A state-of-the-art forensic laboratory will be set up in Rajarhat by the Central government to help solve crime cases.

The Centre Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) under the Union Home Ministry will set up the upgraded testing and research facility on six-acres that will house 9 examination units of biology, serology, DNA typing, chemistry, explosive, toxicology, ballistics, computer forensic and physics.

The Centre has already sanctioned Rs 25 crore — Rs 10 crore for land and Rs 15 crore for constructing the eight storeyed building — as the initial cost of the project.

“The rapid change in the pattern of crime requires more sophisticated and specialised units. We are setting up more equipped and specialised units at the Rajarhat lab,” said C N Bhattacharya, director, CFSL-Kolkata.

“We have paid for the land and are waiting for the HIDCO to take over the property. Work would start right after that,” Bhattacharya added.

The laboratory will help in reducing the pressure from the existing CFSL facility at Kolkata, which receives around 1,200 to 1,500 cases every year from West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar and North East.

Besides setting up an indoor laboratory (approximately 75,000 to 80,000 sq feet), the new complex is expected to have an outdoor laboratory facility.

“Forensic science is not only about indoor laboratory. On many occasions we require outdoor testing,” said Bhattacharya. (See box)

Departments like forensic psychology, shooter identification, integrated ballistic information system, narcotics, along with the existing units in the current facility will be set up at Rajarhat.

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