The Locard principle is a key component of forensic scientists’ research; Yatish N, IPS | Global TV
By Ms. Vedhaashini S
Post Graduate Department Of Criminology and Forensic Science (CFS) and Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru, in collaboration with TConnects, Getjobs and Skills in Security and Investigations, Virtual Protect Security Pvt. Ltd & Covert Security India Consulting Services LLP, Bengaluru, organized CRIFO 2K25, an International Summit on the theme, Forensic Spectrum :An Intersection of Technology and Crime Investigation held on February 28th 2025 in the college campus.
The inaugural ceremony began with the prayer song led by college choir followed by a welcome dance performed by Ms. Aparna Shetty and Ms. Adheena M of 2nd-year MSc CFS.
Dr. Saritha D’Souza, Head, MSc CFS and IQAC Coordinator cum Program Coordinator of CRIFO 2K25, gave the introduction speech outlining the goal of the event. She emphasized how the two-day program improves students’ abilities and gives them more in-depth understanding about Forensic Science and Criminology, which would benefit them in the future. She expressed that CRIFO 2K25 is special since there are informative sessions, paper presentations, and events. On this occasion, the institution is signing a Memorandum of Understanding between Virtual Protect Security Pvt. Ltd, Bengaluru for Academic pursuit.
The Chief Guest Sri. Yatish N, Superintendent of Police Dakshina Kannada District Police, inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp followed by formal release of CRIFO 2K25 logo and unveiled the prestigious trophies that symbolize triumph, knowledge, and excellence. Guest of honour, Mr. Maj. Saurabh Srivastava, Director Clean Play Consulting Services Bengaluru, President, Assoc. Prof. Cecilia F Goveas, Registrar (Controller of Examinations) School of Social Work, Mangaluru, Mr. Sai Krishna Domala, Managing Director TConnects: A Risk Management Job Portal Virtual Protect Security Private Limited, Dr. Saritha D’Souza, Head, MSc CFS and IQAC Coordinator and Ms. Vedhaashini S. Gowda, president cum Student Coordinator of program were present on the dias.
Sri. Yatish N, IPS addressed that the Locard principle is a key component of forensic scientists’ research. Crimes like robbery, theft, and dacoity would occur in less developed and digitalized societies, but as technology and digitalization advanced, so would the types of crimes. In order to solve crimes and keep the peace, he said, it is crucial that investigators change as well. He stressed about the job opportunities in Police Department as Scene of Crime Officers for the Forensic Aspirants.
Guest of Honor, Maj. Saurabh Srivastava, Director of Clean Play Consulting Services, Bengaluru stated that “winning is an aspiration and you are here to learn”. He inspired the delegates to make use of the wonderful opportunity.
The programme collaborator, Mr. Sai Krishna Domala, Managing Director, TConnects: A Risk Management Job Portal Virtual Protect Security Private Limited appreciated Dr. Saritha Dsouza for providing an opportunity to a part of the event. Further, he briefed about the achievement of Major Saurav Srivastava in the field of Security and Vigilance. Major Saurav Srivastava was felicitated by the dignitaries for his unwavering support and contribution to the risk management and security.
Mr. Sai Krishna Domala, Managing Director of Virtual Protect Security, Private Limited and on behalf of School of Social Work, Mangaluru, Assoc Prof. Cecilia F Goveas, Controller of Examinations along with Dr Saritha D’Souza, Head of MSc CFS, School of Social Work officially exchanged the memorandum of understanding to bridge between the academic institutions and corporate sectors.
The Presiding Officer Assoc Prof. Cecilia F Goveas, Controller of Examinations of the institution expressed the critical role of the technology in the field of crime and student’s responsibilities in the domain of preventing and combating crime. Around 150 delegates were part of this event.
Assistant Professors of the Post Graduate Department of Criminology and Forensic Science Ms. Nashwa Iqbal, formally welcomed the gathering and Mr. Roshan D’Souza, delivered the vote of thanks. Ms. Vedhaashini S. Gowda, president cum Student Coordinator of program, introduced the guests, Ms. Nicole Mendoca, student of second year MSc CFS compered the whole event.
The resource person for the first scientific session was Dr. Ananth Prabhu G. Professor in Computer Engineering, Cyber Security and Cyber Law Trainer spoke on the theme AI and Digital Forensics: A New Frontier in Cyber Crime Investigation stressing on the use of GPS in tracking and faking the location by means of technology. He explained about various apps and websites to understand the personal privacy through a demo and shared the live cases that he handled. Further, he spoke about the different types of digital tools that is used in the crime investigation.
The second Scientific session was held on the topic “Mastering Research and Grants: A Roadmap to Publication and Funding Success by Dr. Vajagathali Mohammed, Post Doctoral Scientist, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Sweden. He highlighted about the advancement of research in Fingerprint, digital Forensics, DNA Profiling, Crime Investigation report, Criminal Profiling, Forensic Psychology, Questioned Document Examination and Forensic Ballistics. He also spoke about sponsorships, grants and fundings provided by various sectors promoting research globally.
There was paper presentation sessions carried on simultaneously on the theme Criminology and relevance and also events such as Quiz, Tressure Hunt and Stress Interview.
The third session was held on the topic “An overview of criminal law: BNS and emerging legal trends” by Ms. Ashwini D’Souza. Day 1 ended with a cultural event with traditional dance performance and a skit performance comprising crime and forensic relevance in crime investigation. Ms. Adheena M, Media Coordinator of the Department Compiled the report.
