New Delhi: It looked like a murder had just occurred—crime scene tape, a lifeless body, and police officers investigating the scene. But this wasn’t a real crime. The location was Bharat Mandapam, which transformed into a full-fledged crime and justice ‘theatre’ on Wednesday, as the Delhi Police staged a live demonstration to showcase how the newly implemented criminal laws function in practice. The event was held to mark the first anniversary of the implementation of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, which came into force on July 1, 2024. The performance began with a call to 112 flashing on a screen inside a recreated PCR control room. Within moments, cops rushed to the “crime scene” where a dummy body lay on the ground. Officers began marking exhibits, lifting fingerprints, preserving CCTV footage and explaining each step to the watching crowd.From there, the trail led to the recreated Parliament Street police station. Officers discussed the case and used the MedLePar platform to send a digital post-mortem request to Lok Nayak Hospital. Meanwhile, another officer used the Crime Kundli app to scan CCTV footage and match a suspect’s face in minutes. As the accused was brought in, his father watched from the corner, adding emotional weight to the act.At the hospital setup, actual doctors demonstrated post mortem protocols, using real equipment. From medical reports, the story moved to the FSL in Rohini where police presented a sealed murder evidence kit.The Directorate of Prosecution was next, showing how case files are built and charges framed. Then came the arrest. In a dramatic switch, Shoaib (21), who had earlier played a CCTNS operator, reappeared as the accused—he had five minutes to change clothes and character. “Even I was nervous when I had to switch,” he said, “but the crowd’s reaction made it worth it.”The final act: a live courtroom scene at a replica of Patiala House Court, complete with a judge, readers and a prosecutor.Joint Commissioner of Police (crime) Surender Kumar said, “The exhibition takes you through the entire journey of a criminal case, live and immersive, showing how the new laws and digital tools are transforming every step from crime call to courtroom.”Real cops, too, were embedded throughout the scenes, blurring lines between acting and actual policing. But the message was clear: the criminal justice system isn’t a mystery. And when explained like this, it might not feel so intimidating after all.Leena Jain, a 52-year-old NSD actor who played the role of a judge, said she was surprised by how easily visitors opened up to her, sharing deeply personal concerns they had never voiced before. “They felt comfortable enough to talk about their legal troubles,” she said. One woman confided in her about facing domestic abuse but being unsure of her options, while another man spoke about issues with his lawyer. “I directed them to the officials present who could guide them properly,” Jain added.
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