Patna: Emphasizing the growing importance of scientific investigation in criminal cases, Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar announced that nine new forensic science laboratories (FSLs) will become operational in the state within the next one to two years. Major Expansion of Forensic Infrastructure Addressing a two-day Satellite Conference on Biological Sciences held at the Bihar Police Headquarters in Patna, the DGP highlighted that: Currently, four regional FSLs are operational in: Patna Muzaffarpur Bhagalpur Rajgir (Bihar Police Academy) Nine additional FSL buildings are already constructed and will soon become functional. Recruitment of 102 Assistant Directors and Senior Scientific Assistants has been completed to support these labs. Read also: Bihar Launches ‘Pan Vikas Yojana’ with ₹11,750 Subsidy to Boost Magahi Pan Cultivation Rising Demand for Scientific Investigation DGP Vinay Kumar emphasized the growing importance of forensic science, especially after the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Key Legal Requirement: For crimes punishable with 7 years or more, it is now mandatory for: A forensic expert to visit the crime scene Proper scientific evidence collection Massive Growth in FSL Case Handling The DGP highlighted a significant increase in forensic service usage: 2012–13: Only 700–800 cases handled annually Now: Around 18,000 criminal cases handled with FSL support This reflects a major upgrade in Bihar’s forensic capabilities over the past two decades. Urgent Need for More DNA Labs Currently, Bihar has only one DNA laboratory, which is insufficient to meet demand. DNA testing is now mandatory in POCSO cases The DGP urged the Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) to support: Establishment of 3–4 additional DNA labs Funding through schemes like the Nirbhaya Fund District-Level Mobile Forensic Units Coming Soon To further strengthen investigation at the grassroots level: Buildings for District Mobile Forensic Laboratories are ready in 28 districts These units will become operational once scientific staff are deployed National & International Participation in Conference The conference, jointly organized by: State FSL, CID Patna DFSS Ministry of Home Affairs saw participation from: National and international forensic experts Scientists from all state and central FSLs Key attendees included: S.K. Jain (Director, DFSS) G.K. Goswami Parasnath With new labs, increased staffing, and stronger legal backing, Bihar is rapidly advancing toward modern, science-driven policing. The upcoming expansion is expected to significantly improve crime investigation efficiency, evidence accuracy, and conviction rates across the state. Read also: CM Nitish Kumar Reviews Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum in Vaishali, Boosts Bihar Buddhist Tourism Circuit
