Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 15 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the state had only four forensic science laboratories before 2017, but the number has now increased to 12, with six more currently under construction, as he inaugurated the newly upgraded A-Class Regional Forensic Science Laboratory in Gorakhpur.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, the Chief Minister said the six-storey modern facility, built at a cost of INR 72.78 crore, marks a major step in strengthening law enforcement. He said the ‘new Uttar Pradesh’ built after 2017 has no place for crime and that anyone attempting to break the law will face strict consequences.
After inaugurating and inspecting the upgraded laboratory, he congratulated the people of eastern Uttar Pradesh for gaining access to advanced forensic capabilities. He said the days when victims were left helpless while criminals moved freely were over, adding that under a zero-tolerance policy, the state government has created a robust system of evidence collection and certification through modern forensic science laboratories to ensure that no offender escapes accountability.
The Chief Minister said scientific investigation, supported by high-tech forensic facilities, has created a reliable mechanism in which criminals cannot evade justice. He added that accurate, swift and transparent investigations are now enabling victims to receive timely and hassle-free justice.
Yogi Adityanath noted that despite being the most populous state, Uttar Pradesh had only four forensic laboratories until 2017. After the formation of his government, a decision was taken to establish a forensic lab in every commissionerate. He said the number has now increased to 12, with six more under construction, and that every commissionerate will soon have its own laboratory to ensure comprehensive forensic examination and strong action against criminals.
He further said the government has deployed two mobile forensic laboratory vans in each district to ensure the rapid collection of evidence. According to him, this system enables strong evidence to be gathered within hours, improving the efficiency of investigations and ensuring quicker justice for victims. He said no criminal would be able to escape due to a lack of evidence.
The Chief Minister said that before 2017, even when evidence was collected, the absence of adequate forensic facilities often allowed criminals to go free. He added that following the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita, 2023, introduced in July last year under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the role of forensic laboratories has become even more crucial. He said forensic investigation is now mandatory for crimes carrying punishment of more than seven years’ imprisonment, and that Uttar Pradesh had prepared for this transition well in advance.
Yogi Adityanath said forensic science laboratories will also create new employment opportunities for young people. He said the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science has been established in Lucknow, offering certificate courses for lab technicians, diploma programmes for field evidence collectors and degree courses for forensic experts. He added that the institute is equipped with advanced DNA diagnostics, AI-based systems, drone laboratories and robotics labs, with the capability to operate drones ranging from nano models to those weighing up to 40 kg.
He said the upgraded forensic science laboratory in Gorakhpur is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that will significantly enhance the precision of investigations and serve as a game-changer for modern policing by ensuring faster, more accurate and fully transparent investigations. He added that the laboratory is aligned with the government’s zero-tolerance approach to crime and will be among the select institutions capable of conducting all major forensic examinations, including ballistics, narcotics, serology, cyber forensics, DNA profiling and document analysis.
According to the Chief Minister, these capabilities will significantly improve the speed and reliability of police work, and the government aims to raise cyber forensic standards to international levels to effectively counter future high-tech crimes.
Yogi Adityanath said strengthening the rule of law remains the state government’s highest priority. He said 2,19,000 police personnel have been recruited in Uttar Pradesh over the past eight years, including 60,244 in the most recent recruitment drive, adding that this figure exceeds the total police strength of several states.
He also highlighted the expansion of police training infrastructure, noting that in 2017 the state’s training capacity stood at only 6,000. He said the capacity has now increased more than tenfold, allowing all recruits to be trained at government-run centres. He added that police facilities are being upgraded to meet growing requirements, and in several districts, police barracks are set to become the tallest buildings.
The Chief Minister said the demand for implementing the commissionerate system in Uttar Pradesh had remained pending for nearly 50 years and was fulfilled by his government in 2020. He said the system is now operational in seven districts. He added that 17 municipal corporations, along with Noida and Greater Noida, have been developed as safe cities, with more than 13 lakh CCTV cameras installed across major urban centres to enhance safety and surveillance.
Explaining the role of CCTV monitoring, he said the system ensures criminals are identified within hours of an incident and that no crime remains hidden. He said Uttar Pradesh does not tolerate crime and works with a firm commitment to security and respect for all.
The Chief Minister also said earlier governments had attempted to disband the PAC battalion, but his government strengthened it instead. He said three women’s PAC battalions have been formed alongside the SSF and SDRF, named after Veerangna Jhalkari Bai in Gorakhpur, Veerangna Uda Devi in Lucknow and Veerangna Avanti Bai Lodhi in Badaun. He added that new PAC battalions have been established in Balrampur, Jalaun, Mirzapur, Shamli and Bijnor, and funds have been sanctioned to build modern police lines in ten districts.
He said women’s participation in the workforce was below 13 per cent before 2017 due to insecurity, but has now risen to over 35 per cent with improvements in law and order. He added that police services, ambulances, the fire department and the cyber helpline have been integrated through the 112 emergency response system, making assistance and justice more accessible to citizens.
Lok Sabha MP Ravi Kishan also addressed the ceremony. In his welcome remarks, ADG Technical Services Naveen Arora outlined technological advancements in the police department, while DIG Technical Services Anand Kulkarni delivered the vote of thanks.
(ANI)