CFSL (Central Forensic Science Laboratory)
Definition
The network of central government forensic laboratories in India, with major units in Delhi, Kolkata, Chandigarh, and Hyderabad, operating under the Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS). The primary institutional responders to the Nithari casework.
- Structure
- Network of five federal laboratories across India
- Ministry
- Operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs
- Referral agencies
- State police, CBI, NCB, and customs
Common questions
What is CFSL and which agencies use it?+
CFSL is a network of five federal forensic science laboratories in India under the Ministry of Home Affairs. State police, the CBI, the NCB, and customs all refer casework to CFSL for analysis.
Where are the CFSL laboratories located?+
The five CFSL labs are in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, and Bhopal across India.
What role does CFSL play in mass disaster response?+
CFSL operates under the Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) and serves as a primary institutional responder to major casework including mass-disaster investigations.
Related terms
- AFDIL (Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory)
- The US military's primary DNA identification laboratory, based in Rockville, Maryland (later Dover, Delaware). Assisted the NYC OCME with 9/11 identifications and...
- CDFD (Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics)
- India's premier DNA forensic laboratory, located in Hyderabad and operated by the Department of Biotechnology. Conducted DNA identifications in the Nithari killings...
- DEA Laboratory System
- Seven regional laboratories operated by the US Drug Enforcement Administration specialising in controlled-substance chemistry: drug identification, quantification, clandestine lab evidence, and precursor...
- DVI Identification Board
- The multi-disciplinary panel in INTERPOL DVI protocol that issues a formal identification: includes forensic pathologist, forensic anthropologist, odontologist, fingerprint specialist, and DNA...
- ENFSI Drugs Working Group (DWG)
- European Network of Forensic Science Institutes Drugs Working Group. Publishes best-practice manuals for drug analysis aligned with SWGDRUG tiering principles, operates an...
- Forensic Capability Network (FCN)
- The UK network of private forensic-science providers (including Eurofins Forensic Services and Key Forensic Services) that took over the forensic caseload after...
- Forensic Chemistry
- The application of chemical analysis to the identification and characterisation of substances encountered in criminal investigations, civil litigation, and regulatory enforcement, where...
- Forensic Science Regulator (FSR)
- A statutory regulator in England and Wales established by the Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021. The FSR sets a mandatory Code of...
- JIT (Joint Investigation Team)
- The multinational criminal investigation body established by the Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, and Ukraine to investigate the criminal dimensions of the MH17...
- LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)
- Software used in forensic laboratories to register, track, assign, and document exhibits, analytical results, and chain-of-custody events from the moment an exhibit...
- NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority)
- India's apex national body for disaster management, established under the Disaster Management Act 2005. Published the 2018 draft DVI framework that called...
- NDPS Act 1985
- India's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985, the primary statute governing drug offences, establishing small and commercial quantity thresholds that determine...
Explained in these topics
- Introduction and Scope of Forensic ChemistryNetwork of five federal forensic science laboratories in India under the Ministry of Home Affairs, handling casework referred from state police, the CBI, the N...
- Mass-Disaster Casework: 9/11 WTC, 2004 Tsunami and Indian CasesThe network of central government forensic laboratories in India, with major units in Delhi, Kolkata, Chandigarh, and Hyderabad, operating under the Directorat...