Himachal CM Flags Off Six State-of-the-Art Mobile Forensic Vans to Strengthen Criminal Investigations

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday flagged off six advanced mobile forensic vans, each costing ₹65 lakh and equipped with cutting-edge technology, including drug and explosive detection systems.

In the first phase, the vehicles will be deployed at three district forensic units (Baddi, Nurpur, Bilaspur), the State Forensic Science Laboratory in Junga, and the regional labs in Dharamshala and Mandi.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also released the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) manual “Forensic Evidence Collection, Preservation and Storage” — a uniform set of guidelines for investigating officers and medical professionals — and unveiled specially designed jackets for forensic experts visiting crime scenes.

“These advanced vehicles will enable scientific and rapid collection of evidence, ensuring its preservation and secure storage at the crime scene,” Sukhu said. He added that strengthening forensic investigation with modern technology will boost conviction rates and improve the justice system.

Each van is fitted with high-end equipment such as drug and explosive detectors, fingerprint and footprint development kits, DNA sampling kits, arson detection kits, refrigeration units, portable generators, cyber-forensic software, high-resolution video documentation systems, microscopes, GPS-enabled body-worn cameras, DSLR and CCTV cameras, and other essential tools.

The integrated kits will allow investigators to analyze a wide range of evidence, including fingerprints, biological fluids, hair, bullets and explosive residues, bite marks, suspect documents, tire and shoe impressions, narcotics, and other trace materials. The mobile units are designed to ensure immediate, contamination-free collection, preventing degradation or loss of critical forensic evidence.

“This initiative will bring greater transparency to evidence collection and expedite the process of securing convictions,” the Chief Minister said.

He emphasized that as crime patterns evolve, investigative mechanisms must also advance. The new vans will not only speed up forensic services but also ensure reliable and accurate evidence gathering, ultimately strengthening conviction rates.

The Directorate of Forensic Services in Himachal Pradesh currently supports not only state investigating agencies but also central bodies such as the CBI, NIA, and ED with its expertise.