Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Apr 15: For the first time, Jammu and Kashmir is all set to have state-of-the-art facilities for DNA Profiling and Audio-Video Authentication Technology within next few months as Home Department today accorded sanction to the creation of two new divisions in the Forensic Science Laboratory. These facilities would go a long way in speedy disposal of crime cases particularly those related to cyber offences.
The Home Department Vide Order No.185 of 2014 has accorded sanction to the creation of two new Divisions in the Forensic Science Laboratory—DNA Profiling and Laboratories Facilities and Computer/Cyber/Voice Identification and Video Authentication Technology.
“The staff for these divisions will be provided from the existing manpower of the Forensic Science Laboratory”, reads the order signed by Principal Secretary to Government, Home Department, Suresh Kumar.
According to the official sources, the exercise for creation of these two important divisions in the FSL was initiated about three years back with authorities of FSL writing numerous communications to the Home Department stressing the need of making available the latest facilities in forensic science in Jammu and Kashmir.
With the Home Department’s nod to creation of two new divisions, Jammu and Kashmir is now all set to have start-of-the-art facilities in DNA Profiling and other advanced scientific investigations within next few months. The newly created divisions will be operated from the new FSL Complex at Bemina in Srinagar and are in addition to the existing divisions comprising Ballistic, Biology, Serology, Chemistry, Taxology, Finger Printing, Lie Detection and Physics etc.
The establishment of divisions for DNA Profiling and Audio-Video Authentication Technology would help the Police Department in speedy and scientific investigation of criminal cases for which the State investigating agencies are presently depend on the Forensic Laboratories outside the State particularly the one at Hyderabad, sources said. The non-availability of these facilities in J&K is leading to delay in completion of investigations in the criminal cases because of time being consumed in sending the material and receiving back the reports from Forensic Laboratories outside the State, they added.
The division relating to computer/cyber identification assumes much importance in the light of increasing use of information technology by the anti-social and anti-national elements, sources said, adding the investigation into the cyber crimes can be taken to logical conclusion only when the Forensic Science Laboratories are fully equipped with latest technology as such cases require skills and capabilities different from the normal crimes.
When contacted, Director FSL, Inayat Ullah said, “these divisions would become functional within next few months as tenders for purchase of equipment have already been floated and sufficient funds earmarked for the same under the Police Modernization Scheme”, adding “the required space for these divisions has already been identified in the FSL Complex at Bemina”.
In response to a question, he said, “we will manage the functioning of these divisions by deputing required staff from the existing manpower till the exercise vis-à-vis augmentation of Forensic Science Laboratory staff reaches the logical conclusion”.
When asked about status of expansion of FSL, the Director said, “we have already submitted a detailed proposal and hopefully the same would be cleared by the Finance Department in the near future”.
The FSL has projected creation of 99 posts, which include that of Deputy Directors, Scientific Officers, Assistant Scientific Officers and Lab Assistants.
It is pertinent to mention here that augmentation of FSL has not been conducted ever since its creation in 1983. However, the workload during these years increased considerably.
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