Gujarat Police has launched an AI-powered tool named Narcotics Analysis & RAG-based Investigation Tool (NARIT-AI) to strengthen investigations under the NDPS Act (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985). The initiative comes in response to declining conviction rates in drug-related cases, which dropped to 25% in 2022, and aims to ensure legally robust, procedure-compliant investigations that can withstand judicial scrutiny.
About NARIT-AI
- NARIT-AI is an artificial intelligence-based investigative support system designed to assist law enforcement agencies in handling complex narcotics cases under the NDPS Act.
- It integrates legal provisions, case laws, and investigative procedures to provide real-time analytical and legal assistance to Investigating Officers (IOs).
Objective
- To ensure strict adherence to procedural requirements under the NDPS Act, where even minor lapses can result in acquittals.
- To provide real-time legal and analytical guidance so that investigations are strong enough to withstand defence scrutiny in courts.
Key Features
- Investigation Plan & Timeline: Generates a step-by-step roadmap from seizure to trial.
- Evidence Checklist: Provides a mandatory list of evidence depending on the nature of the offence (e.g., possession, trafficking, cultivation).
- Drafting Support: Can generate draft chargesheets and court summaries.
- Paralegal Analysis: Identifies possible prosecution weaknesses and suggests defence rebuttals in advance.
- Security & Privacy: Uses enforcement-grade double-layer encryption; accessible only to verified police personnel.
- Dynamic Updates: Automatically updates its database with changes in laws, judicial circulars, and new judgments.
AI Framework (RAG Technology)
- NARIT-AI is built using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), which enhances the accuracy of AI outputs by referencing trusted legal databases before generating responses.
- Unlike conventional AI models that scan the open internet, RAG relies on a curated dataset of laws, circulars, and judicial decisions related to narcotics cases.
Development and Collaboration
- The tool was conceptualised by Abhay Soni, Superintendent of Police (Government Railway Police, Western Railway, Vadodara).
- Developed by Gujarat Police in collaboration with Gradiante Creative Services, an AI-led executive training startup with operational presence in Mumbai and servers located in India.
Working Mechanism
- Investigating Officers can upload a First Information Report (FIR) and pose specific queries.
- The system analyses the case using its trained database and provides actionable guidance on evidence collection, legal procedures, and case-building strategies.
- It follows a sandbox security approach, ensuring safe handling of sensitive data.
Security and Regulatory Compliance
- The application is classified as a private AI system, accessible only to authorised users and not available to the public.
- It adheres to recent guidelines of the Gujarat High Court on AI usage in governance and law enforcement.
- Features include double-layer encryption and restricted access protocols to ensure data protection.
Significance
- Addresses low conviction rates by improving quality and procedural accuracy of investigations.
- Enhances legal preparedness of police officers in handling NDPS cases.
- Promotes the use of AI in governance and criminal justice systems, marking a shift towards technology-driven policing.
- Ensures continuous adaptation to evolving legal frameworks, making it a dynamic and future-ready investigative tool.