The delay in forensic examination of evidence has been hindering probe into several police cases across the Malabar region. This is because scientific procedures, including DNA test, can be conducted only at the Forensic Laboratory in Thiruvananthpuram. With the lab in the state capital flooded with cases from all over Kerala, the test results often get inordinately delayed.
However, with the Regional Forensic Laboratory in Kannur all set to carry out two crucial tests, the investigation into cases in north Kerala will get a boost. The tests will be related to DNA and cyber-crimes. While the cyber lab has already commenced operations, preparations for setting up a DNA lab are almost complete. With the Kannur lab conducting DNA tests, cases which need this test in Kannur, Kasargod, Kozhikode and Wayanad are expected to be completed faster.
The Kannur laboratory, which was started in 2006 by conducting four tests, will now have facilities for six tests.
Super detective
In cases with minute evidence like a strand of hair or butts of cigarette, it is the DNA test that proves crucial in conviction. In other words, forensic labs can be termed as a ‘super detective’. Forensic experts have to be alert as well as exercise extreme observation qualities. Recent cases in which DNA tests led to the culprits being convicted are those related to the sensational murder of Jisha and Soumya. Both Amirul Islam and Govindachami were nabbed following DNA tests.
In the Mattannur Shuhaib murder case also, DNA test had helped the police. During probes into cases in Malabar, police officials often refrain from adopting scientific methods as it may delay the case. However, when the trial starts, they often find it difficult to prove their case. In many such cases, the suspects are let off by courts citing lack of evidence.
The time taken to obtain the result of a DNA test depends on the quality of the sample. Even for a good sample, the result will be ready only after three days. In some cases, it may take up to a month. With the lab in Kannur becoming operational, police officials will have the option to adopt scientific investigation methods without delaying the case.
Staff crunch
The forensic lab at Thiruvananthapuram and regional forensic labs at Thrissur and Kannur are facing severe staff shortage. As a result, thousands of cases are pending. Appointments are made at the labs by the Public Service Commission from candidates having Masters degree in science. However, the delay in notifying vacancies and recruitment has led to the present situation. Kerala has the dubious distinction of being the state with the least number of forensic experts.
The situation is that even controversial cases are lagging. While political murders and crucial cases are taken up without delay owing to pressure, cases in which ordinary people are involved are given least priority.
Why DNA is crucial
Dioxy ribo nucleic acid (DNA) is different for each person. As a result, investigators can identify suspects easily. For example:
• DNA of the suspect can be separated from the gloves, mask, hair, saliva and clothes obtained from the crime scene.
• In some cases, a person is killed and his body parts are separated and abandoned at several places. Here, the DNA test helps to prove that all the parts belong to one person.
• Bodies are sometimes unidentified like during the Ockhi tragedy. Here too, DNA test helps.
• DNA test has become crucial as fingerprints, which are considered the scientific method to identify suspect, are difficult to obtain.
• Often, complaints are filed over the paternity of children accompanying gypsies and other vagabonds. DNA test proves their relationships.
Facilities at Kannur lab:
Tests at Biology wing
When a Bengali girl was made captive and raped in a lorry at Iritty, a hair obtained from the vehicle proved to be crucial evidence. The argument of the suspects that they had no role in the incident collapsed when the hair proved to be that of the girl in DNA test. Such tests can now be done at Kannur itself.
The fibre test conducted by the Biology wing gives indications of the substance used by victims of suicide cases. It also helps in murder cases. Similarly, saliva and other body fluids are examined by this wing to identify suspects.
Document examination
This test will help police to gain an idea of the culprits who forged documents. In the Vijaya Bank robbery at Kasargode, the suspect was identified by the letter ‘R’ he wrote in his application for Sim card. Bank frauds will also be handled.
Chemical examination: Kannur district records the highest number of bomb cases. Tests will help identify the chemicals used in making bombs. The chemical wing also conducts examination of ganja and other drugs seized.
Physics wing
Road accidents cases are often proved with the help of this wing. When a hit-and-run case occurs, experts from the lab can identify the vehicle which caused the accident by comparing the shred of paint obtained from the spot with that of the suspect vehicle. In the T P Chandrasekharan murder case, the weapons used to carry out the murder were identified by the ballistic team of the Physics wing.
Cyber lab
Facilities will soon be available to carry out expert investigation in crimes related to mobiles, computers and the internet. In the Pinarayi mass murder case, the Sim cards of the accused Soumya and her acquaintances were sent to the Thiruvananthapuram lab. The results in this case were obtained only three months later. With the cyber lab becoming fully operational in Kannur, such delays will be a thing of the past.
Read more: Latest in Districts
