Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Sep. 27: Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton has urged police and enforcement authorities of Nagaland to update their investigative knowledge base, in technological capability and information application, to ensure that prosecution of criminals is based on scientifically irrefutable evidence.
Patton was addressing government officers during a function inaugurating the new building of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), at Kachari Gaon in Dimapur on Thursday Sep. 27.
In his address, Patton asked the police department to make use of the improved facility of the new laboratory to ensure proper scientific aid to investigation and ensure conviction of criminals. He said the ‘FSL is vital for providing scientific evidence during the course of investigation.’
“The primary role in collection and analysis of crime related physical evidence in order to come to a conclusion is crucial in providing the case in the court of law,” Patton said. He reminded the gathering of officers that the standards set by criminal procedures and laws demand proving guilt of persons beyond any reasonable doubt in criminal proceedings. The requirement is proper investigation supported by efficient scientific aid, he said. He emphasised that the FSL was expected to provide conclusive evidence through forensics, which he said would go a long way in convicting criminals in the court and ensure justice.
Further, the minister talked about the establishment’s need to develop expertise and upgrade skills and knowledge base as the changing times demand. Patton urged the Nagaland police to equip itself with computer knowledge and forensics science, saying that ‘the criminals of today use technology and operate without border.’ "It is also imperative to identify and train police officers in the emerging areas of new crimes," he reminded.
The minister lamented that dispatching exhibits to establishments outside the state for forensic examination and expert opinions causes delay and result in loss of resources. Patton advised the police department to develop a new division within the state’s forensics department to avoid such issues. The dy. CM was optimistic that it will soon be made a full-fledged division. He requested the police department to impart proper training to the investigative officers and officials in the laboratory. He expressed confidence that the laboratory would be dependable and offer timely services with ease of access and affordability to all those seeking truth and justice.
Giving a brief account of the FSL, Inspector General of Police Wetsope Krome said that the laboratory was established in 1982 at Razaphe in Dimapur. It was inaugurated by the former chief minister John Bosco Jasokie. He said that the laboratory had only two divisions then, namely photography and fingerprint, and had an inspector and a constable. The laboratory was later shifted to Kachari Gaon in 2015. He said that it has 19 personnel currently.
Inspector Krome said that the department had created a post for joint director and eight scientific posts for five new divisions: biology and serology, chemistry, computer forensic, polygraph, and question documents. He said that the service rule had been prepared and submitted to the government. After approval, he said, recruitment would be made through the Nagaland Public Service Commission.
The technical report was give by executive engineer of the Chumukedima division, H Vihokhe Sema. He said that the total cost of the building was INR 21899000 and financed by the Hutko scheme during 2015–16.
According to the engineer, the time allotted for the completion of project was 24 months. He said that the department managed to complete the project in time according to specification, that is, on May 15 2018.
The director general of police, T John Longkumer, also spoke during the occasion. He lauded the dy. CM for his initiative to establish the building.
“This is another big step towards attaining self-sufficiency in the field of medical legal issue,” Longkumer said. He expressed optimism that the facilities would assist the police in delivering quicker justice.
