In a significant step toward strengthening forensic capabilities in criminal investigations, CM Sukhu today flagged off six advanced mobile forensic vans from his official residence, Oak Over.
In the first phase, these fully equipped vehicles will be deployed at key locations including the District Forensic Units in Baddi, Nurpur, and Bilaspur; the State Forensic Laboratory in Junga; and the Regional Forensic Science Laboratories in Dharamshala and Mandi.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also unveiled a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) handbook titled “Forensic Evidence Collection, Preservation & Storage”. This manual is aimed at standardizing procedures for investigating officers and medical professionals involved in handling forensic evidence. In addition, specially designed jackets for forensic teams visiting crime scenes were introduced to enhance identification and professionalism.
“These mobile units represent a leap forward in crime scene investigation,” said CM Sukhu. “They will facilitate scientific, swift, and secure evidence collection, improving both preservation and reliability of forensic material.” He emphasized that modernizing forensic tools and practices will not only speed up investigations but also contribute to higher conviction rates and a more effective justice delivery system.
Each van, with a cost of ₹65 lakh, is outfitted with state-of-the-art forensic technologies such as drug and explosive detectors, fingerprint and footprint development kits, DNA sampling tools, arson investigation kits, refrigerated storage units, portable power supplies, cyber-forensic software, high-resolution video documentation, GPS-enabled body cameras, microscopes, DSLR and CCTV cameras, and more.
These mobile forensic labs are designed to aid in the immediate, contamination-free collection of a wide range of evidence—including fingerprints, bodily fluids, hair and fibers, gunshot and explosive residues, bite marks, documents, footwear and tire impressions, narcotics, and other trace elements.
“This initiative will ensure transparency, enhance the integrity of evidence collection, and help bring perpetrators to justice more swiftly,” said the Chief Minister. He reiterated the need for continually evolving investigative infrastructure in response to changing crime trends.
The Directorate of Forensic Services in Himachal Pradesh already supports investigations by central agencies such as the CBI, NIA, and ED, alongside state law enforcement.
The launch event was attended by 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.
