The Directorate of Forensics Services (DFS), Himachal Pradesh, celebrated its 38th Raising Day with a grand ceremony at the historic Gaiety Theatre on Mall Road, Shimla. The event was presided over by the Hon’ble Education Minister, Himachal Pradesh, Rohit Thakur, as Chief Guest, and witnessed the presence of senior government officials, forensic scientists, academicians, and officers from various investigative agencies. The occasion was graced with the blessings of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu.
The celebrations commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by a blood donation camp, a forensic science exhibition, and a series of thematic lectures focusing on the expanding scope of forensic science under the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The exhibition presented detailed forensic reconstructions of solved heinous crime cases, drawing wide appreciation from professionals and the general public alike. The new legal framework mandates compulsory involvement of forensic experts at crime scenes in all cases punishable with imprisonment of seven years or more, significantly enhancing scientific support to investigations.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Meenakshi Mahajan, Director, DFS, highlighted the Directorate’s major achievements, technological advancements, and national recognitions. She underscored the importance of scientific evidence in ensuring fairness, accuracy, and efficiency within the criminal justice system. The Raising Day Lecture was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Vice Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla, who elaborated on the legal relevance of forensic science and its integration with the evolving justice framework. Abhishek Dullar, IPS, Inspector General of Police, PHQ Shimla, and Sanjeev Katoch, Director Prosecution, Himachal Pradesh, were also present.
Reflecting on the legacy of DFS, Dr. Mahajan traced its journey from the establishment of the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL) on 13 December 1988. Initially catering to the Police, Vigilance, and CID, the institution gradually expanded its services to the judiciary, financial institutions, universities, and other government departments. Starting with two divisions—Biology & Serology and Chemistry & Toxicology—at temporary facilities in Bharari, the laboratory shifted to Junga in 1996 and expanded further with the addition of Documents & Photography and Physics & Ballistics divisions. Administrative control was transferred to the Home Department in 2005, followed by the creation of DNA and NDPS divisions and Regional Forensic Science Laboratories at Dharamshala and Mandi in 2006.
Himachal Pradesh achieved a national milestone in 2014–15 by becoming the first state to establish Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) cells at the State FSL and all RFSLs, in accordance with Interpol standards. Further strengthening followed with the introduction of Voice Analysis and Digital Forensics facilities, advanced DNA laboratories at RFSL Dharamshala and Mandi, and the establishment of the first District Forensic Unit (DFU) at Bilaspur. Subsequent years saw the addition of Forensic Psychology, the country’s first Forensic Auditing Unit, integration of the Finger Print Bureau, and the expansion of DFUs across multiple police districts.
The 9th meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Forensic Science Development Board, held in August 2024 under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, approved the creation of new District Forensic Units in several districts and the establishment of a Food Forensics specialty at DFS.
On the occasion, the Hon’ble Education Minister presented awards to forensic experts and officials for their outstanding contributions. Distinguished and Meritorious Service Medals, quality management, crime scene management, and laboratory excellence awards were conferred, along with recognitions for children’s achievements in art and sports. Outstanding supporting forensic and administrative personnel were also honored. A blood donation camp organized by DFS collected 300 units of blood.
Commending DFS’s performance, the Education Minister noted that between January and November 2025, the State and Regional Forensic Science Laboratories collectively handled over 12,000 cases, issuing forensic reports in line with international standards. District Forensic Units processed hundreds of crime scenes, providing critical investigative leads.
In 2025, DFS undertook major modernization initiatives, including the deployment of six Mobile Forensic Vans, release of forensic evidence collection guidelines, induction of trained FACT personnel under BNSS, and procurement of advanced equipment such as a 3D crime scene scanner and high-end cyber forensic tools. Significant infrastructure developments were also inaugurated, including new DFUs, DNA blocks, and advanced laboratories.
DFS further strengthened academic and research collaboration through MoUs with Punjabi University Patiala, Himachal Pradesh National Law University Shimla, and IIT Mandi, focusing on advanced forensic research and AI-based crime investigation.
The Director, DFS, emphasized that the Directorate continues to play a pivotal role in supporting premier investigative agencies such as the NIA, CBI, Enforcement Directorate, and BSF, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to forensic science as a cornerstone of Himachal Pradesh’s modern, technology-driven criminal justice system.
