With 900 Cases Pending, Himachal To Ramp Up Its DNA Testing And Forensic Research Facilities

In light of the number of heinous crimes in the state, the state Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Himachal Pradesh is working on upgrading its DNA analysis facilities in the state and range forensic science laboratories (RFSL), Business Standard has reported.

As per the data shared by the FSL, 44 per cent of the total cases received for DNA profiling are of sexual assault/rape. According to the report, 900 cases are still pending for DNA analysis. Out of these cases, 14 per cent are samples from sexual assault victims.

Upgradation of DNA technology will help bringing down the number of unsolved sexual assault crimes and other crimes in the state.

Dr Arun Sharma, Director, State Forensic Science Laboratory, Himachal Pradesh told the media that they are already working on the upgradation of DNA facilities in the state.

An investment of Rs 1.5 crore is being done on new 24 capillary DNA sequencer replacing older four-capillary sequencer. FSL, in order to enhance the quality and quantity of DNA, is investing another Rs 30 lakh on a robotic DNA extraction system.

Automated DNA sequencers will be purchased for the RFSLs in the state at a cost of Rs 1.25 crore.

Recruitment and training of DNA experts is being done by the FSL. “We have already recruited 3 trained DNA experts and are in the process of training 2 more along with 4 new support staff" said Sharma.