STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Jammu and Kashmir conducted a one-day workshop on ‘Forensic Evidence and Criminal Justice’ at FSL Srinagar. The event was inaugurated online by the Additional Chief Secretary/ Financial Commissioner, Home Department, J&K, R K Goyal, who was the chief guest. In his remarks, the Chief Guest appreciated the efforts made by the FSL during the last three months in finishing the backlog of NDPS and UAPA cases. Around 40 officers from J&K Police of the ranks of SDPOs and Chief Investigating Officers, Forensic Medicine Specialists from GMC Srinagar, and Chief Prosecuting Officers participated in the workshop. The Experts/ Scientists from the FSL, J&K delivered lectures and made presentations on the topics of ‘Forensic Documents examination and its legal implications’ by Dr Nida Hassan, ‘Digital Forensic evidence and Criminal justice’ by Rouf Anjum, ‘Biological Evidence and Criminal justice’ by Dr Nadeem Mubarik, and ‘Forensic chemistry and toxicology serving Criminal Justice by Tahir ul Gani’. All the experts/ scientists addressed the issues faced by investigating agencies in dealing with crimes, particularly with respect to the collection and preservation of the pieces of evidence for maintaining integrity before the court of law for the delivery of justice.
Director, Forensic Sciences, J&K Shahid Saleem while briefing the participants mentioned that the Forensic Science Laboratory, J&K has seen tremendous progress in its abilities to analyze and report on pieces of evidence for quick disposal of criminal cases since October 2022. As of date no NDPS case is pending and it is ensured that the pieces of evidence are analyzed and reported back on the same day or the next day. The backlog of almost all UAPA and DNA-related cases has been cleared, he added.
Deputy Director Forensic Science Laboratory Jammu /Srinagar, Shahul Ahmad Kant shared his scientific knowledge with the technical unit of the Organization during his deliberation on forensic science from a general perspective. The participant (Associate Professor from Forensic Medicine & toxicology GMC Srinagar Dr Arsalan F Rashid) also shared his valuable comments and stressed the need to conduct such events on a frequent basis in order to further augment the investigation of cases of heinous nature. At the end certificates of appreciation and mementos were distributed amongst scientists for clearing NDPS, UAPA, and DNA cases in a record time at FSL Srinagar.
