WILLIAMNAGAR, July 29 - The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has prepared a �Witness Protection Scheme, 2018� in consultation with the National Legal Services Authority (NLSA), Bureau of Police Research and Development and the State Governments, which provides for protection of witnesses based on the threat assessment, a DIPR press release said.
An official circular issued recently by the Deputy Commissioner, East Garo Hills, said that the objective of the scheme is to ensure that the investigation, prosecution and trial of criminal offences is not prejudiced because witnesses are intimidated or frightened to give evidence without protection from violent or other criminal offenders.
The scheme aims to promote law enforcement by facilitating the protection of persons who are involved directly or indirectly in providing assistance to criminal law enforcement agencies and over-all administration of justice. �Witness need to be given the confidence to come forward to assist the law enforcement and judicial authority with full assurance of safety�, the circular said.
