Maharashtra is launching forensic vans in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Nagpur to help with crime scene investigations. The state government has allocated INR 13 crore for acquiring these vans.
A total of 12 forensic vans, which will be used at major crime scenes, shall be deployed for these three regions at major crime scenes. They will receive one van for each zone.
Mumbai - 5 zones
Nagpur - 5 zones
Navi Mumbai - 2 zones
This project is in line with the national forensic laws that took effect on July 1. The latest forensic laws under Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS), 2023, state that forensic experts should attend crime scenes for offences with a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.
The Union government has set a five-year deadline for all states to make sure each zone has forensic vehicles. Maharashtra is starting with these three Commissionerate's as trials and will expand based on observations. This will address the previous shortfall in forensic vehicles.
Each van will be staffed by forensic specialists from the State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). The FSL is increasing its staff to handle the added workload. Forensic experts will gather and assess evidence at crime scenes using various testing kits.
Forensic officers will work in coordination with the police to collect evidence. They will have about five testing kits for the evidence site. Police officers are usually trained to gather evidence. However, some crime scenes still require forensic experts.
Forensic vans will also have a team member to assist with photography and videography. Images will be uploaded to a sophisticated software system, and the forensic lab’s control room will offer additional support.
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