HP to have state, regional forensic labs with DNA facility, NABL accreditation
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HP to have DNA facility, NABL accreditation in state, regional forensic labs
Bhanu P Lohumi
Tribune News Service
Shimla, March 24
Himachal is all set to become the first state in the country to have DNA testing facility and National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accreditation in all state and regional forensic science laboratories.
A four-member team of forensic experts on bio-science, chemical science and physical science from Kolkata, Chandigarh, Haryana and Delhi visited the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL), Mandi, on March 20 and 21 and inspected the available infrastructure of the laboratory besides checking working manuals, health safety, validated material and chemicals used in examination.
The State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL) Junga (Shimla), and Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL), Dharamsala, had got the NABL accreditation in 2018, said Director, State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL), Arun Sharma, adding that on an average 500 to 600 DNA samples were received in the laboratories annually.
“Our endeavour is to ensure that the report is given within two to four weeks,” he said.
Reports of lab accredited by the NABL were accepted internationally and there was no reason for doubt or retesting once the reports from the NABL were submitted. This would also help in increasing the conviction rate as reports of NABL accredited lab had high credibility and get weightage in court also, he added.
The DNA facility was introduced at the SFSL, Junga, in 2008. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on March 12 inaugurated the DNA facility at the SFSL, Mandi. Infrastructure and equipment for DNA testing has been created at a cost of Rs 2.25 crore and the DNA block is being constructed at a cost of Rs 1.32 crore.
“Infrastructure and manpower is in place for DNA facility in the RFSL, Dharamsala, and formal inauguration is awaited,” Sharma said. As per the date sexual assaults and rape cases constitute 44 per cent of the cases received for DNA profiling in Himachal.
Meanwhile, compromised and burnt sample of DNA would now be accessed as next generation frequency equipment has been installed at the SFSL at a cost of Rs 3 crore.
The SFSL, Junga, became the first lab in the northern region to have DNA profiling of wildlife crime cases in March 2020. It also has the distinction of being the first forensic lab in the country to become member of the Asian Forensic Science Network.
