Strengthening Cybercrime Prosecution Through Forensic Evidence: A Study On Harassment And Deception
- IJLLR Journal
- Apr 22
- 2 min read
Sanjana Ranjan, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Delhi NCR, Contact
ABSTRACT
Cybercrime has emerged as a pressing challenge in the digital era, with online harassment and digital deception posing significant threats to personal security, dignity, and public trust in technology. The increasing sophistication of offenders, who exploit encrypted platforms, deepfake technology, and anonymization tools, has made the prosecution of such crimes heavily dependent on the credibility of forensic evidence. This research critically examines the role of cyber forensics in strengthening the prosecution of harassment and deception cases, with particular emphasis on the evolving legal framework under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and its provisions on electronic evidence.
The study explores the pivotal function of digital forensics in addressing core evidentiary challenges such as maintaining the chain of custody, safeguarding metadata integrity, and ensuring admissibility of evidence before courts. It further highlights emerging tools, including AI-based forensic analytics for detecting deepfakes and abusive content, and blockchain-enabled systems for preserving the authenticity of digital records. These technologies, while promising, demand significant infrastructural investments, enhanced forensic capacity in laboratories, and systematic training for investigators and judicial officers to translate scientific evidence into successful convictions.
A critical dimension of this research focuses on bridging the gap between law and technology by aligning forensic innovations with judicial processes, thereby addressing evidentiary vulnerabilities that often lead to acquittals in cybercrime trials. Comparative insights are drawn from international practices, demonstrating the need for India to build resilient forensic systems capable of withstanding global standards of scrutiny. By fostering an integrated, technologically advanced, and legally robust approach, this study underscores that forensic science is not merely supportive but essential to delivering justice in cases of online harassment and deception, ultimately strengthening confidence in the digital justice system.
Keywords: AI-based forensics, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, blockchain authentication, cybercrime, cybercrime prosecution, digital deception, forensic evidence, metadata integrity, online harassment.
