Under Section 329(4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the Government of Meghalaya has issued a notification granting recognition to Aaranyak’s Wildlife Genetics Laboratory (WGL) and its director. Following the order of the Governor of Meghalaya on March 24, 2026, the Principal Secretary of the Forest and Environment Department, M.K.B. Reddy (IFS), issued this notification. This recognition will enhance the use of wildlife genetics and forensic DNA analysis in investigating wildlife crimes. By employing DNA sample collection methods, forensic evidence can be gathered to aid in the investigation and prevention of wildlife crimes. This is the first recognition granted by the Meghalaya Government under BNSS 2023 to a laboratory and a wildlife expert for this purpose.

BNSS 2023 makes forensic investigation mandatory in serious crimes, emphasizing scientific policing in India. Accordingly, for offenses punishable with seven years or more of imprisonment, forensic experts must examine the crime scene, collect evidence, and record the entire process through audio-visual means.

Udayan Borthakur, Director of Aaranyak’s Wildlife Genetics Laboratory, expressed gratitude to the Forest and Environment Department of Meghalaya for entrusting WGL with this significant responsibility. He said, “We consider the Meghalaya Government’s notification as a remarkable step towards expanding our support in wildlife crime investigation.” He further noted that, following similar notifications earlier issued by the Assam Government, Aaranyak’s laboratory and scientific experts will now be able to assist law enforcement agencies in collecting forensic evidence in wildlife crimes, which is expected to increase conviction rates in the near future.

It is noteworthy that under BNSS 2023, the Assam Government had also granted similar recognition to Aaranyak’s Wildlife Genetics Laboratory and its experts last year. Established in 2008, “WGL Aaranyak” is the only conservation genetics and wildlife DNA forensic facility in Northeast India. Over the past decade, the laboratory has assisted government authorities in investigating nearly 200 wildlife crime cases through genetic analysis and DNA sample collection at crime scenes. In addition to forensic work, the laboratory has implemented more than 22 conservation genetics research projects on endangered wildlife species in India and abroad.