Solving crimes the hi-tech way

With the number of pending cases mounting at the only Forensic Science Laboratory, the government has roped in private players.

To ensure that evidence collection is done in a professional and scientific manner, the Delhi Government is in the process of establishing a Mobile Crime Scene Unit. The unit will function as a mobile forensic science laboratory and accompany policemen to the crime scene for lifting evidence.

The Delhi Government’s Home Department has decided to procure four Crime Scene Vehicles equipped with all the basic facilities of a forensic laboratory and a dedicated team of experts, which would assist the Delhi Police.

“The Mobile Crime Scene Unit will operate round the clock in three shifts. Each of the four vehicles will have one expert from all the divisions of the FSL. The tendering process for vehicles with required specifications has been initiated. We are hopeful of making them operational within this financial year,” said Archana Arora, secretary (Home).

Officials said the vehicles, with facilities to lift DNA, toxicology and ballistic evidence among others, will visit the crime scene as and when required by the Delhi Police.

Currently, due to the limitations in terms of manpower, sources said, experts from the Rohini FSL – the only forensic lab in the city – are not able to assist the police in collection of evidence in all crime cases. Sources said a majority of the cases are handled by a vehicle owned by the Delhi Police, which has limited facilities.

“On an average, around 12,000 cases every year require lifting of evidence from the crime scene in Delhi. However, since the bench strength at the Rohini FSL is just adequate for the unit, experts go to collect evidence only in about 200-250 cases, which are high profile. The rest are dealt by the Delhi Police vehicle, which has basic facility like lifting finger prints,” an official said.

With the induction of these mobile laboratories, officials said, prosecutors will be able to lift evidence in a more scientific manner, which in turn will help the prosecutors in building up their case in a better way at the trial stage.

Each vehicle, officials said, will cost the exchequer around Rs.40-45 lakh. Clearance for recruitment of staff for these vehicles has been taken from the Administrative Reforms Department of the Delhi Government, officials said.