Delhi government has okayed induction of two mobile Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) vans with a view to ensuring quick and efficient collection of forensic data by police at crime scene.
"These mobile vans would be able to promptly reach crime spots and trained forensic staff can then collect samples and transport them to the Rohini laboratory.
"Most of the times, policemen are not as skilled as forensic experts to properly gather samples. Inaccurate collection of evidence causes obstruction in the investigation procedure," said a Delhi government official.
According to the official, two more such vans are in the pipeline waiting for approval.
Delhi Police had last year submitted a proposal for 11 mobile FSLs, one for each police district, with an eye on more efficient evidence gathering.
These vans are operational 24x7 and would be manned by trained forensic technicians for collection of evidence.
Meanwhile, according to Delhi government, there is a proposal for building three more forensic laboratories in order to reduce the burden on the laboratory at Rohini.
"Delhi's only forensic laboratory is understaffed and gets around 500 new samples every month," said the official.
"Delhi Police often have to send samples to laboratories outside the national capital as the staff at the forensic laboratory in Rohini is always burdened by work... That leads to delay in investigations," he added.
Moreover, biological evidence like blood, DNA and viscera have to be tested within a period of six months, which is another big challenge for police. Evidence is the backbone of any investigation and, in cases of murder or rape, it is important to collect the same at the earliest, the official said.
"Some cases may go on for several years and it has often been seen that, with time, witnesses turn hostile. Strong evidence helps police find the real culprit and thus there is an urgent need to upgrade the FSL facility at Rohini," he said.
