The use of forensic evidence has been made mandatory for crimes punishable with a 7 years or more jail sentence under the Indian Penal Code. In this context, the Home Department of Maharashtra has launched a project of deploying state-of-the-art mobile forensic vans, under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Maharashtra has become the first state in the country to launch a mobile forensic lab. Initially, 21 forensic mobile vans have been rolled out as part of a pilot project. The state government intends to deploy this facility at 259 locations across the state.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the first batch of 21 forensic mobile vans, equipped with advanced instruments of up-to-date technology, on Monday, January 27. These mobile forensic labs in Maharashtra will enable on-site investigation at the crime scene and store the valuable data using the blockchain technology to make it tamper-proof. The evidence and forensic samples collected during the investigation will be properly preserved and secured under CCTV surveillance using barcodes. This project, which is being launched in 2025, was initiated during the tenure of the then Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in 2016. Let’s learn more about it.
From the appointment of a private forensic auditor to building a fleet of the mobile forensic vans
In 2016, the police needed advanced equipment and technology to investigate irregularities committed by the directors and other individuals of National Spot Exchange Limited and to expedite the investigation. At that time, the then Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, had permitted the appointment of a forensic auditor to investigate the said crime. Since there was no state-level forensic system in Maharashtra at that time to investigate financial frauds, the government sought the assistance of a private company. Also, the rate of financial and cyber crimes was beginning to rise during that period, and the state police lacked the technology to monitor these crimes. The state government then decided to set up its own digital forensic audit system. Furthermore, in 2017, the state government began filling some positions in its scientific laboratories to start mobile forensic support units.
In 2021, the state government decided to appoint B.Sc. and M.Sc. students in forensic science from its affiliated forensic science institutes in Mumbai, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar as trainees in the state government’s forensic laboratories, with stipends of ₹10,000 and ₹15,000, respectively. Meanwhile, the central government made it mandatory for forensic science laboratory experts to visit the crime scene and collect evidence in crimes that might attract punishment of 7 years or more. This decision was implemented from July 1, 2024, as per the Indian Penal Code, 2023. A special committee was formed under the guidance of the then Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, Devendra Fadnavis. On March 11, 2024, this committee presented a proposal to the state government to launch mobile forensic lab vans in the state. A high-level empowered committee discussed this proposal in detail on June 6, 2024. During this discussion, the proposal to launch a total of 259 mobile forensic vans across the state, along with the staff and experts, forensic kits, and required software for the mobile vans, was approved. However, before the state-wise launch of this project, it was decided to run a pilot project with 21 forensic mobile vans – 5 for Mumbai city, 3 for Navi Mumbai, 5 for Nagpur city, and 8 for Jalgaon. The state government approved Rs. 1372.36 crore for the implementation of this entire project, in which 21 forensic mobile vans have recently been launched by the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Features of the Forensic Mobile Van
- The forensic mobile van is designed with three compartments. The first compartment is for the driver, the second for the support staff and analyst, and the third for the actual forensic laboratory equipment.
- Each forensic mobile van will have forensic experts and technical support staff on board to handle evidence collection and initial on-scene analysis.
- The van will be equipped with kits necessary for the collection and analysis of DNA, fingerprints, body fluids, blood samples, explosives, and digital devices. Kits for latent fingerprint development, footprint casting, and detecting narcotic drugs, different types of explosives, gunshot residues, and other crucial evidence will be essentially available in each van.
- Each mobile van is equipped with a CCTV system connected to the police network. This will allow the police to receive real-time information about the evidence collected at the crime scene. This technologically advanced mobile van will make the evidence collection process more efficient and accurate.
- The vans will include built-in cabinetry and refrigerated storage for the safe and proper storage and transport of evidence.
- The vans will be equipped to provide detailed crime scene reports to investigating officers to bring speed and accuracy of the investigation process.
- The forensic mobile vans will foster improved coordination between police and forensic experts, reducing the chances of evidence tampering or destruction
How will the Forensic Mobile Van go into action
On receiving the report of a crime, the police control room will inform the forensic team to visit the crime scene for evidence collection. Accordingly, the forensic mobile van will travel to the crime scene. The forensic team will document the crime scene details using an application. Samples from the crime site will be collected and photographed, and the entire process will be captured by the CCTV camera. The collected evidence will be examined and sealed for future use. If required, the forensic team on board will discuss the case with other experts and seniors via video conferencing. Based on the information and analyses, a crime scene report will be prepared and sent to the relevant police officer. The mobile forensic van will make the evidence collection process more efficient and accurate. It will also improve coordination between the investigation team and forensic experts. Since everything will be well documented and under live camera, it will not be possible to destroy or tamper with evidence.
Government Decision – 18 November 2016
Government Decision – 1 December 2016
Government Decision – 23 August 2017
Government Decision – 22 December 2021
Government Decision – 22 July 2024