A new forensic lab at Belapur will mean faster disposal of cases
A new forensic lab at Belapur will mean faster disposal of casesu00a0
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A brand new forensic laboratory, exclusively for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), is expected to be fully functional by the end of the year. Located in Belapur, Navi Mumbai, the lab will act like a shot in the arm for the CBI, hopefully leading to faster investigation, backed by thorough scientific analysis testing.
The 3,000 sq ft laboratory will house necessary equipment to conduct scientific and forensic tests. "The up-to-date technology is estimated to cost around Rs 1.5 crore," says Rajendra Singh, director, Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), CBI. 
The CFSL will house equipment to conduct tests like the Lie Detection Test, and forensic analysis including document examination. This includes testing forgery cases and handwriting analysis. Facilities will also be available to accommodate a fingerprinting division.
"We plan to have a separate Chemistry division to cater to trap and bribe cases," says Singh. Currently, the Mumbai branch of the CBI sends its samples and corroborative evidence to the New Delhi headquarters, resulting in delays since the Delhi center is over-burdened. "The CFSL in Delhi caters to the entire northern belt, which incidentally has a high incidence of crime," saysu00a0 Abhin Modak, superintendent, CBI.
The Mumbai CFSL is also likely to help tide over delays in trial caused by the absence of scientific experts during court hearings. "Since personnel have to fly down from Delhi each time a case comes up for hearing, it results in regular adjournments. Now, with a dedicated team of scientists in Mumbai, that can be avoided," says a senior CBI official who didn't wish to be named.u00a0
The Headquarters
The government had allotted a 1,500 sq m plot at G-Block, BKC, to get all the CBI departments under one roof. The integrated CBI complex is expected to be a 10-storeyed building with a 6,836-sq m built-up area, with state-of-the-art interrogation facilities, forensic labs, and facilities to train personnel to tackle new-age crimes.
Debuts In: December 2010
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