New forensic SOPs enhance rape case probes with focus on science and victim dignity
PANAJI
A new set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for collecting and handling forensic evidence in rape cases was launched on Wednesday. This is expected to improve how sexual assault cases are investigated and prosecuted.
The SOPs were released at the Goa Police Headquarters on ‘World DNA Day’. The event was attended by Bombay High Court Judges Bharati Dangre and Nivedita Mehta, who were chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
The initiative was led by noted lawyer and former Additional Solicitor General of India, Pinky Anand. It aims to address the gaps in the criminal justice system, especially in the use of forensic science during investigations.
Legal experts, forensic specialists and senior police officials took part in the discussions at the launch. They said the new SOPs would help make the process more scientific and sensitive, while also protecting the dignity of victims.
Anand said proper investigations are key to whether rape cases end in conviction or not. She described the SOP document as a guide for police and other officials involved in such cases. She also thanked her fellow committee members—Dr Keshav Kumar (Retired DGP), forensic expert Dr Robert Green, and lawyers Balendu Shekhar, Saudamini Sharma, Pallavi Chopra and Gauri Goburdhun—for their contributions.
She noted that violence against women takes many forms, with sexual assault being the most brutal. She said the changes in law after the Nirbhaya case marked a turning point in India’s efforts to tackle rape.
According to Anand, the public perception of sexual violence has changed. More victims now come forward, seek justice and demand support, instead of feeling ashamed. “We need more such methods and guidelines to investigate cases effectively,” she added.
Goa’s Director General of Police, Alok Kumar, said the new SOPs reflect both the legal and moral duty to handle sexual assault cases with care. He stressed that such crimes are not only physical attacks but also a breach of trust and human dignity. The police response, he said, must be professional, sensitive and based on scientific methods.
He said the SOPs are designed to ensure timely and ethical evidence collection, while also protecting the victim’s privacy, dignity and mental well-being.
Former Goa DGP Amod Kanth, who set up women and child protection units at police stations and now runs the NGO Prayas, also spoke at the event. He said similar SOPs should be developed for child abuse cases.
Kanth referred to a 2005 study he had conducted, which showed that nearly 70% of Indian children faced some form of abuse. He said 53% reported sexual abuse and 21% faced severe sexual abuse. The study, he noted, helped lead to the creation of the POCSO Act in 2012.
Dr Robert Green, Professor of Natural Sciences, also spoke about his research involving victims of sexual and gender-based violence. He said 90% of the offenders were repeat abusers, but only one-third were ever convicted.
