Cases linger as forensic lab battles staff shortage

The lab has no full-time director; additional charge has been given to a deputy director. There are only two assistant directors against the sanctioned strength of seven,five scientific officers against nine posts; and against 11 posts of scientific assistance,only five are employed. All these officials are authorised to conduct scientific analysis and sign the reports which the police further produce in courts.

The laboratory,set up in 1980,deals with more than 350 cases every month. According to norms,the forensic reports of these cases have to be given in a month’s time. But it takes about two to three months to send the reports.

“While reports of some important cases are sent in few days,but that further delays other cases. As there is no proper field team,the officials also have to go to crime spots sometimes,which affects work. At least three people are required in a dedicated field team,” said an officer.

Till date,no service rules have been enacted for Class I and II staff working at the lab. That’s one reason why adhocism rules here. In the last four years,six senior experts have retired. it has been more than a decade that any recruitment was done.

Also,the laboratory has only one ballistic expert,while at least two are needed; there is one narcotics expert doing the work of two.

Sources said the state police are planning to shift the lab to a new building in Mohali; it is presently running from a portion of the mini secretariat here. The lab is under the Crime Wing of Punjab Police.

Rajan Gupta,Additional Director General of Police (Crime),said,“We have recommended to the government that it must fill up the vacancies. The work is suffering due to staff shortage; but nothing has been done despite our repeated requests.”