MHA Approves Dedicated Forensic Institute at AIIMS Jammu: A Strategic Expansion of Forensic Science Infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir
In a major boost to the criminal justice and forensic science ecosystem of Jammu & Kashmir, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the proposal for setting up a dedicated Forensic Institute in the Union Territory. The proposal was submitted by AIIMS Jammu, marking a landmark step towards strengthening scientific investigation, medico-legal services, and evidence-based policing in the region.
Institute to Come Up in Samba District
According to official sources cited in multiple reports, the proposed forensic institute will be established in Samba district, strategically located to serve both the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley. The institute is expected to function as a centralised hub for advanced forensic analysis and research, significantly reducing reliance on out-of-state forensic facilities.
Strengthening Scientific Investigation
The approval is being viewed as a critical reform-oriented intervention aimed at improving investigation quality and conviction rates. Officials said the institute will enhance capabilities in areas such as DNA analysis, forensic pathology, toxicology, ballistics, cyber and digital forensics, and other specialised disciplines that are increasingly vital for modern criminal investigations.
The initiative is also expected to address long-standing delays in forensic reports, which often hamper timely prosecution and justice delivery.
CBI Involvement in Planning
Reports indicate that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been associated with the initiative, particularly in the planning and technical consultation stages. This involvement is expected to ensure that the institute adheres to national forensic standards and is aligned with the requirements of central investigative agencies.
Existing Infrastructure and the Gap
Jammu & Kashmir currently has two Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs) located in Jammu and Srinagar. However, officials and experts have long pointed out capacity constraints, increasing case load, and limited advanced facilities. The new institute is expected to bridge this gap by providing high-end infrastructure, modern equipment, and trained manpower under one roof.
Integration with Medical and Legal Systems
Being proposed by AIIMS Jammu, the institute is also expected to have strong integration with forensic medicine and medico-legal services. This will facilitate faster post-mortem examinations, clinical forensic assessments, and expert testimony, benefiting both law enforcement agencies and the judiciary.
Awaiting Details on Timeline and Budget
While the MHA’s approval has been welcomed across administrative and legal circles, details regarding project cost, funding pattern, construction timeline, and governance structure have not yet been officially disclosed. These are expected to be finalised during the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and subsequent administrative sanctions.
A Landmark Development
Officials described the approval as a “transformative step” for Jammu & Kashmir’s justice delivery system. Once operational, the institute is expected to play a key role in counter-terror investigations, organised crime cases, cybercrime probes, and routine criminal cases, besides serving as a training and research centre for forensic professionals.
With the MHA’s green signal, the proposed forensic institute is poised to become a cornerstone of scientific policing and judicial efficiency in Jammu & Kashmir, reinforcing the Union Territory’s law-and-order framework through evidence-based justice.
