Gorakhpur, Nov 18 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, proclaimed on Tuesday that the "transformed Uttar Pradesh" exhibits zero tolerance for criminal activities, emphasizing that anyone who breaches the law will face severe consequences. He asserted that the era where victims endured while offenders roamed free is a thing of the past.

While inaugurating the upgraded Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) in Gorakhpur, Adityanath explained that the state government has implemented a comprehensive system of scientific investigations and forensic verification to guarantee that no criminal eludes justice.

“Our commitment to zero tolerance, alongside advancements in scientific investigation and modern forensic facilities, has established a framework that ensures criminals cannot escape accountability. Prompt and transparent investigations are facilitating swift justice for victims,” he stated.

The Chief Minister unveiled the six-storey state-of-the-art RFSL, upgraded from B-class to A-class, which was built at a cost of Rs 72.78 crore. After assessing the lab's capabilities, he congratulated the residents of eastern Uttar Pradesh for gaining access to cutting-edge forensic services.

Yogi Adityanath noted that prior to 2017, despite being the nation’s most populous state, UP had only four forensic labs. The government has since committed to establishing at least one forensic lab in each commissionerate, increasing the total to 12 within eight years, with six more currently in the pipeline.

Each district is now equipped with two mobile forensic vans, enabling rapid evidence collection within hours of a crime occurring. “With these advancements, no criminal can evade justice,” he assured.

Under the newly implemented criminal laws last July, forensic examinations are now mandatory for offenses punishable by over seven years of imprisonment. He mentioned that the state had already begun to enhance its forensic infrastructure before these laws were enacted.

He emphasized that forensic science is also generating job opportunities. The UP State Institute of Forensic Science, located in Lucknow, offers technician certificates, diplomas in evidence collection, and expert-level degrees. The institute boasts advanced DNA labs, AI technologies, drones, and robotic facilities capable of managing drones weighing from nano-size to 40 kg.

The Chief Minister expressed the state’s ambition to develop cyber forensics to meet global standards in order to combat emerging high-tech crimes.

Reaffirming his government’s dedication to upholding the rule of law, CM Yogi mentioned that 2.19 lakh police personnel have been recruited over the past eight years, including 60,244 recently. “The number of recruits in UP over the past eight years exceeds the total police force of several other states,” he remarked.

The training capacity has expanded from 6,000 in 2017 to over ten times that figure today, ensuring all recruits receive training at state-run centers instead of rented venues, as was previously the case.

The Chief Minister noted that previous administrations attempted to dissolve PAC battalions, but his government has reinforced them.

Furthermore, three women’s PAC battalions have been established in Gorakhpur (Veerangna Jhalkari Bai), Lucknow (Veerangna Uda Devi), and Badaun (Veerangna Avantibai Lodhi). New PAC battalions have also been launched in Balrampur, Jalaun, Mirzapur, Shamli, and Bijnor.

Yogi Adityanath stated that due to enhanced safety measures, women’s participation in the workforce in UP has surged from below 13 percent before 2017 to over 35 percent today. “Women can now pursue jobs without fear,” he remarked.