The Fact News Service
Chandigarh, June 7
Haryana Director General of Police, Shatrujeet Kapur, reviewed the timely resolution of pending cases at the state’s Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) with senior officers, focusing on capacity building, filling scientific staff vacancies, streamlining processes, and implementing a two-shift duty system to enhance report turnaround times.
Focus on Capacity Building
The meeting took place at the Sector-6 police headquarters here today. Senior police officers and FSL deputy directors from across the state attended meeting.
Kapur stressed the importance of reducing the time required to process samples by providing additional manpower and equipping the labs with state-of-the-art technology.
This, he noted, would increase the output of the specialists. He directed officers to study processes based on industrial engineering principles and ensure the availability of new technology and equipment wherever possible.
He also urged them to review the entire procedure from sample collection to the delivery of results. It was announced that new staff would soon be appointed to expedite the investigation process.
Strengthening FSL through Major Recruitments
During the meeting, officers apprised that 53 positions for Senior Scientific Assistants and Scientific Assistants are being filled through the Haryana Staff Selection Commission, with the recruitment process in its final stages.
Additionally, 135 positions for Senior Scientific Assistants, Scientific Assistants, and Laboratory Assistants are being processed through the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam, with 14 already joined and document verification ongoing for others. Moreover, a selection exam for 23 Senior Scientific Officers will be conducted this month via the Haryana Police Housing Corporation.
The government has also approved 155 new positions for the Cyber Forensic Unit, with recruitment set to commence soon. Currently, 23 mobile forensic science units are operational across various districts, collecting samples from crime scenes.
As per the new law, the Scene of Crime Team must visit crime scenes in cases where the punishment exceeds seven years. Sh. Kapur instructed the deputy directors present to ensure strict compliance with this mandate.
Improving Reporting Standards with Two-Shift Duty System
There are five FSL labs in the state where samples are analyzed and reports are prepared. Kapur highlighted the critical role of experts in these investigations and the necessity for teamwork between specialists and support staff.
To expedite report preparation, he suggested implementing a two-shift duty system for staff. Discussions also covered the procurement of new equipment for sample analysis.
He urged officers to enhance reporting standards and develop a high-quality template to improve the quality of reports.
Upgrading Cyber Experts’ Capabilities
The meeting also focused on the crucial roles played by cyber experts in the districts, particularly in retrieving data, analyzing videos, and examining CCTV footage and recordings. Sh. Kapur emphasized the need for capacity building among cyber experts to ensure that investigation-related reports can be prepared at the district level, incorporating new equipment and software as needed.
MoU with NFSU and CDFD
A significant development discussed was the MoU between the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Ahmedabad, and the Haryana Government for the disposal of narcotics seized under the NDPS Act, aimed at expediting the resolution of such cases. Similarly, an MoU with the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) is in the final stages to expedite DNA-related case resolutions. Sh. Kapur directed officers to focus on three key areas: creating a visible list of pending cases, addressing uncounted cases, and ensuring swift preparation of sample analysis reports. Capacity building was identified as crucial, along with considering improvements in existing procedures to enhance their effectiveness.
The meeting was attended by FSL Director and Additional Director General of Police (Cyber) O.P. Singh, Additional Director General of Police (Modernization) Amitabh Dhillon, AIG Provisioning Kamaldeep Goyal, along with FSL’s deputy directors and other officials.
