Patna: In a move aimed at bolstering investigative infrastructure across Bihar, the state police have submitted a proposal to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for the operationalisation of six new Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs) at an estimated cost of ₹163 crore, officials said on Monday. The initiative, if approved, is expected to significantly enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies in handling complex criminal investigations and forensic analysis.

Current Forensic Infrastructure in Bihar

At present, Bihar has four functioning FSLs. The state capital, Patna, hosts the primary State FSL, while three regional laboratories operate in Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, and Rajgir. These laboratories provide forensic services including chemical, biological, and physical analysis of evidence collected from crime scenes.

The proposed expansion seeks to create six additional regional FSLs across the state. According to ADGP Paras Nath, the proposal was sent from the Bihar Police Headquarters to the state Home Department and subsequently forwarded to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for sanction.

“We have proposed ₹163 crore to make FSLs operational in six more locations. If sanctioned, the police will purchase the required equipment and make these labs fully functional in 2026,” ADGP Nath said.

Focus on Cyber Forensics

In line with increasing digital crime, Bihar Police has also taken steps to strengthen its cyber forensic capabilities. Under an agreement with the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), cyber forensic units were launched in July 2025at the FSL in Patna and the regional laboratory at Rajgir, which is located within the Bihar Police Academy.

“The process to procure necessary items for these cyber forensic units has already begun,” ADGP Nath confirmed. These units are expected to assist in analyzing digital evidence, tracing cybercrime activities, and supporting law enforcement in tackling technology-driven offenses.

Staffing and Operational Readiness

Across all forensic labs and districts, Bihar Police currently employs 85 senior scientific assistants and 44 gazetted officers. However, staffing gaps remain significant, with vacancies for 100 senior scientific officers and 89 assistant directors. The police department expects these positions to be filled on a contractual basis by the end of January or February, following verification processes. Filling these positions will bolster the capacity of forensic teams and improve the speed and efficiency of investigations.

ADGP Nath emphasized the increasing importance of forensics in law enforcement following the enactment of new criminal laws on July 1, 2024. “The value of forensic evidence in investigations has increased significantly,” he said. In 2025 alone, 56,511 exhibits were investigated in 10,955 cases by FSL teams across the state.

Mobile Forensic Units

To enhance investigative reach, Bihar Police has also invested in mobile forensic units. The number of mobile forensic vans has risen from 17 to 51 vans, which are now deployed across all districts. These vehicles allow forensic teams to reach crime scenes directly, including cases that are over seven years old, and carry out necessary procedures on-site.

“Regarding cases older than seven years, one officer or employee has been deputed in each district, equipped with forensic vans or other vehicles to carry out procedures as required under the new laws,” ADGP Nath said. The vans, which were flagged off by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar around two months ago, are designed to facilitate prompt forensic support in remote or high-priority cases.

Strategic Importance

The proposal for six new FSLs is expected to have wide-ranging implications for law enforcement in Bihar. These labs would not only increase the state’s capacity to handle a growing caseload of criminal investigations but also improve the quality and speed of forensic analysis.

Experts note that such expansion is critical, especially in regions experiencing rapid urbanization and increasing incidents of crime, including cyber offenses, financial frauds, and complex criminal networks. By decentralizing forensic services and establishing regional labs, Bihar Police aims to reduce turnaround time for evidence analysis and strengthen the overall justice delivery system.

Looking Ahead

If approved, the six new FSLs are projected to be operational by the end of 2026. With a combination of modern infrastructure, cyber forensic capabilities, and mobile forensic units, Bihar is positioning itself to become a forensic-forward state, capable of handling both traditional criminal investigations and emerging digital threats.

ADGP Nath stressed that the state government remains committed to investing in technology, personnel, and infrastructure to ensure that forensic science plays a central role in the criminal justice system. “This expansion, coupled with the cyber forensic units and mobile vans, will ensure that our forensic teams are well-equipped to support investigations efficiently and effectively,” he said.

In sum, the proposal for six new forensic labs, the emphasis on cyber forensics, and the rapid deployment of mobile forensic units underscore Bihar Police’s commitment to modernizing its investigative apparatus. This development comes at a time when forensic science is increasingly recognized as a critical tool in the fight against crime, ensuring timely justice, reducing backlogs, and improving public trust in law enforcement.

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