NABL Team Conducts Comprehensive Two-Day Assessment of RFSL Mandi.
Shimla:
A four-member team from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) carried out an extensive two-day assessment of the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) in Mandi on April 25 and 26, aiming to evaluate its compliance with national and international quality standards.
The assessment team was led by Dr. Onkar Mondhe and included experts Aman Kumar Yadav, Anshuman Rao, and Kavita Goyal. The evaluation was conducted in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017, a globally recognized standard that ensures the accuracy, reliability, and legal admissibility of laboratory results, particularly in forensic science.
During the visit, the NABL assessors thoroughly reviewed the laboratory’s operational procedures, quality manuals, and calibration practices. The goal was to verify adherence to stringent standards that underpin the credibility of forensic evidence used within the criminal justice system.
The team examined multiple divisions of RFSL Mandi, including Chemistry and Toxicology, Physics and Ballistics, Biology and Serology, and DNA analysis. In the Chemistry section, detailed evaluations were conducted on methodologies used for detecting poisons, alcohol, narcotics, petroleum products, and chemical residues. Special attention was given to advanced instrumentation such as Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and its calibration protocols.
In the Physics and Ballistics divisions, assessors evaluated procedures related to the examination of firearms, bullets, and physical evidence such as glass, soil, paint, and electrical short circuit cases. The Biology and Serology unit was reviewed for its capability to identify and handle biological samples including blood, semen, saliva, hair, bones, and teeth. The team also assessed specialized techniques such as diatom analysis, which is critical in drowning investigations.
The NABL team further evaluated RFSL’s audio forensic capabilities, including speaker identification using specialized software tools. A rigorous inspection of the DNA unit was conducted to ensure technical competence, with particular focus on contamination control measures such as strict separation between pre- and post-amplification areas.
Additionally, the assessors verified the calibration, maintenance, and performance of key laboratory equipment, including genetic analyzers and thermal cyclers. Proficiency testing procedures—such as inter-laboratory comparisons and blind sample testing—were also reviewed to ensure consistent accuracy and reliability of results.
Throughout the assessment, the team observed live testing processes, inspected equipment, and audited documentation related to the chain of custody. This comprehensive evaluation is part of NABL’s accreditation process, aimed at reinforcing RFSL Mandi’s capacity to deliver scientifically robust and legally defensible forensic findings.
The assessment marks an important step toward maintaining high standards of forensic investigation in the region, strengthening the role of scientific evidence in the justice delivery system.
