The state home minister said the use of forensic evidence has been made mandatory under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, for crimes with punishments of seven years or more

"As part of these reforms, Maharashtra has become the first state in the country to launch mobile forensic vans to aid crime detection," he told reporters

Fadnavis said 259 mobile forensic vans would be introduced across Maharashtra, of which 21 are already fully equipped and operational

"Using blockchain technology, the crime scene application will ensure evidence is securely collected and stored with barcoding. This will make tampering or destruction of evidence impossible which will ensure criminals can no longer evade conviction," he added

The chief minister also stated that this initiative would instil fear among criminals and significantly increase conviction rates

Mobile forensic vans are well-equipped with forensic kits, cyber tools, and trained personnel will be able to visit crime scenes around the clock