Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has reappointed retired IPS officer Dr. G.K. Goswami as the Director of the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Sciences (UPSIFS), Lucknow, for a period of one year. The appointment, approved by the Hon’ble Governor, comes into effect from November 13, 2025, ensuring continuity in leadership at the premier forensic institute.
Continuity in Leadership
Dr. Goswami, who retired from service on September 30, 2025, was the founding director of UPSIFS. Following his retirement, the state government had been evaluating potential successors. Given the critical nature of forensic education and the absence of a finalized replacement, Dr. Goswami has been re-engaged on a special post-retirement assignment.
Distinguished Career of Dr. G.K. Goswami
Dr. Goswami, a 1997-batch UP cadre IPS officer, has an illustrious career spanning law enforcement, academics, and forensic science –
Police Career: Served as Additional Director General (ADG) of Police in UP, Chief of the Anti-Terror Squad, and held key positions in the CBI including Director of the CBI Academy, Ghaziabad. He also represented India in the UNODC on organized crime.
Academic Achievements: Holds dual PhDs – one in Medicinal Chemistry and another in Law (focus on DNA profiling in sexual offences). Awarded D.Sc. in Forensic Sciences and Law by National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, becoming the first Indian to achieve this distinction.
International Exposure: Completed the Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Fellowship (2020–21) at Cornell Law School, USA, studying wrongful convictions and innocence claims.
Honours & Awards: Decorated thrice with the Police Medal for Gallantry, Police Medal for Meritorious Service, and a Gold Medal for Gallantry from the Governor of UP. Also received the Kumarappa-Reckless Award by the Indian Society of Criminology.
Contributions to Forensic Science and Legal Education
As an academic and expert in the interface of law and science, Dr. Goswami has –
- Authored over four dozen articles in national and international journals.
- Published multiple books, including Handbook of DNA Forensic Applications and Interpretation.
- Served as Honorary Professor of Law at institutions such as TISS Mumbai, NLUD Delhi, NFSU Gandhinagar, Rashtriya Raksha University, and Jindal Global Law School.
- Trained senior judges, bureaucrats, police officers, and bankers on forensic applications and legal evidence.
Strengthening UPSIFS
Dr. Goswami’s reappointment ensures that UPSIFS continues its mission to develop forensic education and research in India. Under his guidance, the institute is expected to maintain its reputation as a center of excellence in forensic sciences, bridging the gap between law enforcement and legal academia.
