Amit Shah Hails Forensic Infrastructure Boost with New CFSL Kolkata Inauguration

Kolkata, June 1: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated the new Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) building in Rajarhat, Kolkata, and announced a transformative initiative to upgrade India’s forensic infrastructure. Emphasizing the critical role of forensic science in solving criminal cases, Shah unveiled a comprehensive plan to invest ₹2,800 crore towards the modernisation and expansion of forensic capabilities across the country.

New Era for Forensic Infrastructure in India

During his address at the CFSL Kolkata inauguration, Shah underscored the importance of evidence-based investigations. “Modernising our forensic infrastructure is not just an upgrade; it’s a necessity for a foolproof and scientific criminal justice system,” he stated. The newly inaugurated CFSL building is expected to significantly enhance forensic operations in eastern India, contributing to faster and more accurate crime analysis.

Massive Investment to Strengthen Forensic Infrastructure Nationwide

As part of the central government’s broader commitment, Shah announced key allocations:

• ₹1,300 crore for establishing nine new campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NSFU).
• ₹860 crore for seven new CFSLs to be set up in Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Bihar.
• ₹2,080 crore towards further modernisation of forensic infrastructure.
• ₹200 crore for the creation of a National Forensic Data Centre using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data technologies.

According to Shah, the integration of AI-based systems will revolutionize forensic analysis by making it faster, more accurate, and scalable across different investigative domains.

National Forensic Data Centre: A Game-Changer

Amit Shah revealed plans for a dedicated National Forensic Data Centre that will store and process vast amounts of forensic data. “This AI-enabled facility will serve as a central intelligence hub, enabling rapid analysis and cross-linking of criminal data to aid investigators across India,” he said. This centre is expected to play a crucial role in ushering in a transparent and tamper-proof justice delivery system.

Why Forensic Infrastructure Matters

The role of forensic infrastructure in today’s legal and law enforcement systems cannot be overstated. From DNA profiling to cybercrime analysis and toxicology reports, modern forensic tools help law enforcement agencies make data-backed decisions and build stronger court cases.

With rising instances of complex crimes—digital fraud, terrorism, cyberattacks—the need for cutting-edge forensic labs has never been more urgent. The Centre’s current initiative addresses this gap while laying the foundation for future-ready criminal investigation systems.

Eastern India Gets a Forensic Boost

The newly inaugurated CFSL in Kolkata is a state-of-the-art facility equipped to handle diverse forensic services, including ballistics, DNA fingerprinting, toxicology, document examination, and cyber forensics. It will serve not only West Bengal but also neighbouring states, thereby decentralizing forensic support and easing the workload on existing centres.

Vision for the Future: A Crime-Free India Through Science

This strategic push to upgrade forensic infrastructure aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a transparent, accountable, and technology-driven governance model. With the Centre’s substantial financial commitment, India is on track to become a global leader in scientific policing and forensic research.

Conclusion

Amit Shah’s inauguration of the new CFSL Kolkata marks a pivotal moment in India’s law enforcement evolution. With a clear focus on expanding and enhancing forensic infrastructure, the government is taking bold steps to ensure that India’s criminal justice system is future-proof, evidence-based, and globally competent.