Chandigarh, May 16: Once marked by hushed corridors and limited resources, Haryana’s State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) is now bustling with energy and expansion. Driven by a sweeping push to modernize, the FSL has witnessed a remarkable transformation in manpower, equipment, and operational capability over the past 21 months.
Top police officials say this revitalization is not only timely but essential, especially as the state prepares to enforce three new criminal laws where forensic evidence will be central to legal outcomes.
“The Haryana FSL is no longer just a lab—it has become the torchbearer of a digital revolution in the pursuit of scientific justice,” said Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur earlier this week, noting how rapid advancements in the lab’s infrastructure and tools have reshaped forensic practices across the state.
According to official figures, the sanctioned strength at the FSL has increased by 70.7%—from 351 posts before August 16, 2023, to 599 today. The number of personnel actively posted has seen an even sharper rise of 104.8%, jumping from 167 to 342. Recruitment is ongoing for 257 additional positions sanctioned between December 2024 and February 2025.
“This growth reflects not just administrative resolve, but also a deeper investment in evidence-based policing,” said OP Singh, state FSL director and additional DGP. “At the heart of this transformation is DGP Kapur’s vision and the state government’s unwavering support.”
The lab has also dramatically upgraded its scientific tools. Equipment strength across divisions rose by 166.7%. For example, the DNA division now operates 92 units—up from just 20 a year ago, marking a 360% spike. Similarly, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) division expanded from 2 to 17 units.
A new fleet of four mobile forensic vans (MFVs), equipped with advanced scientific kits, has further redefined the lab’s capacity for rapid on-site evidence collection. These MFVs enable trained teams to reach crime scenes swiftly and conduct critical tests in real time.
“This is a leap in scientific policing,” Singh said. “With mobile units and advanced instrumentation, we are now far better positioned to support frontline investigations.”
Another major shift has been the introduction of a structured internship program—an area that had been virtually dormant until August 2023. Since then, 149 students from diverse academic backgrounds including BSc, MSc, BTech, and MTech have been inducted into hands-on forensic training.
“These internships are not superficial. They are immersive programs designed to expose students to real-world investigation scenarios and lab techniques,” Singh noted. “It’s a long-term investment in the future of forensic science.”
Officials say that taken together, these upgrades have significantly enhanced the lab’s efficiency, credibility, and ability to respond quickly to investigative needs across Haryana.
As the FSL evolves from a supporting institution to a pivotal force in the state’s justice system, the focus remains on capacity building, talent development, and deep integration with modern law enforcement.
