Forensic Services holds workshop to boost medical officers’ expertise
The Directorate of Forensic Services, Junga, organised a one-day workshop on the Collection and Preservation of Biological Matrices for DNA Profiling and Forensic Toxicology for medical officers from various districts of Himachal Pradesh. The aim of the workshop was to enhance their expertise in the scientific collection and preservation of biological and physical evidence for DNA profiling and forensic toxicology examinations.
This initiative was part of the 9th meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Forensic Development Board, held on August 20, 2024, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Various forensic science-related issues were discussed during the meeting and the workshop was conducted as a follow-up to this program.
Dr Meenakshi Mahajan, Director of the Directorate of Forensic Services, Himachal Pradesh, inaugurated the workshop. In her address, she emphasised the growing importance of DNA evidence in the modern era and stressed the need for medical officers to properly collect and preserve evidence in cases such as sexual assault and homicide before forwarding it to investigative agencies.
Dr Mahajan highlighted the importance of updated knowledge for medical officers dealing with heinous crimes. “The State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL), Junga, regularly conducts specialised training programs on various aspects of forensics for police investigators, medical officers, prosecution officers and newly recruited personnel to ensure the proper implementation of criminal investigation and forensic science standards,” she said.
She also pointed out that, as per Section 176(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), forensic specialists are required to visit the crime scene and collect evidence in cases where the punishment extends up to seven years of imprisonment. The workshop provided valuable insights into forensic aspects related to crime investigations, further strengthening the forensic capabilities in the state.
