STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The J&K Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), during the year 2023, analysed and reported around 15000 cases to the law enforcing agencies. The case analyzing and reporting percentage has risen to around 315 per cent from 2021 levels and 114 per cent from 2022 levels. The FSL analyzed and reported back 3605 cases in 2017, 3929 in 2018, 4280 in 2019, 3842 in 2020, 4560 in 2021, 6998 in 2022 and 15000 in 2023.
Pacing up the work under ‘Nasha Mukt Abhhiyan’, the backlog of NDPS cases was brought to Nil by 1st January 2023. As on date all the NDPS cases are analysed and reported back to the concerned law enforcement agencies within a week’s time.
During the last 15 months, against 3,792 NDPS cases received/ pending analysis, 3,751 cases have been cleared and reported back bringing the case reporting percentage to 99.00%. In addition, all pending UAPA, DNA, Biology-Serology and Finger Print cases stand cleared.
All the backlog of Viscera cases was cleared by February 28th, 2023. During last 15 months against 8,533 Viscera cases received/ pending analysis, 8,292 cases cleared and reported back bringing the case reporting percentage to 97.2%.
The FSL has augmented its capacities in all wings. Seven Scientific Officers have been appointed in different divisions viz Narcotics, Chemistry and Toxicology, Physics, DNA and Questioned Documents divisions on the recommendations of the J&K PSC. 06 Forensic Aptitude and Calibration Test (FACT) qualified candidates have been engaged for Narcotics/ Chemistry & Toxicology Divisions. Two retired forensic experts, one Deputy Director and one Assistant Scientific Officer have been re-engaged. Exams for 25 posts of Assistant Scientific Officers for different divisions are being conducted by the J&K SSB in first week of January 2024. The above arrangements not only led to the desired speedy case analysis and disposal but also to revival of otherwise redundant divisions of Physics and Ballistics after a gap of almost ten years.
On the front of enhancing forensic capacities, the FSL has entered into an MoU with the National Forensic Science University, Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat, to stimulate and facilitate the advancement of collaborative and mutually beneficial academic activities which serve to enhance the institutional development for both the parties and to engage with each other in a pursuit to transform the J&K FSL into ‘centre of excellence’ in all fields of Forensic Science.
On the front of infrastructure development, Centre for Development of Advance Computing (CDAC) and NFSU, Gujarat, have been roped in to develop the state of the art Cyber and DNA laboratories respectively. Funds for the same have been provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs under SRE and NIRBHAYA schemes. Besides, funds are being provided to J&K FSL by the MHA under the scheme ‘Strengthening & Capacity building of State Forensic Science Laboratories’ for which a proposal of Rs. 76 Crore has been recommended by the J&K Home Department to the MHA.
Furthermore, all the existing laboratories are being augmented to international standards because of the generous funding and support of the Home Department, J&K. State of the art forensic machines have been and are being purchased to ensure accuracy and advanced analysis of forensic evidence. While providing independent analysis and opinions on the forensic evidence, the J&K FSL is not only helping the Courts in the delivery of criminal justice but also has turned into an institution of deterrence for those violating law.
