Shimla, Sept. 30 – Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday flagged off six mobile forensic vans aimed at strengthening scientific investigation and improving conviction rates in Himachal Pradesh.
The vans, each costing ₹65 lakh, will be deployed in the first phase at the district forensic units in Baddi, Nurpur and Bilaspur, the State Forensic Lab at Junga, and the Regional Forensic Science Laboratories at Dharamshala and Mandi.
“These advanced vehicles will enable scientific and speedy evidence collection, ensuring preservation and secure storage at the crime scene,” Sukhu said, adding that the initiative would enhance transparency and strengthen the justice delivery system.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also released a Standard Operating Procedure handbook, Forensic Evidence Collection, Preservation and Storage, to provide uniform guidelines for investigating officers and medical professionals. Special jackets for forensic experts visiting crime scenes were also unveiled.
The vans are fitted with state-of-the-art forensic tools, including drug and explosive detection systems, DNA sampling kits, fingerprint and footprint development kits, arson detection kits, refrigeration units, cyber-forensic software, high-resolution video documentation systems, microscopes, GPS-enabled body-worn cameras, and CCTV units.
Officials said the integrated kits will help examine fingerprints, biological fluids, hair, gunshot and explosive residues, bite marks, questioned documents, narcotics, tire impressions, footwear prints, and other trace evidence, ensuring contamination-free collection.
“As crime patterns evolve, investigative machinery must also be upgraded. These vans will not only expedite forensic services but also ensure reliable and accurate evidence collection,” Sukhu noted.
The Directorate of Forensic Services in Himachal Pradesh currently assists both state police and central agencies including the CBI, NIA and ED.
