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Time of India
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
54% conviction rate good but state should reach 90%: CM Fadnavis
Nagpur: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the state has improved the conviction rate from just 9% in 2013 to the current 54%. "However, it should ideally be above 90%, a benchmark of a developed economy," said the CM during the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) here on Sunday. "Fifty-four per cent is good for a developing economy, but we are now heading towards becoming a developed economy for which a 90% conviction rate is ideal," he said. Fadnavis stressed on reducing the number of pending cases and maintaining the cycle of the regular ones. He also praised the forensic department for putting in extra hours. "We appreciate the forensic department's staff working four extra hours daily and also on Saturdays to eliminate pendency. The output of the forensic department also improved by 22% in 2024 compared to the year before," he said. Adding that the forensic department has witnessed a sea change after the passing of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and two other laws, Fadnavis said that now we have a 'techno-assisted' criminal justice system, unlike the bio-assisted system of the past. "Technical evidence does not turn hostile, unlike human evidence," he said. Fadnavis suggested that the forensic department should overcome manpower shortage with outsourcing and putting in additional man-hours to help in bringing down the pendency rate by at least 60%. "The three new legislations brought about by the central govt do not allow the defence to adjourn the hearing by more than two days. Ensure the trial doesn't get affected due to delays in the forensic reports," Fadnavis directed the forensic department. The CM added that Maharashtra is now witnessing unprecedented promptness in expediting cases related to atrocities against women, where courts have handed over convictions within seven days after the registration of the crime. Fadnavis urged the forensic department to shift its database to blockchain technology for higher security and tamper-proof systems. He also asked the forensic department to ensure that reporting is expedited in sensitive cases while ensuring the cycles of the regular and legacy cases are not thrown out of gear. Fadnavis highlighted the setting up of a cyber corporation in Mumbai, whose advanced systems are now attracting other states and countries. "We are now being invited to help other states and even countries to set up cyber technology on par with Maharashtra," said the CM. The new seven-storey building of the state-of-the-art modern forensic science laboratory will be built at Rahate Colony. Ramtek MP Shyamkumar Barve, MoS Pankaj Bhoyar, DGP (legal and technical) Sanjay Kumar Verma, managing director of Police Housing and Welfare Corporation Limited, Archana Tyagi, and director of the forensic department, Dr Vijay Thakare, were also present on the occasion.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Time of India
Fadnavis to lay foundation for hi-tech RFSL building today
1 2 3 Nagpur: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis will lay the foundation for a new Rs128 crore state-of-the-art Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) to be built over two acre at Rahate Colony on Sunday. A dedicated floor will focus exclusively on analysing cases related to atrocities against women. The current facility houses 10 specialised units for analysing rape and Pocso cases and a proposal to enhance the lab's capacity has already been submitted to the govt. The project faced nearly seven years of delay. Envisioned in 2018 by Dr Vijay Thakare, director of state forensic science department, the modern RFSL will become fully operational by 2027. The Maharashtra State Police Housing and Welfare Corporation is overseeing the construction, with supervision from Thakare and Sanjay Kumar Verma, director general of police (legal and technical). Their expertise ensures the project aligns with the state's vision for advanced forensic capabilities, said a source. The new facility will have dedicated floors for specialised units, including anti-corruption cases focusing on tape authentication and speaker identification (TASI). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Benefits of Trading Bitcoin CFDs IC Markets Learn More Undo Another floor will be devoted to cybercrime investigation, equipped with an advanced cyber lab to tackle the growing challenge of digital offences. The new RFSL will have cutting-edge features such as bio-cladding for hygienic walls, anti-static flooring to prevent equipment interference, and an anti-humidifier unit to maintain fresh, odour-free air. Powered by solar panels, the facility emphasises sustainability and reduce carbon footprint. The RFSL complex will also include two residential units, accommodating 45 families of forensic experts and staff. This provision ensures round-the-clock access, enabling seamless operation and faster case processing.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Time of India
Ganja seized at Nagpur airport hydroponic weed?
Nagpur: The 10 kg high-standard marijuana (ganja) consignment intercepted at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur on Saturday could be the first top-quality 'hydroponic' variety, sources said. It was grown in a controlled environment with water and nutrient surplus conditions, which the cops are now keen to ascertain from the experts. Zonal DCP Lohit Matani said the samples would be sent to the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) to ascertain its quality. "We would seek reports from the narcotics experts of the forensic laboratory to know if the intercepted ganja was hydroponic weed," he said. While the cost of the intercepted variety was calculated at Rs20,000 per kg, the worth of the seizure would skyrocket to Rs8-10 crores if it turns out to be hydroponic weed. Across several airports in India this year, substantial amounts of the hydroponic variety of marijuana were intercepted from foreign nationals. Sources stated the regular quality of marijuana would unlikely be sent through air parcels spending high amounts. "The air routes are generally used when the cost of the consignment is high, or else sending the regular variety through air cargo is impractical financially," said a source.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Time of India
Forensic team collects key evidence in Nainital child rape case
Nainital: Forensic experts on Sunday collected crucial evidence from a residence in Nainital on May 5 in connection with the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl that on April 12. The team inspected a garage and a car at the accused's home as part of the investigation under the Pocso Act . Mohd Usman, 70, was named the prime accused in the FIR filed at Mallital police station on April 30. A team from the regional forensic science laboratory (RFSL), Rudrapur, visited his house with investigating officer Asha Bisht to carry out the evidence collection. Samples were gathered from a car and a garage on the premises. Scientific officer Hemant Kumar said specialised tools, including light sources, sanitisers, and cotton swabs, were used in the process. He added that two more vehicles connected to the accused were yet to be examined. SP (crime) Jagdish Chandra told TOI that the findings would be central to the case. "The local forensic unit also contributed to today's operation, and all efforts are being made to ensure an effective investigation," he said. Following the arrest of Usman, communal violence and vandalism erupted in Nainital, targeting properties owned by members of the minority community. Police registered an FIR against approximately 30 unidentified individuals involved in the unrest, which occurred on May 1 in the Gaadi Padav area near the Mallital police station .
