Citizen-Centric and Blockchain-Based Approach to Strengthen Forensic Labs: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra to Set Up the Country’s Most Advanced Cyber Forensic Laboratories

Nagpur — Maharashtra is leading the way in developing the most advanced cyber forensic scientific systems in the country. Alongside state-of-the-art cyber labs, mobile forensic laboratories are also being established. In view of the rising number of cyber and fraud-related crimes, a citizen-centric approach and the adoption of blockchain technology will soon be integrated to further strengthen forensic laboratory infrastructure, Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced today.

He was speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the new administrative building of the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory at Dhantoli, Nagpur, along with the virtual inauguration of three new Home Department projects. Also present were Minister of State (Home – Rural) Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar, MP Shyamkumar Barve, MLAs Sandeep Joshi and Sanjay Meshram, DG (Judicial and Technical) Sanjay Verma, Managing Director of Maharashtra State Police Housing & Welfare Corporation Archana Tyagi, and Director of Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories Dr. Vijay Thakre.

CM Fadnavis emphasized that forensic science laboratories play a vital role in securing justice for victims and holding criminals accountable. The new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has underscored the importance of scientific evidence, making forensic support mandatory in specific cases. Since 2014, Maharashtra has made special efforts to improve conviction rates, with an increased focus on technical and forensic evidence. Through 14 government resolutions, the state has raised the conviction rate from 9% to 54%. As India progresses towards becoming a developed nation, this rate needs to exceed 90%, he asserted.

Maharashtra has already initiated the setup of modern cyber forensic labs, scientific forensic labs, mobile forensic labs, and a Cyber Center in Navi Mumbai, which has now been upgraded into a full-fledged corporation.

The Regional Forensic Science Laboratory in Nagpur is being modernized, and the CM expressed hope that the construction of its new building will be completed by February 2027. He further stated that citizen-centric and blockchain-based systems will soon be adopted in the lab’s operations to ensure timely conviction and faster delivery of justice. Forensic science, he said, is a public service and instructed officials to resolve all pending cases by the end of this year.

Earlier, CM Fadnavis also virtually inaugurated:

• Phase II of computerization of the newly activated labs under the Home Department,
• A semi-automated system in Mumbai, and
• The Center of Excellence in Pune.

The inaugural address was delivered by Dr. Vijay Thakre, Director of the Forensic Science Laboratories Directorate, and Deputy Director Ashwin Gedam of the Nagpur Regional Laboratory expressed gratitude during the event.