Modern Rs 151 crore forensic lab to be built in Sheikh Sarai: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta

New Delhi: To boost scientific investigation of crimes, the Delhi government's Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC), chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has approved the construction of a Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) in south Delhi's Sheikh Sarai at a cost of Rs 151.81 crore, an official said on Saturday.

The Chief Minister has set a target for the Public Works Department (PWD) to complete the construction within two years, the official said in a statement.

"The new RFSL at Sheikh Sarai will be built on a plot measuring around 6,300 square metres, with a total built-up area of 18,300 square metres. The building, to be constructed by the PWD, will be developed as an integrated forensic facility, keeping in mind the specialised requirements of scientific investigations," the statement said.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the new Regional Forensic Science Laboratory would help the Home Department and Delhi Police meet the requirements arising from the new criminal laws, the statement added.

"The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam have led to a significant increase in the demand for forensic investigations in criminal cases. The new regional FSL will help meet this growing demand and strengthen the capacity required for scientific investigations in criminal cases," the statement said.

"The new RFSL will strengthen the scientific support provided by the existing FSL in Rohini. Forensic science is essential not only for scientific investigation in criminal cases but also for criminal trials and the process of delivering justice," the statement added.

The new laboratory will also strengthen the scientific support required to maintain law and order in the national capital.

The districts of South, Southeast and Central Delhi will benefit particularly from the facility.

Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood said the new regional FSL would make the examination of evidence related to cases and the submission of forensic reports faster and more efficient once it becomes operational.

He added that the facility will strengthen evidence-based investigations and help ensure the timely disposal of criminal cases in courts.

The construction of the new Regional Forensic Science Laboratory will further strengthen Delhi's forensic infrastructure for scientific investigations, he said.

Along with meeting the requirements of the districts of South, Southeast and Central Delhi, the facility will also help reinforce scientific support for the FSL in Rohini, Minister Sood added.

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