NAFIS
Definition
National Automated Fingerprint Identification System: India's centralised fingerprint database operated by the NCRB, launched 2022, designed to aggregate state police and CFSL fingerprint records into a unified searchable repository.
- Operator
- National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)
- Launched
- 2022
- Coverage
- State police and CFSL fingerprint records across all states
- Legal admissibility
- BSA 2023 § 45
Common questions
What is NAFIS and who runs it?+
NAFIS is India's National Automated Fingerprint Identification System, operated by the NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau). It's a centralized database that brings together fingerprint records from state police agencies and forensic labs into one searchable system. Launched in 2022, it replaces the need for investigators to search fingerprints manually across different databases.
How do investigators use NAFIS?+
Police and investigation agencies across all states submit fingerprint queries to NAFIS. The system searches the aggregated records and returns match reports showing potential hits. These reports help investigators identify suspects or link cases without needing to contact multiple state agencies separately.
Can NAFIS results be used in court?+
Yes. Match reports generated by NAFIS are admissible as evidence in Indian courts under BSA 2023 § 45. This legal backing makes NAFIS results a recognized forensic tool for prosecution, provided proper protocols are followed.
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