NFSA calls for recruitment in Nagaland’s lone forensic lab

DIMAPUR — Students of forensic science in Nagaland have once again called for advertisement of posts lying vacant in the state’s lone forensic science lab and prompt recruitment of forensic personnel.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Nagaland Forensic Science Association (NFSA) pointed out that the country’s new criminal law has made the provision of forensic experts mandatory for collection of forensic evidence from crime scenes.

“The Nagaland Forensic Science Association, while welcoming the new changes that will strengthen the investigation and criminal justice system, is heavily concerned about Nagaland Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) status, as our state is yet to see any change or progress.

“The Association specifically want to point out that with the overall increase in forensic workload all over the state, it will mean that the samples gathered in crime cases from Nagaland and sent to Guwahati Forensic Laboratories or any nearby FSLS for analysis will face delays and will not be the priority of another state leading to delay in justice”, it stated.

The association recalled that Nagaland had set up its first forensic science laboratory in 1982 with only fingerprint and photography divisions, which was later shifted to Kachari Gaon, Dimapur, in September 2018.

Related: State Forensics Science lab in Dimapur revamped

‘It stated that the new and improved infrastructure came with five new departments, prompting Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, who had inaugurated the new building, to proclaim that the additional departments would lead to creation of nine scientific posts, to be recruited through Nagaland Public Service Commission.

However, it stated, the posts have not been advertised till date. “For some years, the NFSA comprising more than 30 registered members, has constantly written and met with the Home Department and Nagaland Police Headquarter but to not much avail, as the creation of the nine scientific posts is still under process and is kept pending even in its final stages (yet to be approved by the CMO office).

“The delay in recruitment has led to overage of potential scholars, some of whom have done PhD, worked under other FSLs, NET and FACT qualified. So far, the association has analysed that there are only police personnel who visit the crime scene and collect evidence to be sent to nearby FSLs”, it added.

According to the NFSA, the forensic lab in Dimapur is without any scientific officer, scientific assistant, or forensic lab technician.

“A functioning Forensic Science Laboratory should be able to do the following: DNA analysis, fingerprint analysis, ballistic analysis, toxicological analysis (identifying  the poison or drug found in viscera in suspected poisoning cases), blood spatter analysis, interpret trace evidences and also the fastest growing digital forensic analysis; but the State FSL is yet to be an analysing institution”, it stated.

The association reasoned that delays in forensic reports and dangers of degradation or contamination of evidence while in transit are sensitive yet crucial issues as they can lead to injustice and hurt the sentiments of the victim’s families.

“Additionally, with the ever-increasing number of crime cases in today’s society, it is the association’s earnest request that the State Government takes into account the need for upgrading forensic in Nagaland, conduct investigation by implementing the new criminal laws enforced by the centre and initiate the speedy recruitment of forensic personnel as promised”, it stated.

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