What happened: operational forensic labs and State FSL support under Nirbhaya
The Ministry of Home Affairs stated two linked outcomes for India’s forensic support system for cybercrime investigations. First, the ministry reported the current availability of forensic laboratories that can assist investigations. Second, the ministry reported a targeted assistance approach to expand cyber forensics capability in State Forensic Science Laboratories (State FSLs).
According to the government statement:
• 7 Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) and 28 State Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs) are operational across the country to assist in the investigation of cybercrime cases.
• Assistance has been provided to 20 States/Union Territories (States/UTs) for strengthening cyber forensic capacities in State FSLs.
• The assistance is under the Nirbhaya funded scheme for strengthening DNA analysis and cyber forensic capacities in State FSLs.
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- National-Digital Investigation Support Centre (I4C): early-stage forensic assistance to State/UT police
- CCPWC Scheme: Rs. 132.93 crore financial assistance for cyber forensic capacity building for women and children
- NCRP-to-FIR workflow and role distribution between States/UTs and Central Government for cybercrime action
- Government approves NFIES for strengthening forensic infrastructure (₹2,254.43 crore)
- Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026-2029) released
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