Forensic science is a rapidly growing field in India, and the government is taking steps to create a talent pool of skilled forensic scientists. The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) has campuses across several states and offers courses on Forensic Science. Private colleges like Amity University also provide courses on Forensics. Forensic scientists play an important role in preventing frauds and ensuring a fair justice system. Every state has a forensic science laboratory and regional laboratories where forensic scientists can work. The government plans to establish a National Forensics University in all states of the country.
Forensic Science courses teach students the basic principles of investigation and provide hands-on training on how to collect evidence at a crime scene. Students must know how to collect samples from a crime scene, understand the chain of custody, and connect findings to social causes to bring about social change. Preventive forensics can prevent fraudulent activities in the corporate sector.
JM Vyas, vice-chancellor of NFSU, emphasizes the importance of using Forensics for investigative support as criminals are using advanced technologies to commit crimes. NFSU has helped 70 countries in capacity building in this field, and the government plans to improve forensic laboratories, provide fully equipped mobile investigation vans in every district, and establish centers of excellence in different areas related to forensic science.
Forensic Science is a diverse field that involves subjects such as Science and Social Sciences. Cyber Forensics is gaining prominence due to increasing cases of cybercrime. Forensic scientists must carry out standardized tests on small exhibits and be present in the court of law as a witness.
Forensic science plays a crucial role in preventing criminals from using advanced technology for committing crimes and increasing the conviction rate. The Indian government plans to integrate forensic science-based investigation into the justice system, making forensic evidence compulsory for legal offences attracting more than six years of punishment. This move is expected to increase the current conviction rate of around 50%.
According to Rukmani Krishnamurthy, India’s first woman forensic scientist and academic counsel member of National Forensic Science University, Forensics involves diverse subjects, including Science and Social Sciences. Cyber Forensics is gaining prominence due to increasing cases of cybercrime. Krishnamurthy emphasizes the need to create a skilled talent pool of forensics scientists instead of getting people from different branches and training them.
Forensic scientists must carry out standardized tests on small exhibits and be present in the court of law as a witness. This requires specialized training and education. Initially, people from Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, and Engineering backgrounds were trained to handle forensics cases. However, the need for a dedicated forensics department emerged, and more universities began offering courses in Forensic Science. Sagar University in Madhya Pradesh was among the first universities to start MSc in Forensic Science.
Forensic science is becoming increasingly important in preventing frauds and ensuring a fair justice system. Therefore, creating a talent pool of skilled forensic scientists is crucial. As people become more aware of the importance of forensic science, the demand for specialized training and education is likely to increase.
The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) was established in 2020, with campuses located across several states, including Gujarat, Delhi, Tripura, Bhopal, Pune, Guwahati, Manipur, and Dharwad. NFSU is a continuation of Gujarat Forensic Science University, which was established in 2008 to offer MSc in Forensic subjects. Forensic Science is gaining popularity, and now a large number of students exclusively study it.
Forensic Science courses teach students the basic principles of investigation and provide hands-on training on how to collect evidence at a crime scene. Students must know how to collect samples from a crime scene, understand the chain of custody, and connect findings to social causes to bring about social change. Private colleges like Amity University also provide courses on Forensics, and all banking and insurance companies require forensics experts in their frauds department.
Every state has a forensic science laboratory and regional laboratories where forensic scientists can work. The government plans to establish a National Forensics University in all states of the country to encourage uniformity in the quality of investigation carried out across the country. Forensics plays a vital role in the corporate sector, and preventive forensics can prevent fraudulent activities.
JM Vyas, vice-chancellor of NFSU, emphasizes the importance of using Forensics for investigative support as criminals are using advanced technologies to commit crimes. NFSU has helped 70 countries in capacity building in this field, and the government has given them the charter to strengthen the country’s forensics capabilities. The government plans to improve forensic laboratories, provide fully equipped mobile investigation vans in every district, and establish centers of excellence in different areas related to forensic science.
Krishnamurthy was instrumental in establishing the Institute of Forensic Sciences in Mumbai, Nagpur, and Aurangabad. She highlights that students from Forensic Science can work as lecturers in the Forensics department of various universities. Krishnamurthy believes that students should not limit themselves to giving reports on cases. They must relate to the case and connect the findings to social causes to bring about social change. In the Matunga Fire case, the fire broke out on a train, and several people were charred to death. On running experiments, kerosene was found to be the culprit, and rules banning passengers from carrying inflammable materials in public transport were put in place.
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