The 2025-26 financial year has marked a transformative chapter for criminal investigations in Haryana, with sweeping reforms within the state's Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) system delivering dramatic improvements in speed, accuracy, and scientific rigor. Senior police officials have hailed this period as a landmark phase that has fundamentally strengthened the forensic ecosystem supporting law enforcement across the state.
Quantifiable Gains: Faster Reports, Fewer Pendencies
The impact of the reforms is clearly visible in hard numbers. For Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) cases, forensic reports are now issued within one month, a significant reduction from previous timelines. In commercial-quantity NDPS cases, this turnaround time has been slashed even further to an impressive just 15 days. This acceleration has contributed to an overall increase in case disposal by 28.6 percent.
Perhaps more tellingly, despite a rise in the number of cases received by the labs, the backlog of pending cases has been reduced by nearly 12 percent. This achievement underscores a genuine enhancement in both the capacity and operational efficiency of Haryana's forensic infrastructure, moving beyond mere processing to effective resolution.
Infrastructure & Tech Overhaul: Building a Future-Ready System
The year witnessed substantial capital investment and logistical expansion. The DNA division at FSL Madhuban was upgraded, and a brand new DNA division was established at the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) in Gurugram, significantly boosting statewide DNA testing capacity. To decentralize advanced services, new Ballistics and Document Examination laboratories were set up in Hisar, ensuring prompt regional support.
For immediate on-scene response, 17 new Mobile Forensic Units were approved, and 10 new District Forensic Labs became operational. The fleet was further augmented with 4 modern Mobile Forensic Vans received from the National Forensic Sciences University. A sum of ₹6.71 crore was sanctioned for customizing these vans, enhancing their ability to handle complex crime scene investigations. Officials state that this network now positions Haryana with one of the strongest forensic field-response systems in India.
On the technological front, advanced forensic equipment worth ₹15.83 crore was installed during 2025-26. Orders for additional gear worth ₹3 crore were placed, and the procurement process for instruments valued at ₹57.95 crore is currently underway. Digitization received a major push with the 'Trakea Portal', which has made the entire forensic workflow digital, improving case tracking, report generation, monitoring, and transparency.
A Strategic Vision: Forensic Science as the Policing Backbone
Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) Ajay Singhal articulated a strategic shift in perspective, emphasizing that forensic science is no longer viewed merely as an investigative aid. He declared it the backbone of the future policing system. Singhal stated that every investigation will increasingly depend on scientific evidence, and the entire policing process will be aligned to integrate forensic support seamlessly.
The ultimate goal, he added, is not just about faster report generation. It is to ensure that forensic reports are so robust and reliable that they unequivocally strengthen the prosecution's case in courts, ensuring timely justice for victims and safeguarding the innocent. The DGP reaffirmed Haryana's ambition to emerge as one of India's leading states in forensic reporting, scientific investigation, and the adoption of advanced forensic technologies.
