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002-Evolution+of+the+CID+in+Colonial+India+and+its+Induction+in+Sind

Evolution of the CID in Colonial India

Overview

  • An examination of the establishment of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in colonial India.

  • Discusses the report of the Indian Police Commission (1902-03) and the genesis of the CID.

  • Addresses the establishment of the federal CID and the Intelligence Bureau along with the induction of modus operandi techniques in investigations.

Historical Context

  • Background Information: John Court Curry cites that by the 1930s, the CID in India was a recent establishment compared to England.

  • Pre-CID Situation in England: Prior to 1829, detectives like the Bow Street runners lacked organizational structure to address crime holistically.

  • Formation of CID: Established as a response to the chaotic criminal environment; developed scientific systems for crime analysis by 1878.

Indian Police Commission Report (1902-03)

  • Identified lack of centralized crime fighting in India compared to Europe.

  • Recommended the establishment of provincial CID to assist local forces.

  • Suggested supervision by a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) and a role in collating intelligence on significant criminal activities.

Establishment of Provincial CIDs

  • Initial Developments: The CID was organized based on recommendations from the 1902-03 Commission.

  • Noteworthy Establishments: CID was established in Bombay (1910) and Calcutta (1912).

  • Role of the DIGP: Tasked with serious crime investigations and coordination of intelligence among provincial CIDs.

Establishment of Federal CID (Intelligence Bureau)

  • Commission Recommendations: Proposed a federal CID to manage intelligence at a national level for organized crime.

  • Functions: Information collation and contribution from provincial departments.

  • The central intelligence system proved critical during the years leading to independence.

Modus Operandi Techniques

  • Development in CID: Emphasis on an organized approach to studying crime patterns.

  • Major Atcherley's Contribution: Introduction of a system to classify and index information about criminals, enhancing investigation efficiency.

Gaps Between England and Colonial India

  • Despite the advanced setup in England since 1878, India adopted these scientific methods gradually after 1905.

  • Completion of CID installations varied across provinces; Sind lacked a CID until 1914.

CID in Sind: Historical Developments

Initial Challenges

  • The last province to adopt CID recommendations; initial setup began in late 1913.

  • Growth and Utility: Faced increased workload post-establishment; responsibilities expanded as operations ramped up.

John Court Curry's Reorganization (1917)

  • Assessment: Evaluated as a response to operational challenges and organizational duplication within Sind.

  • Proposed reassignment and enhancement of CID roles, emphasizing expertise and efficiency in operations.

Rao Sahib Narindas and Significant Cases (1927)

  • Notable Investigations: Engaged in complex cases, including counterfeiting operations linked to international crime networks.

  • Collaborated extensively with British authorities in England to tackle crime syndicates.

CID’s Detection of Bomb Explosions in the 1940s

Notable Incidents

  • Investigated various bomb incidents, highlighting the CID's role in countering subversion during this period.

  • Prominent Cases: Included bombings in significant public areas, often connected to political unrest.

Challenges Faced by CID in Sind

Organizational Issues

  • Insufficient manpower and resources hampered effective operations in key districts like Hyderabad and Tharparkar.

  • Complicated by overlapping responsibilities among various CID operational bodies in Karachi.

Operational Inefficacies during Hur Insurgency (1942-43)

  • Inadequate Intelligence Gathering: Encountered difficulties in obtaining actionable intelligence against Hur gangs.

  • Criticism over the performance of CID in light of rising insurgent activities and public fear.

Summary of CID Operations and Impact

  • The operational performance of the CID varied significantly; while it achieved some successes, systemic issues persisted.

  • Reorganization recommendations focused on improving inter-departmental communication and public cooperation for better efficiency in crime management.