Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 16 May 2025
In a major stride toward enhancing forensic infrastructure and strengthening scientific support for law enforcement, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Admiral D. K. Joshi (Retd.), PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM, flagged off three state-of-the-art Mobile Forensic Vans on Thursday.
The official flag-off ceremony was held in the presence of Chief Secretary Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS; Director General of Police Mr. Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, IPS; Inspector General of Police (L&O/Intl) Ms. Sindhu Pillai, IPS; and other senior officials from the A&N Administration and Police Department.
Addressing the gathering, the DGP highlighted that the advanced forensic vans, procured from the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, are aimed at supporting the effective implementation of the newly enacted criminal laws. He described the development as a “major milestone” in strengthening the Union Territory’s forensic capabilities—enabling faster, more accurate, and scientifically grounded investigations. The DGP also acknowledged the unwavering support of the Lt. Governor and civil administration in bolstering forensic services across the Islands.
Dr. Devinder Kumar, Assistant Director, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), delivered a detailed presentation on the operational features of the mobile units. Each van is equipped with a full suite of basic and advanced forensic kits, digital tools, and field instrumentation for the on-site collection and preservation of biological, chemical, and physical evidence. These capabilities include analysis of trace materials, bodily fluids, narcotics, fibers, and fingerprints, among others.
Dr. Kumar also announced the upcoming establishment of DNA Profiling and Cyber Forensic units at the newly constructed FSL building, a move expected to significantly widen the scope and depth of forensic services in the Islands.
The Mobile Forensic Vans are aligned with the vision of the reformed criminal justice system and are expected to:
• Enhance the scientific rigour of criminal investigations
• Improve the reliability and admissibility of forensic evidence in courts
• Expedite justice delivery through transparent and efficient processes
Dedicating the vans to law enforcement agencies, Lt. Governor Admiral D. K. Joshi emphasized their critical role in ensuring credible investigations and timely justice in accordance with the rule of law.
The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Mr. Jitendra Kumar Meena, IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police (CID), who expressed appreciation to the Lt. Governor and all dignitaries for their continued support in strengthening the forensic ecosystem of the Union Territory.
This development marks a transformative chapter in the evolution of scientific policing in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to modern, evidence-based law enforcement.