Home Minister Flags Off 10 Mobile Forensic Vehicles

Aizawl, Sept 2025: Home Minister Pu K. Sapdanga today flagged off 10 Mobile Forensic Vehicles at the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratory. These vehicles, procured at a cost of Rs. 4.818 crore by the Government of India, are specially designed and fully equipped with essential forensic tools and equipment. The purchase was sanctioned and supplied in August 2025.

Since July 1, 2024, the new Criminal Law – Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 – has been implemented across India, which gives greater importance to forensic examination. The law requires forensic experts to certify evidence in all cases where the punishment is more than 7 years’ imprisonment. To ensure that forensic services are carried out efficiently, the Government of India has been providing necessary infrastructure to State/UT Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs), including advanced machineries, equipment, and Mobile Forensic Vehicles (MFVs). For Mizoram, the Centre has sanctioned Rs. 6.13 crore for 15 sets of advanced equipment for the State FSL, in addition to 10 Mobile Forensic Vehicles.

At present, the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratory, Mizoram, located at the Mizoram New Capital Complex, has District Mobile Forensic Units in Aizawl, Lunglei, and Champhai, with trained experts to be recruited soon. More district units will be established in the future.

The Home Minister remarked that India is among the leading countries in the world in the field of forensics. The significance of forensic science gained strong momentum after the infamous 2012 Delhi gangrape ‘Nirbhaya Case,’ which highlighted the urgent need for scientific investigation. He noted that since then, India has been taking major steps to strengthen forensic capabilities, and Mizoram Forensic Science Laboratory is also keeping pace by being among the first in the country to implement paperless casework, fast-tracked examinations, and a case tracking system.

At present, under the leadership of Director Pu T. Lalropuia, 14 forensic experts are working in Mizoram. They regularly visit crime scenes across the State, conduct examinations in the laboratory, and provide expert testimony in courts. Their work, in close coordination with Mizoram Police, has already contributed significantly to ensuring fair and accurate justice in many major cases.

Today’s event was chaired by FSL Director Pu T. Lalropuia. Home Secretary Pu Vanlalmawia presented the report, and officials from the Home Department and FSL were also present.