State to have its own DNA testing lab soon: DGP

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Oct 3, 2013 at 6:47 PM Updated On : Oct 4, 2013 at 12:34 AM

OST Bureau

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Cuttack, Oct 3:

Odisha police have decided to set up its own DNA testing laboratory in the state capital in view of the rising number of medico legal cases in the state, DGP Prakash Mishra revealed on Thursday.

“We are going to establish a DNA testing lab of our own soon. Besides, plans are afoot to make available forensic services at district and regional level” said Mishra said addressing the 61st police duty meet.

Speaking to the media later, the DGP said steps were being taken to modernize the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL).

The recent spurt in high profile cases involving forensic investigations and inordinate delays in getting reports from laboratories outside the state prompted the decision, said a departmental source.

Presently the state police have no facilities for DNA testing and DNA fingerprinting. Samples are being sent outside the state to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Kolkata for DNA tests.

The DNA testing lab will be most beneficial to resolve cases relating to murder, rape, paternity, maternity, child swapping, body identification etc., said a source.