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Arjun Munda inaugurates the lab in Ranchi on Wednesday and (above) delegates inspect the facilities. (Hardeep Singh) |
A state-of-the-art forensic science laboratory was unveiled by chief minister Arjun Munda on Wednesday, setting the stage for a quantum leap in scientific investigations into crimes in Jharkhand.
Located adjacent to Birsa Munda Central Jail in Hotwar, on the outskirts of Ranchi, the Rs 12-crore four-storied structure sits on a sprawling 25 acre campus, a far cry from the cramped confines of the existing laboratory on the old jail premises.
The new lab is equipped with facilities to carry out ballistic examination of firearms, besides chemical, physical and biological analysis of samples collected from a crime spot. DNA profiling facilities are also on offer.
Equipped with a conference room where concerned officials can discuss issues, the lab also boasts a training room to ensure those employed are kept up-to-date on the latest techniques.
Out of bounds for all except authorised personnel, the laboratory comes equipped with an air-conditioned strongroom on the ground floor, where samples sent from various courts across the state can be stored without any fear of tampering. Attached to the strongroom is a “confidential room”, where documentation work can be carried out away from prying eyes.
A toxicology wet laboratory where drugs and psychotropic substances can be tested as well as sophisticated equipment like gas chramatograph and mass spectrometer are available for toxicological examination.
The DNA extraction unit can extract DNA for sequencing, an important aspect of profiling. The laboratory has a sound-proof firing range for ballistic examination.
Inaugurating the laboratory, Munda claimed it was “one the best forensic science laboratories in eastern India which would help ensure conviction of real culprits and thereby bring down crime in Jharkhand.”
The laboratory is the dream project of A. K. Bapuli, who will serve as director. Bapuli began by carrying out forensic investigations in Ranchi from a three-room rented premise on Ratu Road in 1988. He had taken a posting in Ranchi from the National Police Academy in Hyderabad.
Speaking at the inauguration, Bapuli said it was a dream come true, adding that his next goal was to open an unit to carry out cyber forensic, investigative psychology and document examination.
Home secretary, J.B. Tubid said it took nine years to complete the project. “The foundation stone was laid in 2003. With its inauguration, the process of appointment of manpower to run the lab and 18 mobile units associated with it will start,” he said.
Director general of police G. S. Rath stressed upon the need to open an advance training centre for junior police officers, judicial officers, media persons and doctors.
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