In a groundbreaking initiative, the Maharashtra government on Monday introduced 21 fully equipped mobile forensic vans to enhance crime detection and evidence collection, making it the first state in India to implement such a program.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched the mobile forensic van at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai. Holding the Home portfolio as well, Fadnavis said that the use of forensic evidence has been made mandatory under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, for crimes with punishments of seven years or more.
As part of the state’s reform, 259 mobile forensic vans have been proposed, with 21 already fully equipped and operational.
“Using the block chain technology, the crime scene application will secure evidence using barcodes, ensuring it cannot be tampered with or destroyed,” Fadnavis explained. “This initiative will instil fear among criminals and significantly increase crime conviction rates.”
The vans are equipped with advanced forensic kits, cyber tools, and trained personnel to respond to crime scenes 24/7. They are equipped with modern amenities to undertake spot tests in a laboratory environment at the crime scene itself, ensuring quicker and more accurate evidence analysis.
