Send forensic samples to FSL within 15 days, DG&IGP tells investigating officers

Forensic proof collected by investigating officers (IOs) from the crime scene, essential to the investigations, shouldn’t be despatched to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for examination for months, generally even years. This not solely goes in opposition to the usual working process but in addition delays the authorized course of additional.

Concerned over the delay, Director-General and Inspector-General of Police (DG&IGP) Praveen Sood has issued a standing order directing IOs and officers involved to submit the samples within 15 days from the date of assortment.

In the order, issued on Monday, Mr. Sood mentioned the subdivision police officers ought to full all authorized formalities within the interval. The order additionally acknowledged that in case of delay of up to 30 days, the DCP or SP involved ought to personally signal the forwarding letter to the FSL. Approval of the Additional-Director General of Police (Crime and Technical Services) needs to be obtained earlier than sending the samples that are delayed past 30 days from the date of seizure.

Mr. Sood, within the order, additionally mentioned that in all legal circumstances the place pending FSL stories grow to be “infructuous” owing to the loss of life of the accused or submitting of ‘B’ report , the IOs ought to carry it to the discover of the FSL officers involved instantly to keep away from efforts in such examinations.

(*15*) the order, Additional Director-General of Police (Administration) M.A. Saleem mentioned it could be certain that essential forensic proof is deposited on the earliest, which might, in flip, be certain that the case is taken to its logical finish. “Many times, the samples are not sent to the FSL owing to the sheer negligence of the IOs and this further burdens the due legal course,” he mentioned.

Police officers who’re a part of the investigating groups, nevertheless, mentioned the delay was not intentional and there have been many components concerned. Though there have been cases of hampering the case by delaying sending the samples, there are additionally procedural lapses which want to be addressed first, the officer added.

Another senior police officer mentioned there was additionally a delay within the FSL to get the outcomes owing to excessive pendency of circumstances. “So if the IOs delay sending the samples on time, there will be further delay in the process and justice will not be served,” the officer mentioned.

A police officer on the station degree argued that the delay in sending samples to the FSL was owing to the delay whereas dealing with the “chain of custody” and following the due process. According to the officer, the IOs are not looking for to delay sending the samples, however the samples collected from the scene ought to undergo many levels — together with mahazar (spot inspection), taking them to the protected custody of the station for paperwork, and getting the hospital report, which take days and generally months of observe up — earlier than they’re despatched.

In the midst, the IOs may have a number of roles to play within the station — from bandobast to sustaining regulation and order, attending conferences and taking on new circumstances — and priorities change and points that are critical in nature achieve significance, he added.

Another officer mentioned that there are various kinds of samples, together with bodily, chemical and organic, which have to be dealt with in numerous methods and have totally different expiry dates. “The order should have elaborated a little more on this and also given instructions to medical officers who take days to hand over the viscera to be submitted to the FSL. The IOs should not be held accountable for such delays,” he added.