Sri Vijaya Puram, May 15, 2025:
In a move aimed at revolutionizing forensic investigation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lieutenant Governor Admiral D.K. Joshi (Retd.) today flagged off three state-of-the-art mobile forensic vans, marking a milestone in the Union Territory’s law enforcement infrastructure.
The flag-off ceremony, held in the presence of top officials including Chief Secretary Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar (IAS), Director General of Police Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal (IPS), IGP Sindhu Pillai (IPS), and other dignitaries, is seen as a key initiative to strengthen scientific evidence collection and support faster and more accurate criminal investigations.
“These mobile forensic vans, equipped with advanced crime scene investigation tools, reflect our administration’s strong commitment to scientific policing and justice delivery,” the LG said while dedicating the vans to the UT’s law enforcement agencies.
The Mobile Forensic Vans were procured from the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Gandhinagar. DGP Dhaliwal noted that their induction is in line with the effective rollout of the three newly enacted criminal laws. “This is a leap forward in strengthening forensic capabilities across the islands,” he said, adding that such tools will ensure quicker, evidence-driven investigations.
A detailed technical overview of the vans was presented by Dr. Devinder Kumar, Assistant Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). Each van is fitted with a suite of forensic kits and tools designed for on-the-spot collection and preservation of biological, chemical, and physical evidence. These include devices for sampling trace materials, bodily fluids, narcotics, fibers, fingerprints, and more – essential for preserving the chain of custody and enhancing evidentiary credibility in court.
Dr. Kumar also announced the upcoming launch of DNA Profiling and Cyber Forensics facilities at the new FSL complex, further widening the scientific toolkit available to local investigators.
These vans are designed not just for mobility, but also to bring scientific precision to the field. Capabilities include portable fingerprint analysis, narcotics detection kits, and ultraviolet/infrared tools for trace evidence identification. Together, these features will accelerate first-response investigations, reduce dependency on mainland labs, and enable a faster, more transparent judicial process.
According to senior officials, the move aligns with India’s broader criminal justice reforms which focus on technology integration and rapid justice delivery. The vans will also help reduce backlog in forensic analysis and assist in the timely processing of complex cases, especially in remote island areas where access to labs is often delayed.
“The presence of these vehicles will change the way evidence is collected and handled in the Andamans,” said SSP (CID) Jitendra Kumar Meena, who delivered the vote of thanks. He also commended the LG and senior administration for their unwavering support in modernizing forensic services.
As the forensic vans roll out to serve the field, the development marks a turning point in the UT’s efforts to ensure justice through scientific rigor, precision, and timeliness. It also reflects a broader national trend of embedding forensics at the core of modern policing.
