As part of an initiative to strengthen scientific evidence collection and curb crime across Karnataka, the Belagavi City Police Commissionerate has operationalized a state-of-the-art Mobile Forensic Van (MFV).
Deployed in collaboration with the State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), the high-tech unit aims to elevate investigation standards and streamline court prosecutions.
The MFV serves as an immediate, on-site crime lab designed to identify, record, collect, and safely preserve critical physical evidence right where an offense takes place.
Key Features and Equipment Inside the MFV
The specialized vehicle is outfitted with 16 specialized forensic kits alongside analytical instruments and supportive power infrastructure:
- 16 Specialized Forensic Kits:
- Crime Scene Protection Kit: Secures and isolates the perimeter.
- DNA & Sexual Assault Kit: Samples biological material safely.
- Blood & Semen Testing Kit: Conducts preliminary field analysis.
- Firearms & Explosives Kit: Examines ballistics and explosive residues.
- Narcotics Screening Kit: Detects controlled substances on site.
- Digital Evidence Collection System: Extracts and preserves electronic data.
- Arson Investigation Kit: Tests for chemical accelerants.
- Fingerprint & Footprint Lifting Kit: Captures latent physical prints.
- Advanced Hardware & Support Infrastructure:
- Stereo microscope for micro-analysis.
- High-intensity light source for detecting trace evidence.
- GPS-enabled body-worn cameras and high-resolution cameras for crime scene documentation.
- Refrigeration unit to store delicate biological samples.
- Onboard generator, UPS power backup, floodlights, and LED display screen.
Faster Scene Analysis and Higher Conviction Rates
Highlighting the importance of the new van, Belagavi City Police Commissioner Bhushan Gulabrao Borase noted that Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) can now reach incident locations immediately to conduct systematic, scientific investigations under strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
“This vehicle enables Scene of Crime Officers to reach crime scenes swiftly and conduct scientific spot inspections following strict SOPs. It prevents the contamination or destruction of evidence while raising overall investigation standards, ultimately helping secure convictions in court based on solid scientific proof.”
— Bhushan Gulabrao Borase, City Police Commissioner
