Forensic laboratory constitutes special team for POCSO cases

Move aimed at expediting investigation and court proceedings in such cases

September 25, 2019 01:04 am | Updated 01:22 am IST - NEW DELHI

In a move aimed at fast-tracking cases of crime against children, the Forensic Science Laboratory has constituted a team of six officials to concentrate on evidence pertaining to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and rape.

“While there is manpower crunch, we have constituted the team with the existing staff. Forensic evidence in crimes against women and children is a priority for FSL and the team will work on DNA samples, cyber evidence and other evidence required for POCSO and rape cases, which will expedite the proceedings,” Deepa Verma, FSL Director, told The Hindu .

The team will have six officials under the technical supervision of the head of biology department.

The reason behind the constitution of the team is to expedite investigation and court proceedings in such matters. “If we are not sensitive towards the cases, even those who commit such crimes don’t take it seriously. A general perception that nothing will happen to us prevails among criminals. This will give a message that they will be punished for the heinous crime,” said Rajnish Singh, photo expert and Assistant Public Relations Officer.

Nod to hire 80 officials

Besides this, the FSL has also got sanction from the government to hire 80 officials on different posts for the Crime Scene Management team, who will work round-the-clock to visit the spots and inspect the crime scene.

“Due to manpower crunch, an official from one department has to run tests, visit spots and even go to court. For instance, if an officer is running a test, he or she cannot leave for the crime spot till the test is conducted. This team will work solely for the crime scene,” Ms. Verma said.

Talking about the importance of timely evidence collection and the need for a dedicated team, Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, Assistant Director (Crime Scene Division) said that evidence tends to get destroyed or ignored if there is a delay in collecting them from the scene of crime, thereby affecting the quality of investigation.

For expanding facilities at the lab and build infrastructure for the upcoming teams, the FSL is set to construct seventh floor at the main building in Rohini, official said.

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