Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday inaugurated a new Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Rajarhat, close to Kolkata, which he said heralds a new era in India's criminal justice system. The spanking new complex, constructed at a cost of approximately ₹90 crore, is designed to speed up investigations, make them more accurate, and evidence-based, instead of being dependent on courtroom proceedings.​

Shah asserted that the government will make a "holistic, evidence-based" shift towards justice from January 2026. In other words, from investigation to final judgment, cases will be dependent on data and forensic evidence. In essence, police will increasingly use science — from DNA matching and cyber forensics to analysis of call data and psychological profiling — to crack crimes and prosecute them more effectively.

Spread over an area of six acres, Rajarhat CFSL will serve not just West Bengal but Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, and Sikkim as well. It has state-of-the-art labs for DNA analysis, narcotics examination, computer forensics, serology, etc. Shah stated that in the very near future, every district will be equipped with a forensic mobile van and that each police station will be able to make use of the facilities provided by CFSL, leading to faster and more reliable investigations.​

The seven additional CFSLs in India and new campuses for the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) have also been announced by the minister, where thousands of students will be trained to specialize in forensic studies. Another national forensic data center worth ₹200 crore will utilize artificial intelligence to examine digital and bio-evidence.

This is the start of an evidence-based justice system wherein the guilty will not be able to escape and victims won't be kept waiting for eternities for justice," Shah stated. He added that the coming reforms under the new criminal laws such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita will ensure forensic science becomes the focal point in all criminal investigations.".

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday dedicated the new complex of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Rajarhat on the outskirts of Kolkata, claiming that it will assist in adopting a holistic approach to investigation of complicated cases in eastern and northeast states.

Shah expressed that the inauguration is a historic milestone in the Centre's enduring drive to construct a safe, transparent and evidence-based criminal justice system.

"It is a moment of tremendous fulfillment as we go on consolidating every link in the chain of contemporary forensic and investigative infrastructure," he added.

"This will go a long way in fortifying the criminal justice system in West Bengal and the Northeast," Shah added.

The home minister also mentioned the effect of recent criminal law amendments and said that since the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was introduced, "in 60 per cent cases, we have seen chargesheets filed within 60 days".

He said the centre is going to establish seven additional CFSL labs in Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Kerala and Bihar.

Shah, who is on a two-day West Bengal visit, will also meet with BJP leaders and functionaries at a party convention at the Netaji Indoor Stadium here later today.

Facial recognition enabled by AI can recognize a person with distorted or obscured CCTV images and handwriting and voice through machine learning. International Conference on Forensic Science 2025 (ICFS 2025) is multidisciplinary Forensic Science research and development. It invites students, researchers, scholars, and experts to gather and present and share knowledge and advances in the field.

Forensic science in 2025 is transformed by cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS), and digital forensic technology. AI technology may be able to enable the investigator to rapidly scan massive data sets for discrepancies and patterns that it could take a human investigator months to identify. 

The conference aims to achieve the latest advances in forensic technology and determine future trends, challenges, and technological advances which are revolutionizing forensic investigation. Crime investigation and prevention will be addressed by forensic science professionals, digital forensics professionals, forensic medicine professionals, criminology professionals, cybersecurity professionals, law enforcement professionals, and psychologists. public security and support seeking justice, ICFS 2025 involves lawyers, legislators, data analysts, sociologists, legislators, and forensic experts. Information exchange and forensic practice support will be provided through keynote lectures, research papers, and panel sessions.

Sharing of knowledge and innovation in forensic practice would be facilitated by keynote addresses, panel discussions, and research papers. The conference would also address hot topics of the day on Forensic Science, where latest technologies like artificial intelligence, DNA Forensics, and Data Science application for crime investigation would come into focus. The conference will receive top-class-trained lecturing in forensic use of the justice system, crime scene analysis, and manipulation of digital evidence. ICFS 2025 will facilitate the implementation of new forensic science investigation and real implementation in practice through inter-disciplinary intervention by the police force. Finally, the conference will unite research and practice to fill the gap, delivering quality and technology-based forensic solution.

In response to a spate of drug and child abuse cases, Kerala stands at the verge of a major upscaling of its forensic science labs (FSLs). State Director General of Police (DGP) formally requested the government to introduce 31 new scientific officer posts to address growing delays in forensic analysis for NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act and POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act cases. This was suggested in an integrated meeting held between the state government and the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC), following a high court directive for accelerating forensic reporting.

The government has approved 28 more posts in different divisions last year—12 in biology, six in chemistry, and ten in documentation. However, the volume of cases being processed by forensic labs has almost doubled over the past year, exerting enormous pressure on the existing workforce. The backlog of NDPS and POCSO cases has attained a critical phase, jeopardizing swift delivery of justice to survivors and accused both despite tireless efforts by scientific officers.

In order to counter this burden, the DGP has now recommended the appointment of eight biology officers, seven chemistry officers, and sixteen documentation officers, underlining that the increase should be carried out as quickly as possible in order to meet legal and social demands.

The Kerala High Court, understanding the seriousness of the situation, instructed that the DGP submit a fresh proposal to the state government within 15 days. The official process of creating such posts is multi-phased: post-filing, the state government scrutinizes and forwards the proposal to the finance department to sanction, after which Kerala PSC will go ahead with the recruitment.

The latest appeal for increased forensic staff came on the heels of a petition laid before the government by the Kerala Legal Services Authority, which highlighted how excessive delays in forensic reports stall trials and impede the administration of justice under NDPS and POCSO Acts. With Kerala also fighting the growing pattern of crimes committed as a result of drug abuse and child welfare, the government action to strengthen forensic laboratories aims at reducing this critical arrear and providing justice on time to all.

Forensic science is an expanding and dynamic discipline that applies scientific knowledge to help in solving crimes. If you enjoy investigating crimes and wish to work in a forensic laboratory, police department or a legal agency, pursuing forensic science is the best choice. By taking the AIFSET exam you can gain admission into top universities offering forensic science courses. 

Vivekananda Global University (VGU), Jaipur, is one of the top Universities in India to study forensic sciences. VGU also has well-organised forensic science coursework, providing hands-on experience and theory. Their programs include such significant areas as DNA profiling, forensic toxicology, cyber forensics, ballistics, and the analysis of fingerprints.

Forensic Science courses at VGU.

UNDERGRADUATE

B.Sc. (H) Forensic Science (As per NEP)

POSTGRADUATE

M.Sc. Forensic Science

M.Sc. Digital and Cyber Forensics

DOCTORAL PROGRAM

Ph.D. Forensic Science

The courses emphasise practical training, research, and exposure to real-life case studies,  ensuring students have the skills and knowledge to work in the professional roles.

Views of HOD

Dr. Umema Ahmed, Head of the Department of Forensic Science at Vivekananda Global University, states, “Our department is committed to promoting quality education and enhancing employability by equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary in the evolving field of forensic science. Our curriculum integrates experiential learning to prepare students to effectively support law enforcement and deliver justice. Alongside academic training, we nurture students’ physical, mental, and emotional development so they become responsible citizens contributing meaningfully to society and the nation’s progress.”

The Role of the AIFSET Exam

The national-level entrance examination to select top forensic science courses, including VGU, is the All India Forensic Science Entrance Test (AIFSET). AIFSET is a test of forensic basics, crime scene, forensic biology, toxicology and legal procedures.

A forensic career and quality courses can be available to a person willing to prepare for AIFSET with knowledge of its syllabus and pattern.

Why Choose Forensic Science?

Forensic science is essential in criminal justice with the advancement of technology. The fields include forensic scientist, crime scene investigator, forensic toxicologist, and cyber forensic analyst. In India, the demand in this area is increasing in government laboratories, in private investigation agencies, and research companies.

If you are passionate about forensic science, a good score in AIFSET for  VGU admission can help you create a rewarding career in the field of forensics with practical knowledge, research skills, and right mindset. 

Curti locals residing around the Animal Husbandry guest house on Thursday were taken by surprise with the sudden decision of National Forensic Science University Board to convert the guest house into a forensic science university, near Goa Dairy, at Curti-Ponda.

Sources have reported that the Animal Husbandry guest house is likely to be the temporarily shelter for holding classes of forensic science university.

It is learnt that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will arrive in State on October 14, to lay the foundation stone for forensic science university at Dharbandora and on the same day he is likely to visit the premises of the Animal Husbandry.

It is given to understand that till the forensic science university project gets ready at Dharbandora, the government is preparing to conduct classes for providing training to the students at the guest house. 

However, the government has not yet officially announced about this. Ponda MLA Ravi Naik was not available for comment when Herald tried to contact him.

It may be recalled that Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant had inaugurated the guest house on January 31, this year in presence of PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar, Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude and Ponda MLA Ravi Naik, which was constructed at a cost of Rs 4.70 crore.

Sources said the center might hold classes and training programs until the university's permanent campus at Dharbandora comes up. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who will grace Goa on October 14 to lay the foundation stone of the Dharbandora campus, is also scheduled to conduct a visit to the Curti premises. Though no official confirmation has been announced, reported preparations are in progress to support the academic transition. The guest house constructed at a price of ₹4.70 crore and opened on January 31 this year by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant in the presence of PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar, Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude, and MLA Ravi Naik could soon be repurposed—a decision that has left residents agog and clamoring for clarity from the government.

India TV Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Rajat Sharma addressed at length on Saturday about his life during the event, sharing memories of his troubled times and sharing the scenario of success behind the hit Indian TV show Aap Ki Adalat.

India TV Editor-in-Chief and Chairman Rajat Sharma gave special address on 'My Life: My Story' as chief guest on Saturday at a function at Gujarat's Gandhinagar-based National Forensic Science University. The show was also screened in video form during the function.

Recalling the hardships of the early days

Addressing the public, he said that life in television is very different from real life, which is not so glamorous. Recalling his childhood, he said, "When my life began, it was a life of scarcity. There were ten members in my family and all of them shared a 10x10 room in Delhi's Sabji Mandi area. We used to sleep on stacked charpoys, and the roof would leak.".

There were no schools, of a sort. We would attend school in tat-patti houses. At night, there was no electricity, and I would study at the local railway station."

"Once there was a film on Doordarshan on Saturday. I went to watch the second half on Sunday, but neighbors have closed the door. I got sad and returned. My father inquired from me what happened. I informed him that I went to watch a Bhagat Singh film, but they did not open the door. He told me, "You go to someone's house to watch someone else, do something for yourself, so that people watch you on TV".".

On meeting Arun Jaitley

Sharma also spoke about his college life and meeting the then finance minister Arun Jaitley. He said, "I scored well and got admission in Shri Ram College.  His hand stayed on my shoulder till he went away."

Rajat Sharma on hard work and determination

Sharma emphasized the point that nothing comes easy in life. "Challenges will come in your life, but you will have to face them with courage," he further added.

He narrated the whole story of making his popular TV show Aap Ki Adalat, elaborating on when the planning began, when the pilot episode was shot, and how the show evolved from a concept to being a brand name.

Himachal Pradesh is taking it to the next level—literally on wheels—when it comes to combating crime. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday flagged off six cutting-edge mobile forensic vans from his official residence, Oak Over, describing it as game-changer in making investigation evidence-based.

Run in the first phase at Baddi, Nurpur, Bilaspur, State Forensic Laboratory at Junga and Regional Forensic Science Laboratories at Dharamshala and Mandi, these vans shall bring cutting-edge forensic technology to the crime scene.

Unveiling the program, Sukhu also unveiled a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) handbook—Forensic Evidence Collection, Preservation & Storage—with an agenda to ensure police and medical teams uphold standards while handling evidence. With this, forensic jackets for experts were also unveiled, uniquely designed to recognize as well as safeguard them while working in the field.

"These advanced cars will offer quick, scientific and safe on-site evidence collection," Sukhu said. "With the revolution in forensic investigation, we wish to enhance conviction rates and strengthen the justice delivery system."

Every van, costing ₹65 lakh, is essentially a traveling crime lab. Having drug and explosive detection systems, DNA sample kits, fingerprint and footprint development kits, arson detection equipment, refrigeration kits, cyber-forensic software, microscopes, high-definition video equipment, GPS-linked body cameras, and so on—it outfits investigators with gear previously limited to static labs.

Authorities explained that the mobile vans will be a savior by cutting out transport of evidence over long distances, minimizing risks of contamination and tampering. Forensic experts can now conduct preliminary tests at the very point where the crime is committed, significantly enhancing accuracy and efficiency.

The specialists believe that the initiative puts Himachal Pradesh at the forefront of forensic upgradation in a time when conviction ratios across India are more likely to be compromised by poor quality evidence. With "crime scene on wheels" mobiles, the state believes that no key clue will go through the cracks in investigation.

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