Delhi Lab Providing Forensic Reports Within A Month: Delhi Government

The Delhi government on Monday said that its forensic science laboratory has started providing DNA sample reports in cases of crime against women and in cases related to Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) within a month.

This came after Health Minister Satyendra Jain held a review meeting with the forensic science laboratory director on the functioning of the laboratory in Rohini.

"As per the direction of the health minister, this laboratory has brought down the pendency of DNA Unit and subsequently made a regular cycle to dispose of the DNA cases within a month pertaining to crimes against women and cases under Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO)," stated the crime scene management division of the forensic science laboratory in its report submitted to Mr Jain.

Mr Jain's office said a proposal of DNA capacity building with the infrastructure of 1,000 cases per year of DNA sample reports is under consideration of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

"New facilities such as examination of explosive materials and examination of finger prints are also on its way," it said adding that the forensic science laboratory is planning to set up 14 mobile crime scene units at each Delhi police district.

"The mobile units are essential for quick responses and instant collection of exhibits and evidence. These units will function round-the-clock to reduce any chances destruction of evidence due to delay," the health minister's office said.

In 2017, the total number of crime scenes registered in the laboratory was 488, for which 1,212 forensic teams were deputed to attend the scenes of crime round-the-clock.

"Our government is extremely sensitive about crimes against women, since Delhi reports a higher rate of crimes against women. In such cases, the laboratory is providing the forensic reports/inputs at the earliest," Mr Jain's office said.