At times when national Capital is often termed as "rape capital" due to frequent cases of crime against women and inordinate delay in investigations, the Delhi Forensic Science laboratory (FSl) of Delhi Government has been directed to speed up forensic investigations.
On Monday while directing FSl officials, Delhi Home Minister Satyender Jain asked them to provide DNA sample reports within in 30 days in cases of Protection of Children from Sexual offence (POCSO) and crime against women.
The Government claimed that with this, the pendency in POCSO and crimes against women cases has been reduced to 30 days.
Besides, the FSl is also now planning to set-up 14 Mobile Crime Scene Units at each Delhi Police District. Facilities such as examination of explosive materials and examination of finger prints will also be incorporated in these units will help to investigate cases in fewer spans compared to earlier.
"As per the direction of the Home Minister, this laboratory has brought down the pendency of DNA Unit and subsequently made a regular cycle to dispose of the DNA cases within one month pertaining to crimes against women and cases under POCSO," the Crime Scene Management Division (FSl) stated in a report submitted to the minister.
Explaining about FSl functioning, FSl director said, "as per the direction of the Home Minister, this laboratory has brought down the pendency of DNA Unit and subsequently made a regular cycle to dispose of the DNA cases within one month pertaining to crimes against women and cases under POCSO."
"The mobile units are essential for quick responses and instant collection of exhibits and evidence , adding, "Units will function round the clock to reduce any chances destruction of evidence due to delay," FSl officials said.
Incidentally, a proposal of DNA capacity building with the infrastructure of 1000 cases per year of DNA sample reports is under consideration of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
In the year 2017, total number of crime scenes registered in the laboratory is 488 for which 1212 forensic teams were deputed to attend the scenes of crime round the clock.
Delhi reports a higher rate of crimes against women. In such cases, the laboratory is providing the forensic reports/inputs at the earliest," said Delhi government official while explaining about the role of FSl in investigation.