Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the new building of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Rajarhat, Kolkata, on Sunday.
This state-of-the-art facility is poised to bolster forensic capabilities in eastern and northeastern India, addressing the growing need for advanced crime investigation infrastructure. During the inauguration, Shah emphasized that the establishment of this laboratory marks a significant milestone in the Centre’s ongoing efforts to build a secure, transparent, and evidence-driven criminal justice system. He stated, “It is a moment of immense satisfaction as we continue to strengthen each link in the chain of modern forensic and investigative infrastructure.” The new CFSL building is expected to alleviate the pressure on the existing facility in Kolkata, which handles approximately 1,200 to 1,500 cases annually from West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and the northeastern states .
The Rajarhat facility spans approximately 75,000 to 80,000 square feet and is equipped with both indoor and outdoor laboratories. These include specialized units for forensic psychology, shooter identification, narcotics analysis, and an integrated ballistic information system. Notably, the laboratory has acquired advanced equipment, such as a Rs 4 crore Integrated Ballistic Information System from Canada and a Rs 1.5 crore gaseous particle detection system from the UK .
Shah also highlighted the impact of recent criminal law reforms, particularly the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He noted that in 60% of cases, chargesheets are now being filed within 60 days, demonstrating the effectiveness of these reforms in expediting the judicial process.
Looking ahead, the central government plans to establish seven more CFSL laboratories in Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Bihar. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to enhance forensic science infrastructure across the country, aiming to improve the conviction rate and strengthen internal security
Shah’s visit to West Bengal also includes interactions with BJP leaders and functionaries during a party convention at the Netaji Indoor Stadium later in the day. The inauguration of the Rajarhat CFSL building underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing forensic science facilities and ensuring timely justice through scientific evidence.
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