MHA Approves Forensic Institute in J&K Following AIIMS Proposal
Institute to come up in Samba district, aimed at strengthening investigations and boosting conviction rates
Samba, Dec 29: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved a proposal submitted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jammu, for the establishment of a state of the art forensic institute in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
The proposed institute is aimed at consolidating evidence collection, strengthening scientific investigations and enhancing conviction rates, while also supporting better diagnosis in the health sector.
“A forensic institute is coming up in J&K. AIIMS Jammu had submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which has now been approved,” Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Jammu, Prof Shakti Kumar Gupta, said.
He said the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has also been associated with the project. “There are only a few such forensic institutes in the country. This institute will be established in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir,” Gupta added.
According to officials, the institute will function as a comprehensive, single-window facility for investigation agencies, bringing multiple forensic services under one roof. In the future, AIIMS Jammu will work closely with the institute to facilitate early investigation and accurate medical diagnosis.
Jammu and Kashmir, which has been grappling with terrorism for over three decades, currently has two forensic science laboratories located in Jammu and Srinagar, with headquarters in Jammu. These laboratories were established in 1964 under the Home Department.
Officials said the Union Territory’s geographical sensitivity owing to its proximity to the International Border and three state borders makes it vulnerable to terror related incidents, narco-terrorism and gun-related crimes, often involving inter-state and cross border elements.
Professor and Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at AIIMS Jammu, Dr Dinesh Rao, said the new institute would significantly strengthen the region’s preparedness.
“The involvement of criminals from different states and even other countries is always anticipated, posing major challenges for police and defence forces,” Dr Rao said. “It is essential to establish a modern forensic institute where all critical forensic services are available at one place.”
He said the proposed facility would help secure, examine and scientifically analyse evidence through specialised laboratories housed under a single roof, thereby supporting investigation agencies in their efforts to combat crime and terrorism in the region.
