Central Forensic Science Laboratory

Introduction

CFSL (Central Forensic Science Laboratory) is a government forensic laboratory in India that conducts scientific analysis of crime-related evidence to assist in criminal investigations and the judicial process.

CFSLs (Central Forensic Science Laboratories) are key forensic institutions in India.

Operate under the Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS).

Aim to fulfill the forensic needs of the country.

The first CFSL was established in Kolkata (then Calcutta) in 1957.

1.CFSL Kolkata

First CFSL in India; set up to provide comprehensive forensic services.

Established: 1957

Focus Areas:

Biological Sciences (DNA, blood, bodily fluids)

Ballistics, Chemistry, Physics

2.CFSL Hyderabad

To strengthen forensic services in southern India

Established: 1967.

Focus Areas:

Chemical Sciences (toxins, narcotics, explosives)

Ballistics, Questioned Documents

3.CFSL Chandigarh

To support investigations in northern India

Established: Approx. 1970s (exact year not confirmed).

Focus Areas:

Physical Sciences (fingerprints, tool marks, physics-related evidence)

Document Examination

4.CFSL New Delhi (CBI)

To provide dedicated forensic support for CBI investigations.

Established: Year not specified

Focus Areas:

Serology, DNA, Biology

Questioned Documents, Digital Forensics

5.CFSL Guwahati (Kamrup)

To serve the eight Northeastern states

Established: 2011 (renamed CFSL in 2013).

Focus Areas:

General forensic services across multiple disciplines

Biological and chemical analysis

6.CFSL Bhopal

To support central Indian states like MP, UP, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan.

Established: 2011 (renamed CFSL in 2013)

Focus Areas:

Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Cyber Forensics

7.CFSL Pune

To meet the forensic needs of western India.

Established: 2011 (renamed CFSL in 2013)

Focus Areas:

Toxicology, Narcotics

Questioned Documents, Cyber Forensics

8.CFSL Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh)

To enhance forensic capacity in Andhra Pradesh.

9.Planned CFSL – Gandhinagar or Ahmedabad (Gujarat)

To build forensic capabilities in Gujarat

Current CFSLs in India

Hyderabad

Kolkata

Chandigarh

New Delhi (CBI)

Guwahati

Bhopal

Pune

Amaravati (under construction)

[Additional planned lab in Gandhinagar/Ahmedabad]

Hierarcy:

Role of CFSL

CFSL helps solve crimes using science.

It studies clues like blood, hair, bullets, and digital data.

The lab gives reports that can be used in court.

It helps find out who committed the crime.

Experts guide police in collecting and saving clues.

They do tests like DNA, fingerprints, and drug checks.

CFSL officers speak in court as expert witnesses.

They use modern machines to find the truth.

The lab follows international quality standards.

CFSL makes sure justice is based on facts and evidence.