Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister Raman Singh on Saturday announced that his Government was working on a plan to enact ‘witness protection law’ in the State for ensuring protection to witnesses of criminal cases.
Meanwhile, Singh also declared to establish a DNA testing laboratory and four forensic science-cum-research laboratories in the State to ensure maximum transparency in investigation.
“For safety and protection of witnesses in criminal cases, the State Government will soon be enacting ‘witness protection law’ in Chhattisgarh. Moreover, a DNA testing laboratory will also be set up in the state capital. Similarly, as many as four forensic science-cum- research laboratories will also be established in the state to speed up investigations,” said Chief Minister Singh while addressing a state-level conference on ‘Criminal Justice –Fair Investigation & Fair Trail’ in the city.
The daylong workshop on ‘Criminal Justice-Fair Investigation and Fair Trail’ was jointly organised Chhattisgarh High Court, Chhattisgarh Judicial Academy (Bilaspur) and Chhattisgarh Police Academy.
Raman Singh further elaborated that the laboratories will be established in Korba, Bilaspur, Raipur and Kanker district and for establishment of these laboratories funds to the tune of over `8 crore have been approved. Formation of law in interest of witnesses, establishment of DNA testing laboratory and Forensic Science laboratories in the state is going to strengthen police and also led to transparent investigation.
In the meantime, CM Singh also launched an online database link being prepared by Police Headquarters on police investigators engaged in investigation into different cases.
Suggesting police personnel to utilise modern techniques during investigation, Singh said use of modern techniques into investigation of crime will probably help investigators to crack cases in less period of time.
On this occasion, Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh High Court Naveen Sinha, the state forest minister Mahesh Gagda, Chief Secretary Vivek Dhand, president of Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy and Justice (Chhattisgarh High Court) Prashant Kumar Mishra, Director General of Police (DGP) A N Upadhyay and senior police officials were present.