Himachal to enhance forensic labs with advanced DNA testing facilities
Shimla: The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Himachal Pradesh is all set to make new DNA technology upgrades to its State and Range Forensic Science Laboratories (RFSLs) that will increase the number of cases being analyzed.
The FSL in Junga is the first in the country to initiate well-equipped DNA facilities in all its labs across the state. The aim here is to accelerate the DNA profiling process that will lead to quicker investigation and trial, thus fast-tracking the criminal justice system.
According to a 3-year data shared by the Himachal Pradesh State FSL, sexual assault/rape makes up for 44 per cent of the total cases received for DNA profiling. An unfortunate number of 900 cases are still pending for DNA analysis and 14 per cent of this number are samples from victims of sexual assault. These new DNA technology upgrades will essentially bring down the number of unsolved sexual assault crimes in the state.
Addressing a media here Dr Arun Sharma, Director, State Forensic Science Laboratory, Himachal Pradesh said, "In light of the state of heinous crimes in the State, we are already working on upgrading our systems. To start with, we have invested over Rs 1.50 crore on a new 24 Capillary DNA Sequencer that will replace the older four-capillary sequencer; Rs 30 Lakhs on a Robotic DNA Extraction System that enhances the quantity and quality of DNA extraction; and Rs 1.25 crore on purchasing automated DNA sequencers for our Range FSLs. Additionally, the lab has a training plan in consonance with ISO: 17025 standard and the same is being implemented effectively. We have already recruited 3 trained DNA experts and are in the process of training 2 more along with 4 new support staff."
Emphasizing on crime situation in the state, Dr. Vivek Sahajpal, Asst. Director (DNA), State Forensic Science Laboratory, Himachal Pradesh said, "A DNA Database is crucial to solve crimes involving repeat offenders. For example, serious crimes such as the rape and murder of a teacher in Poanta Sahib and the infamous Gudiya case reported recently indicate that a DNA Database would have helped to fast-track these cases. In fact, if we had a DNA database, cases such as the recent Navi Mumbai rape and murder case that took 8 years and 900 DNA profiles to nab the criminal could have been solved in a shorter period, thus saving many lives in the process."
Highlighting his thoughts on the new DNA facility upgrades, Tim Schellberg, Founder & President, Gordon Thomas Honeywell—Governmental Affairs (GTH-GA)says,
"Himachal Pradesh has taken a great step forward by upgrading its forensic facilities. This
amazing initiative is in the right direction, aiding to facilitate more DNA casework, and create more DNA yield in a really short span of time, thus reducing backlogs and pendency in cases of heinous crimes. This successfully creates a strong premise towards DNA databasing in India."
