. However, it limits mandatory recordings to those convicted, arrested, or required to give security for good behavior, without addressing random testing.

Advantages of the Abhigyan App

• Enables field officers to access criminal records directly on smartphones with secure, two-step authentication.
• Facilitates real-time identification, enhancing ground-level policing with fast identification and portability.
• Houses a comprehensive database with 9.91 lakh narcotics offenders and 3.65 lakh human trafficking cases.

Future Considerations

• Continuous enrichment of the NAFIS database is necessary, emphasizing the upload of fingerprints from crime scenes.
• States must ensure DNA samples are well-preserved for use in crime investigations.
• The focus should be on time-bound justice, not just arrests, with practical training for precise evidence handling.

Overall, the Abhigyan app is poised to significantly enhance criminal identification and justice delivery through advanced technology and comprehensive training initiatives.