A new police manual has been introduced in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

The new handbook lays more stress on human rights, scientific methods of investigation and cyber crimes.

It is likely to become effective from the new year.

Observers say the new manual is significant but it remains to be seen if the police will follow the new guidelines in day-to-day affairs.

It replaces the 40-year-old guidelines many of which are now considered to be outdated.

New chapters

The manual is spread over three volumes and contains several new chapters which reflect the changing nature of crimes.

Some of these chapters deal with cyber crimes and economic offences.

The manual has been developed on the recommendations of the former chief of the Central Bureau of Investigation, K Vijaya Rama Rao.

Mr Rao is now a minister in Andhra Pradesh.

Public grievances

The manual provides for a Public Grievances Authority to redress complaints against the police.

The authority is to be headed a High Court judge.

Releasing the handbook, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, said it was significant that several new chapters on human rights, protection of weaker sections and police-public relations have been added to the manual.

The author, K Vijaya Rama Rao, said he hopes the new manual would usher in a new era in a gradual manner.

The state's police chief, H J Dora, said a revision of the manual in accordance with the new laws and changing situations was long overdue.