Himachal CM Flags Off Six Mobile Forensic Vans to Boost Scientific Crime Investigation.
Shimla:
In a significant step towards modernizing crime investigation in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today flagged off six state-of-the-art mobile forensic vans from his official residence, Oak Over. These fully equipped mobile units aim to revolutionize the collection, preservation, and analysis of forensic evidence at crime scenes across the state.
As part of the first phase, the vans will be strategically deployed at key locations including three District Forensic Units in Baddi, Nurpur, and Bilaspur, the State Forensic Science Laboratory in Junga, and the Regional Forensic Science Laboratories (RFSLs) in Dharamshala and Mandi.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also unveiled a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) handbook titled “Forensic Evidence Collection, Preservation & Storage”, which outlines uniform guidelines for investigating officers and medical professionals. In addition, specially designed jackets for forensic experts were introduced to enhance their visibility and safety during field investigations.
“The deployment of these advanced mobile forensic units marks a major leap towards scientific and timely evidence gathering,” said CM Sukhu. “This initiative will not only strengthen the investigative process but also ensure transparency, accuracy, and speed in establishing criminal culpability.”
Each van, developed at a cost of Rs. 65 lakh, is equipped with cutting-edge forensic technology, including:
- Drug and explosive detection systems
- Fingerprint and footprint development kits
- DNA sampling and arson detection kits
- Refrigeration units for biological samples
- Portable power generators
- Cyber-forensic software and analysis tools
- High-resolution video documentation systems
- Microscopes, GPS-enabled body cameras, DSLR cameras, and CCTV systems
These mobile labs will support the on-site collection of a wide range of evidentiary materials, including fingerprints, biological fluids, hair, fibers, explosive residues, bite marks, questioned documents, tyre and footwear impressions, narcotics, and other trace evidence. The vehicles are specially designed to prevent contamination or degradation of critical forensic samples.
Highlighting the broader impact, the Chief Minister said, “As crime patterns grow more complex, our investigation tools and techniques must evolve accordingly. These mobile forensic vans will not only improve the pace and quality of investigations but also contribute significantly to raising conviction rates and strengthening the justice delivery system.”
The Directorate of Forensic Services in Himachal Pradesh, which is spearheading this initiative, currently extends its expertise beyond state agencies to national investigative bodies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA), and Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The flag-off ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries including MLA Sanjay Awasthi, Principal Advisor (Media) to the CM Naresh Chauhan, Additional Chief Secretary KK Pant, Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, Director of Forensic Services Dr. Meenakshi Mahajan, and other senior officials.
This move is expected to significantly enhance forensic readiness and bring Himachal Pradesh in line with national best practices in evidence-based crime investigation.
