AGARTALA, May 22 (TIWN): Even as the government is making efforts to modernise the State Forensic Science Laboratory of the Police Department for speedy examination of samples, their attempts seem to be a futile exercise.

According to the data from the Home Department, till 2013, forensic examinations of samples in over 55 cases are pending with the laboratory. “The major reason for the delay is the shortage of staff at the state forensic laboratory. The sanctioned strength of scientific staff is 34 but there is shortage of 12 staff. The department has to recruit more hands to end the delay which is affecting the investigation in the cases,” said an official requesting anonymity.

The officer said that the department could not recruit more forensic experts owing to the fund crunch. The other two districts FSL in North District and South District are facing staff shortage. “For quick disposal of cases and for proper functioning of the laboratory DGP Balasubramanian attached some police personnel having science background to assist” stated the officer. 

In absence of FSL in the state the scientific investigation of major crimes was not explored at par with national level. With the establishment of the lab from February 1, 2003 there is remarkable improvement in scientific investigation of different crimes in spite of staff crunch. The utilization of scientific investigation in the state was 2.5 per cent of the total cases registered in the year 2003 and 2004. But in 2013 it has gone up to 10.51 percent