Amit Shah Unveils New Forensic Lab In Kolkata; Pushes For Evidence-Based Justice System

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to establishing a foolproof, evidence-based criminal justice system, highlighting technology’s crucial role in keeping law enforcement ahead of criminals.

He was speaking after inaugurating the new premises of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) at Rajarhat, on the northern fringes of Kolkata.

“The objective is to move away from a debate-based system to one that relies entirely on evidence. This ensures that real offenders cannot exploit legal loopholes, and that justice is swiftly delivered to the victims,” Shah remarked.

Shah stressed the importance of staying two steps ahead of criminals, asserting that technology will be pivotal in the transformation.

“DNA sequencing has allowed us to resolve criminal cases pending for two decades. Forensic audits have uncovered major financial fraud. This shows the potential of science in revolutionising investigations,” he said.

He added that a ₹2,800 crore national project for modernising forensic science infrastructure is already in the pipeline.

Also, a major component of this reform is the establishment of a National Forensic Data Centre at a cost of ₹200 crore.

This centre will house a comprehensive repository of forensic data and leverage artificial intelligence for analysis, significantly advancing investigative efficiency and reliability.

CFSL Rajarhat: A Strategic Step Forward

The new CFSL facility inaugurated in Kolkata will bolster the government’s ambition to decentralise and strengthen regional forensic capabilities.

Furthermore, the new forensic lab will deliver faster and more accurate services across eastern and northeastern states.

Shah highlighted the lab’s strategic importance and asserted that enhancing forensic capabilities at every level helps convict criminals based on indisputable scientific evidence.

Later in the day, Shah will address a BJP rally at Netaji Indoor Stadium in central Kolkata.

Party workers and state leaders will attend the rally, where the BJP will outline its strategy for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

While his public remarks focused on justice reform, the political gathering is likely to pivot towards electoral mobilisation in the state.

The initiatives announced by Amit Shah form a cornerstone of the government’s larger strategy to modernise India’s criminal justice system.

Also, with forensic science and AI at the helm, the Centre envisions a legal framework where evidence is irrefutable, justice is timely, and public trust is fortified.

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