Verna lab will be fully functional
by year-end: SP Kashyap
THE GOAN FINDS
Constructed in February 21, 2008
Building found to be in a bad state
Machines lying covered with plastics
Currently being used as finger print bureau
SURAJ NANDREKAR
PANAJI
The state-of-the-art forensic science laboratory at Verna built at a whopping cost of Rs 220 crore continues to lie idle inspite of its completion seven years ago, even as the government has failed to get it functional and help the police solve some of the high-profile cases which are stuck for want of viscera and other sample reports. Work on the laboratory was completed in February 21, 2008.
In a written reply to The Goan, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Crime), PIO, Ribandar (name withheld) has said that “consistent efforts are being made to set up the laboratory on priority.”
“Steps have been taken to fill up necessary scientific posts. So also equipment, chemicals, etc., required for immediate use are procured. It has been our endeavor to make the laboratory functional as early as possible,” the reply to the RTI application filed by this reporter states.
When asked for what the building is being currently used for, the DySP said, “It is currently being used as a forensic science laboratory and Goa Police Finger Print Bureau.”
When The Goan visited the place in Verna, the building was found to be in a bad state.
This reporter wasn’t allowed to enter the premises, but he managed to see some machines lying covered with plastics.
A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the machines, which were procured spending lakhs, were lying unutilised and some have also crossed their warranty period.
It was also observed that the building has developed cracks on its rear side.
The Goan understands that the Central government had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Goa government to have a full-fledged forensic science laboratory in the year 2011. However, the laboratory has not been made operational due to lack of required machinery and staff owing to lack of funds.
The laboratory was funded and constructed under the Modernisation Scheme of the Union government, which had framed and sanctioned recruitment rules in order to absorb staff but till date no recruitment has been done.
Speaking to The Goan, Superintendent of Police Crime Karthik Kashyap disclosed that the major roadblock has been experienced and trained manpower.
“The process of recruitment is on. We have also started procuring the equipment and I think by the end of the year we should have a full-fledged laboratory functioning,” he said.
Asked why it took seven years for recruiting, Kashyap replied, “Well the GPSC needs to first frame the recruitment rules and look for people. Also, we had written to other labs around the country to send people on deputation but their respective governments did not support.”
Forensic examinations are very important to determine the crime, especially in serious criminal cases that hinge on circumstantial evidence.
Sometimes vital evidence gets destroyed by the time it reaches the forensic experts in other states. As in most cases, human body samples, including the viscera, are sent to forensic science laboratories at Hyderabad or Surat, and till the reports are sent back, the investigations are stuck leading to backlogs.
QUOTE
“Well the GPSC needs to first frame the recruitment rules and look for people. Also, we had written to other labs around the country to send people on deputation but their respective governments did not support.”
“ Karthik Kashyap, Superintendent of Police
