236 DNA profiling cases related to sexual assault pending in central forensic labs, Rajya Sabha told

“A state-of-the-art DNA analysis and research and development facility has been set up at CFSL, Chandigarh, which is fully equipped with the latest forensic DNA tools and equipment. This centre has state-of- the-art independent units for solving cases related to sexual assault and homicide, paternity/maternity, human identification and mitochondrial DNA. Every effort is made in the CFSLs to examine the cases on priority,” he said.

“Also, in order to strengthen the DNA division and cyber forensics in state forensic science laboratories, Rs 175.32 crore has been released by the MHA from financial year 2018-2019 to 2022-2023 under the Nirbhaya Fund scheme. Increasing the capacity of forensic laboratories is a continuous process depending on the emerging requirements,” he said.

Last month another Union minister of state for home affairs, Ajay Kumar Mishra, informed the Rajya Sabha of details of all vacant posts, including those of scientific officer and assistant scientific officers.

“Fifty posts are vacant in the Delhi CFSL, 19 in Hyderabad, 15 in Kolkata, 14 in Bhopal, 13 in Assam, 12 in Chandigarh and 11 in Pune,” he said.