Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, July 12: In a major push to strengthen scientific crime investigation in Karnataka, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday launched 32 state-of-the-art Mobile Forensic Science Laboratories designed to deliver faster evidence collection and on-the-spot analysis at crime scenes.
Shivakumar flagged off the mobile units near the steps of Vidhana Soudha, along with 75 Bolero vehicles for district police units across the state. The initiative aims to make investigations more scientific, reduce delays in forensic examinations and improve the efficiency of evidence handling.
Designed as mini-laboratories on wheels, the mobile forensic units will reach crime scenes quickly to collect scientific evidence and conduct preliminary tests on-site. Officials said the immediate response mechanism would help minimise the chances of crucial evidence being damaged or destroyed, while significantly improving the quality of criminal investigations.
According to senior police officials, the customised vehicles are equipped to handle a wide range of cases, from routine offences to complex cybercrimes. Each unit has specialised forensic kits for instant testing, a generator for uninterrupted power supply, a refrigerator to safely preserve biological samples and essential equipment required to cordon off and secure crime scenes.
The 32 mobile laboratories will be deployed across district police units in Karnataka and are expected to substantially reduce the pendency of forensic examinations. Officials said the new infrastructure would also strengthen the work of Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO), raising standards in evidence collection, documentation and preservation.
At the event, the chief minister announced a Rs 10 lac cash reward for the police team that successfully busted a major drug network in Karnataka. He also issued a stern warning that officers involved in corruption, illegal dealings or criminal activities would face strict action.
"No police officer should be involved in deals or crimes. If anyone gets involved in such matters, strict action will be taken without any hesitation. Consider this either as my request or as an instruction," Shivakumar said.
Highlighting the importance of the police force, the chief minister said modern infrastructure was essential to strengthen law enforcement.
"Our police department is being given new strength. There are soldiers at the border and police within the state. It is because of these two forces that our state and country are able to live peacefully. I congratulate you on behalf of the government," he said.
"Once you set a goal beyond your ability, victory will be yours," Shivakumar added.
Praising the police department’s action against narcotics, he said officers had seized drugs worth Rs 375 crore in one year and arrested 1,500 drug peddlers, describing it as a significant achievement.
"Karnataka is being watched by the entire country. The government has decided to provide a cash reward of Rs 10 lac to the team that cracked the drug network. I congratulate all the officers. Every citizen should work with respect for the department. Your success is the government’s success," he said.
Meanwhile, the state government is also upgrading the capacities of Regional Forensic Science Laboratories in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Belagavi and Kalaburagi with additional manpower and advanced equipment to meet increasing testing requirements.
Temple hundi security measures announced
Shivakumar also announced measures to strengthen security at temple donation boxes (hundi) managed by the state’s Muzrai Department, following the recent theft at Sri Rama Mandir.
He said instructions had been issued to ensure that the opening of hundis, counting of donations and depositing of collections in banks at all Muzrai temples would be video recorded in the presence of local leaders and police officials.
"The announcement regarding this was made in Belagavi. An order will be issued soon. We must ensure that such incidents do not happen in our state. If any temple, belonging to any religion, comes under government administration, protecting it will be our responsibility," he said.
"Instead of looking for criminals after a crime has occurred, we must take precautions to prevent crimes from happening. Looking at our decision, private temples and religious institutions will also have to remain alert," the chief minister added.
CM stresses transparent recruitment
The chief minister also praised minister Priyank Kharge for his efforts towards ensuring transparency in government recruitment.
"Priyank Kharge has shown great interest in this department. During the previous government’s tenure, he investigated the PSI recruitment scam in his own way and brought it to the attention of the government and the people," Shivakumar said.
Stressing that government appointments must be based solely on merit, he said, "There should be transparency in recruitment. No one should enter government service by paying a bribe. Merit should be the only criterion for appointments. He has laid this foundation. The government will stand with you."