Patna: The Bihar government has approved the establishment of an off-campus centre of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) along with a Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory (CFSL) at Dumri, Punpun, in a move aimed at modernising and accelerating criminal investigations in the state.
Officials said around 50 acres of land will be acquired for the project, with Rs 287.16 crore sanctioned for this purpose.
Reducing Dependence On Other States
At present, Bihar relies heavily on forensic laboratories outside the state for DNA testing, cybercrime analysis and other scientific examinations—often leading to delays in investigations and court proceedings.
Authorities said the new facility will significantly reduce turnaround time for forensic reports and improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system.
Integrated Forensic Infrastructure
The proposed laboratory will house multiple capabilities under one roof, including:
- DNA testing
- Fingerprint analysis
- Cyber forensics
- Analysis of narcotics and explosives
Officials added that advanced digital forensic tools and crime scene analysis systems will also be installed.
Education And Research Hub
Alongside the laboratory, the NFSU campus will offer academic and training infrastructure, including smart classrooms, research labs, libraries and hostels.
The institute is expected to provide specialised education in fields such as forensic science, cyber security and behavioural sciences, while also conducting research to strengthen investigative techniques.
Training For Law Enforcement
The facility will also serve as a training centre for police personnel, judicial officers and security agencies, focusing on scientific evidence collection and analysis.
Expansion Of Forensic Network
Currently, Bihar has four functional forensic laboratories in Patna, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur and Rajgir.
The government plans to expand this network by establishing nine additional laboratories over the next one to two years, taking the total to 13.
Cyber forensic labs are already operational in Patna and Rajgir, supported by a fleet of 50 mobile forensic vans.
Officials said the initiative will not only improve the speed and accuracy of investigations but also create new opportunities in technical education and employment, marking a significant step towards strengthening Bihar’s law enforcement and judicial systems.
