Bihar Expands Forensic Infrastructure with Nine New Labs
In a significant advancement for scientific and evidence-based law enforcement, Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar declared on Tuesday that nine additional Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs) will become fully operational within the next one to two years. This expansion will elevate the total number of functional FSLs across the state to thirteen, marking a substantial upgrade in forensic capabilities.
Current Status and Future Plans
Addressing attendees at the two-day 'Satellite conference on biological sciences' in Patna, organized by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), CID, in partnership with the Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, DGP Kumar outlined the current landscape. Presently, only four FSLs are operational in Bihar, located in Patna, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, and Rajgir at the Bihar Police Academy.
The buildings for the nine new regional FSLs have already been completed, and the appointment of 102 assistant directors and senior scientific assistants has been finalized. These steps are expected to facilitate the swift activation of these laboratories, enhancing the state's forensic network.
Emphasis on Scientific Methods Post-BNSS
Highlighting the critical role of scientific techniques in criminal investigations, especially following the enactment of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Kumar emphasized a key provision. For offenses carrying a penalty of seven years or more imprisonment, the officer-in-charge must ensure a forensic expert visits the crime scene to collect evidence. "This measure aims to decrease reliance on witness testimonies and foster more dependable, evidence-driven investigations," he stated.
Growth in Forensic Services and Infrastructure
The DGP showcased Bihar's remarkable progress in forensic infrastructure over the past two decades. In 2012-13, forensic services were utilized in merely 700-800 cases annually, supported by about 30-35 scientists. Today, the state manages approximately 18,000 such cases each year, indicating a dramatic increase in both capacity and expertise.
Addressing DNA Testing Backlogs and Cyber Forensics
Kumar expressed concern over rising pendency in DNA testing, particularly in Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) cases, where DNA analysis is now compulsory. Noting that Bihar currently operates only one DNA laboratory, he appealed to the DFSS for assistance in establishing three to four additional labs. He proposed utilizing financial resources from the Nirbhaya Fund or other central schemes to tackle the backlog and ensure prompt justice in sensitive matters.
To further strengthen forensic operations, the state has completed construction of buildings for district mobile laboratories in 28 districts lacking regional FSLs, with scientists already assigned to activate them. Additionally, 50 forensic vans have been deployed across 40 police districts, enabling scientific teams to swiftly reach crime scenes, identify and gather evidence, and send samples for laboratory analysis.
Collaborations and National Initiatives
Bihar has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Forensic Science University to set up a campus within the state, with site selection currently in progress. Another MoU has been inked to establish Cyber Forensic Laboratories in Patna and Rajgir, aimed at effectively managing online and digital crimes.
S K Jain, director-cum-chief forensic scientist at DFSS, informed the conference that India currently has seven Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs), with eight more slated for establishment soon. "The Union government has approved two pivotal schemes: the Nirbhaya scheme to enhance DNA and cyber forensics in state labs, and the Scheme for Modernisation of Forensic Capacities (SMFC) for acquiring mobile forensic vans and equipment," he said.
Jain added that under the SMFC, Rs535 crore has been allocated for mobile vans, with Rs360 crore already disbursed to 22 states for purchasing 223 vehicles.
Conference Participation
The event drew national and international experts, scientists from various state and central FSLs, and other specialists. Senior officials in attendance included G K Goswami, director of the Uttar Pradesh Institute of Forensic Science; additional director general of police (CID) Parasnath; and Hinjay Kumar, director of the Forensic Science Laboratory in Patna.
