Lok Sabha Question No. 5239 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-24
Subject: CFSL Support for Forensic Investigation
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Jagannath Sarkar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5239

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 24 TH  MARCH, 2026/ CHAITRA 3, 1948 (SAKA)

CFSL SUPPORT FOR FORENSIC INVESTIGATION

5239. SHRI JAGANNATH SARKAR:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the current status of the establishment of the National Cyber Forensic Laboratory  (CFSL)  at  Kolkata  and  five  other  CFSLs  and  the  expected timeline for it to become fully operational;
- (b)  the  details  of  infrastructure  upgrades  undertaken at CFSL Kolkata to support cyber forensic investigations, including the types of equipment and technologies installed;
- (c) the number of cyber crime cases handled by CFSL Kolkata during the last three years and whether the new Cyber Forensic Laboratory will help reduce the backlog, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the sanctioned and present strength of technical and forensic experts specializing in cyber forensics at CFSL Kolkata;
- (e) whether there are plans to recruit additional professionals to enhance its capabilities, if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) the steps are being taken to ensure CFSL Kolkata remains equipped to handle emerging cyber threats, including training programmes, collaborations with international forensic agencies, and funding allocations?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI BANDI SANJAY KUMAR)

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 5239 FOR 24.03.2026

(a)  and  (b):  The  Government  has  approved  establishment  of  06  National Cyber  Forensic  Laboratories  (NCFLs)  in  06  Central  Forensic  Science Laboratories  (CFSLs)  located  at  Delhi,  Kamrup  (Assam),  Bhopal  (Madhya Pradesh), Pune (Maharashtra), Chandigarh, and Kolkata (West Bengal) at a total  financial  outlay  of  ₹126.84  crore,  to  strengthen cyber  forensic investigations to handle emerging cyber threats. At present, NCFLs at Delhi and Kamrup (Assam) are operational.  The remaining NCFLs, including at Kolkata, are at various stages of establishment.

The  CFSL  Kolkata  is  equipped  with  necessary  cyber  forensic  tools  like Mobile  Forensic  Tools,  Disk  Forensic  Tools,  DVR  Forensic  Tools,  etc.  to support cyber forensic investigations to handle emerging cyber threats.

- (c): A total of about 794 cyber / computer forensic cases were handled by CFSL Kolkata during the last three years. The establishment of National Cyber  Forensic  Laboratories  (NCFLs)  is  aimed  at  augmenting  the  cyber forensic examination capacity of the Central Forensic Science Laboratories by  providing  specialized  infrastructure,  advanced  tools  and  dedicated expertise  for  handling  Cyber/digital  evidence.  This  enhanced  capacity  is aimed at facilitating examination of cyber related cases.

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 5239 FOR 24.03.2026

(d) and (e):   At  present,  a  total  of  03  (three)  in-house  regular  experts  and contractual  forensic  professionals  are  handling  cyber  forensic  cases  at CFSL Kolkata. Additionally, 10 Digital Experts have also been engaged by the CFSL Kolkata on contractual basis to support cyber forensic examination in the laboratory. Recruitment of scientific manpower in the CFSLs is an on-going process.

(f): CFSL Kolkata is equipped with the infrastructure developed to support examination of cases, including cyber-related cases, further, strengthening and upgradation of the laboratory, including procurement of advanced cyber forensic tools, conduct of necessary training programmes, and collaborations with international forensic agencies, is an ongoing process.

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