A year on,new DNA lab in UP yet to hum

Laboratory in-charge Dr Archana Tripathi and Director of Forenic Science Lab,R A Pandey,refused to discuss why the laboratory was not being used.

R N Singh,an inspector general in Uttar Pradesh Technical Services,a wing of state police that runs the lab,however,claimed the lab is functional.

“We have sent officials from the serology section of the Forensic Science Lab for training at the Hyderabad laboratory. They can conduct the parenting test,but for advanced tests on hair roots,tooth-pulp and other delicate components,samples are still being sent to Hyderabad,” he said. Singh admitted there was a need to recruit skilled staff to man the laboratory.

It is not just the laboratory that lacks specialised staff. “Our field FSL units posted in districts across the state lack the skills to collect DNA samples from crime spots,” said Singh. On October 22,a training workshop is being organised in which a deputy SP rank officer will visit every district.

A proposal to set up a DNA laboratory was first placed before the state government in 2004-2005 by Sulkhan Singh,the then IG of Technical Services. “The laboratory was established in a new building constructed on the FSL compound at Mahanagar. The equipment was installed two years ago. But the proposal for the appointment of the skilled staff was turned down by the state government,” he said.

While the laboratory remains locked,the FSL is going ahead to acquire facilities to conduct lie-detector tests and narco-analysis.

According to R N Singh,an order has been placed for a lie-detector machine worth Rs 6 lakh to be bought from a US-based firm. A team from the FSL has undergone training in Delhi. Experts who will conduct narco-analysis will be appointed before January,he claimed. The government has also approved proposals to purchase equipment for cyber analysis and acoustics forensic tests. A proposal for acquiring facilities to conduct brain-mapping test will be approved soon,Singh added.