To strengthen forensic laboratories through a people-centric approach and blockchain methodology” –

 To strengthen forensic laboratories through a people-centric approach and blockchain methodology” – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

• Maharashtra is home to the nation’s finest cyber forensic laboratories.
• The Chief Minister performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory’s new building.

Nagpur, 13: Maharashtra has established the country’s most advanced cyber forensic scientific infrastructure. In addition to state-of-the-art cyber labs, mobile forensic science laboratories are being rolled out. Considering the rise in technology, cyber, and fraud-related crimes, a decision has been made to strengthen the forensic laboratory system further by adopting a people-centric approach and blockchain methodology, Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated today.

      A ground-breaking ceremony for the new administrative building of the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory was held at the Dhantoli area here, along with the online inauguration of three new Home Department projects, presided over by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Rural Home Minister Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar, MP Shyamkumar Barve, MLAs Sandeep Joshi and Sanjay Meshram, Director General of Judicial and Technical Services Sanjay Verma, Managing Director of Maharashtra State Police Housing and Welfare Corporation Archana Tyagi, and Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory Directorate Dr. Vijay Thakare were also present.

CM Fadnavis emphasized the importance of forensic science laboratories in establishing proof of crime and ensuring justice for both the state and victims. The new Indian Criminal Procedure Codes highlight the importance of forensic evidence and require it in specified crimes as well. He noted that since 2014, focused efforts—spanning diverse methods, technical evidence, and scientific proof—have raised the crime conviction rate from 9% to 54% through 14 government resolutions. Heading toward a developed India, he added, efforts must continue to elevate the conviction rate beyond 90%. He also mentioned the establishment of modern cyber forensic laboratories, forensic science labs, mobile forensic labs, and a Cyber Center in Navi Mumbai, which has been transformed into a corporation-level entity.

This event marked a significant step toward modernizing the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory in Nagpur. The ground-breaking of this facility is cause for satisfaction, and it is expected to be completed by February 2027.

A people-centric approach and the adoption of blockchain methodology will be incorporated into the workings of regional forensic laboratories. This will expedite crime proofing and speed up judicial processes. Forensic science services are a form of public service, and instructions were given to resolve all pending cases by the end of this year.

Earlier, in the Home Department, the second phase of laboratory computerization, the semi-automated system in Mumbai, and the Center of Excellence in Pune were inaugurated online by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Dr. Vijay Thakare, Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory Directorate, gave the introduction, and Ashwin Gedam, Deputy Director of the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Nagpur, offered thanks.

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