Bihar expands its mobile forensic vans from 17 to 51 to enhance crime investigation and evidence collection, aiding quicker justice across key districts
Bihar has significantly expanded its Mobile Forensic Laboratory (MFL) network from 17 to 51 vehicles, marking a major step toward strengthening scientific crime investigation and accelerating evidence-based justice delivery across the state. The expansion aims to improve on-site forensic response, reduce delays in investigations, and ensure better preservation of critical evidence.
With this move, forensic services are being brought closer to crime scenes, particularly in districts with high case volumes.
Priority Coverage for High-Crime Districts
As part of the expansion strategy, six major districts—Patna, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Motihari, and Madhubani—will now have at least two mobile forensic vans each. These districts record a higher concentration of criminal cases, and the increased deployment is expected to ensure quicker forensic access and broader coverage.
This district-focused allocation reflects a data-driven approach to forensic resource distribution.
Addressing Long-Standing Investigation Delays
Delays in transporting evidence from crime scenes to forensic laboratories have long been a bottleneck in criminal investigations, often affecting case quality and prolonging distress for victims’ families. Mobile forensic vans are designed to bridge this gap by enabling immediate scientific examination at the scene itself.
By conducting preliminary forensic work on-site, investigators can secure fragile evidence before it deteriorates, is contaminated, or tampered with.
Advanced Forensic Capabilities on Wheels
Each Mobile Forensic Laboratory vehicle is specially designed and equipped with advanced tools to support primary forensic examination at crime scenes. The equipment installed includes:
- Fingerprint and footprint lifting systems
- Blood detection and collection kits
- DNA sample collection kits with cold storage facilities
- Drug detection kits
- Explosive detection kits
- Document examination tools
- High-resolution cameras and video documentation systems
- Cyber forensic software
- Generator and refrigeration units
These facilities allow forensic teams to conduct initial testing and documentation at the scene, significantly improving the scientific handling of evidence.
Supporting New Criminal Law Requirements
The deployment of mobile forensic vans is particularly significant in the context of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which mandates forensic certification of evidence in criminal cases punishable with more than seven years of imprisonment.
Mobile forensic units will play a crucial role in meeting these legal requirements by ensuring:
- Timely forensic certification
- Proper chain-of-custody maintenance
- Scientifically documented crime scenes
This alignment with the new legal framework strengthens the admissibility and credibility of forensic evidence in court.
Enhancing Evidence Integrity and Chain of Custody
Senior police officials have emphasized that mobile forensic vans will help preserve biological samples at appropriate temperatures before they are sent to forensic science laboratories. The vans can also conduct preliminary determinations, such as identifying whether blood found at a crime scene is of human or animal origin.
Such early verification helps investigators make informed decisions during the initial stages of a case and prevents unnecessary delays.
Existing Forensic Infrastructure and Integration
Bihar currently has a State Forensic Science Laboratory in Patna and Regional Forensic Science Laboratories in Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, and Rajgir. In addition, district-level mobile forensic units have now been approved across all districts, ensuring that forensic expertise is not limited to urban centers.
The expanded mobile fleet complements existing laboratories by reducing workload pressure and improving coordination between field investigators and forensic experts.
Implications for Forensic Professionals and Students
The expansion of mobile forensic services reflects the growing importance of field forensic expertise in modern investigations. Mobile forensic units require professionals trained in crime scene management, evidence preservation, forensic documentation, and the scientific handling of biological and physical exhibits.
For students and budding forensic experts, this development highlights the need for strong practical skills alongside laboratory knowledge.
Conclusion
By expanding its mobile forensic van network from 17 to 51, Bihar has taken a decisive step toward modern, science-driven crime investigation. The initiative enhances district-level forensic access, supports compliance with new criminal laws, and improves the speed and quality of evidence collection.
As forensic science becomes increasingly central to criminal justice, mobile forensic laboratories are emerging as a vital link between crime scenes, laboratories, and courts—ensuring that justice is not delayed due to scientific or procedural gaps.
