Use Of Technology In Criminal Investigation And Trial
1. Use of Technology in Criminal Investigation and Trials
Technological advancement has significantly enhanced criminal investigation and judicial processes in Bangladesh. The key uses include:
Electronic Evidence:
Emails, chat messages, social media posts, mobile call records, and bank transaction logs are used under the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act 2006 (amended 2013) and Evidence Act 1872.
Courts now routinely accept electronic records as evidence if authenticity, integrity, and source are established.
CCTV and Video Surveillance:
CCTV footage is increasingly used to identify suspects, reconstruct crime scenes, and verify alibis.
Digital Forensics:
Examination of computers, mobile devices, and SIM card data helps trace criminal networks and evidence.
DNA and Forensic Evidence:
DNA profiling is used in murder, sexual assault, and paternity cases.
Forensic science plays a role in linking suspects to crime scenes.
Telecommunication Evidence:
Mobile phone tracking, call logs, and SMS records help establish timelines and connect accomplices.
Trial and Courtroom Technology:
Display of electronic evidence in court, video conferencing for witnesses, and digital case management systems have improved efficiency.
2. Key Cases Illustrating Technology Use in Bangladesh
Case 1: Rifat Sharif Murder Case (2019–2020)
Facts:
Rifat Sharif, a young man, was brutally murdered in Barisal.
CCTV cameras from nearby shops captured the attack.
Mobile phone data of suspects was examined to track their movement.
Outcome:
The footage clearly showed the main suspect attacking the victim.
Call records helped identify co-conspirators.
The court convicted the main suspect and accomplices, sentencing the main perpetrator to death.
Technological Role:
CCTV footage: Provided indisputable visual evidence.
Mobile tracking & call records: Established collusion and sequence of events.
Significance: Demonstrated technology as a decisive factor in conviction.
Case 2: Murder of Tania Hossain – DNA Evidence (2016)
Facts:
Tania Hossain, a young girl, was sexually assaulted and murdered.
Forensic investigators collected biological samples from the crime scene.
Outcome:
DNA profiling linked the accused to the crime.
Electronic evidence such as call records confirmed the accused’s presence near the crime scene.
The court sentenced the accused to death, emphasizing the role of forensic evidence.
Technological Role:
DNA profiling: Conclusive identification of the perpetrator.
Telecom records: Supported timeline reconstruction.
Significance: Reinforced forensic and electronic evidence as admissible and decisive.
Case 3: Stock Market Fraud Case (2012, ICT Act)
Facts:
A syndicate manipulated stock prices using insider information and online platforms.
The Anti-Corruption Commission and Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission used electronic transaction records, emails, and computer logs as evidence.
Outcome:
Several corporate executives were convicted under the ICT Act 2006 for digital fraud.
Electronic evidence was the primary basis for prosecution.
Technological Role:
Digital transaction logs: Traced financial fraud.
Emails & chat records: Proved conspiracy and intent.
Significance: Shows technology use in white-collar crimes and cybercrime prosecution.
Case 4: Shahidul Alam Case – Use of Social Media Evidence (2018)
Facts:
Shahidul Alam, a prominent photographer, was accused of spreading false information online.
Police collected social media posts, screenshots, and electronic communications as evidence.
Outcome:
Evidence included Facebook posts and screenshots.
The court examined digital authenticity before admitting it.
Eventually, after trial, the accused was released on bail.
Technological Role:
Social media monitoring: Key in identifying alleged criminal content.
Electronic evidence authentication: Ensured digital records were admissible.
Significance: Demonstrates how social media and ICT tools are scrutinized in criminal trials.
Case 5: Rape Case Solved Using Mobile Tracking and CCTV (2020)
Facts:
A minor was abducted and assaulted in Dhaka.
Police used CCTV footage along the route to trace the suspect.
Mobile phone GPS and call records helped pinpoint his location.
Outcome:
The accused was arrested within 48 hours.
Digital evidence corroborated victim testimony.
Convicted and sentenced under the Penal Code and ICT Act provisions.
Technological Role:
GPS tracking: Identified suspect’s location.
CCTV verification: Confirmed sequence of events.
Mobile records: Established collusion or planning.
Significance: Rapid and precise investigation possible due to technology.
3. Key Legal Principles for Technology in Trials
Admissibility of Electronic Evidence (Evidence Act 1872, Section 65A & 65B)
Must prove authenticity, integrity, and source.
Chain of Custody
Maintaining secure handling of digital evidence from collection to trial.
Forensic Verification
Digital data often needs expert testimony to verify integrity.
ICT Act Provisions
Electronic communications, online fraud, hacking, and digital threats are prosecutable.
Complementary Evidence
Technology often works with witness testimony, confessions, and physical evidence.
Summary Table
| Case | Technology Used | Crime | Outcome | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rifat Sharif | CCTV, call records | Murder | Death sentence | CCTV & mobile data decisive |
| Tania Hossain | DNA profiling, call records | Sexual assault, murder | Death sentence | Forensic evidence pivotal |
| Stock Market Fraud | Digital logs, emails | Cyber fraud | Conviction | Tech in white-collar crime |
| Shahidul Alam | Social media posts | Alleged ICT violation | Bail granted | Social media evidence scrutiny |
| Dhaka Rape Case | CCTV, GPS, call records | Abduction, rape | Conviction | Rapid investigation via tech |
Conclusion
The cases show that technology is central to modern criminal investigation in Bangladesh, enabling:
Faster and more accurate suspect identification.
Stronger, corroborated evidence in trials.
Investigation of cybercrime, financial crime, and violent crime.
Courts increasingly accept digital evidence if authentication and chain of custody are proven.
Technology has transformed criminal justice from reliance solely on witness testimony and physical evidence to a multidimensional evidence system including electronic, forensic, and surveillance tools.
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