Maharashtra Forensic Science Laboratory to get separate units to study sexual assault, POCSO cases

  • | Thursday | 16th August, 2018

This new genetic analyser will be earmarked only for investigations of sexual offences and those registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), 2012. At present, DNA testing facilities are available in four of the eight forensic science laboratories in Maharashtra. PAY ATTENTIONAt present, DNA testing facilities are available in four of the eight forensic science laboratories in Maharashtra. Sources from the union home ministry's Directorate of Forensic Science Services said the Centre was keen to strengthen the infrastructure for DNA analysis and cyber forensics. However, the increasing number of cases sent for DNA analysis causes a huge backlog, affecting investigations by enforcement agencies like the police.

Cases of sexual assault and crimes against minors will see faster investigations and judicial outcomes with the state forensic science laboratory getting funds from the Centre to establish a separate, dedicated unit for analysing such offences. At present, DNA testing facilities are available in four of the eight forensic science laboratories in Maharashtra. However, the increasing number of cases sent for DNA analysis causes a huge backlog, affecting investigations by enforcement agencies like the police. Apart from analysing evidence in cases of sexual assault, DNA profiling is also used to identify unidentified and mutilated bodies, in paternity suits and offences like murder and attempt to murder. "We have a sent a Rs 26.50 crore proposal to the Centre for setting up a modern DNA analysis lab in Mumbai and recruitment of staff. This new genetic analyser will be earmarked only for investigations of sexual offences and those registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), 2012. The rising number of samples sent for DNA analysis puts pressure on our facilities, which coupled with lack of staff, is causing a backlog," said an official from the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories (DFSL). This unit, which will be based in Mumbai, will help generate reports sooner by fast-tracking DNA extraction and analysis. "We have projected our demand to the Union Ministry for Home Affairs," confirmed S P Yadav, director general of police (legal and technical), adding that Maharashtra was being given aid considering its performance and rising number of cases. Sources from the union home ministry's Directorate of Forensic Science Services said the Centre was keen to strengthen the infrastructure for DNA analysis and cyber forensics. "The backlog is high in these areas. Hence, we are giving funds to Maharashtra, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu (for infrastructure) to reduce it to zero. The Maharashtra government's proposal has been received and is at an advanced stage of consideration," he explained. PAY ATTENTION At present, DNA testing facilities are available in four of the eight forensic science laboratories in Maharashtra.

If You Like This Story, Support NYOOOZ

NYOOOZ SUPPORTER

NYOOOZ FRIEND

Your support to NYOOOZ will help us to continue create and publish news for and from smaller cities, which also need equal voice as much as citizens living in bigger cities have through mainstream media organizations.


Stay updated with all the Mumbai Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.

Related Articles