The new forensic laboratory in Ranchi. Picture by Manik Bose

Ranchi, Nov. 14: On the eve of the formal inauguration of the forensic science laboratory behind the old campus of Birsa Munda Central Jail by chief minister Shibu Soren, top officers of the police and some reporters today had a tryst with different equipment available there.

A special curtain raiser function organised this evening on the forensic science laboratory campus started around 5 today and continued for more than an hour. Besides getting verbal information about the hi-fi gizmos in the laboratory, the police officers got an opportunity to visit different units of the lab and interact with the scientists.

The police officers closely watched the bullet comparison microscope used for ballistic test and the biological science research microscope used to see different types of microbes. They were enlightened about the process of DNA profiling, which recently helped 11 rape accused of Bermo (Bokaro) to get acquitted of charges.

Gas chromatograph used for chemical analysis, sample collection kit, fingerprint kit and narcotics kit for collecting different types of drugs were other attractions for the police officials at the forensic science laboratory.

Director-general (vigilance) Neyaz Ahmed was noticed listening to scientists giving him a rough idea about the method of laboratory test, while inspector-general (IG) of crime investigation department K.S. Meena was seen accompanying additional director-general (rail) Kumud Choudhary.

The forensic science laboratory director, Anil Kumar Bapuli, who joined his office after taking voluntary retirement from National Police Academy, Hyderabad, about two years ago, was a happy man to see police officers and reporters taking interest in the laboratory.

“At present we have several sophisticated analytical equipment. Nano technology was developed in 1994 and now we have the gizmos developed using that technology,” Bapuli told a police officers at the place where the DNA profiling facility is available.

Several units such as forensic ballistic, biology, serology, explosives, physics, toxicology, general chemistry have been established in the laboratory. The forensic science laboratory also houses a strong room, a confidential unit and a barrack for security personnel.

IG (provision) S.N. Pradhan said the forensic science laboratory would help ensure scientific investigation in the state and he would soon ensure establishment of a cyber unit besides starting the facility of narco analy- sis and brain mapping at the laboratory.

“The forensic science laboratory will help save innocent people and nab criminals,” he added.