RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, Aug.20: The State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) right now is not capable of testing alcohol and urine samples as the GCHS machine required for the purpose in the laboratory has become obsolete and installation of a new machine will take at least one month.
One of the insiders revealed the fact when contacted a day after Jharkhand High Court’s negative observation about the capability of the FSL while monitoring the status of the CBI probe in Dhanbad judge Uttam Anand’s death case.
“The process of installation of the machine started after it was purchased after completion of three tendering processes. As the machine is coming from abroad in parts, installation of the machine is on. Though it is difficult to give any deadline for the installation of machines, I hope it will take at least one month,” the insider said.
Asked how far observation of the high court taking the efficiency of SFSL is justified, the insider said ‘observation is justified to some extent. Asked how, he said: “We expressed our inability to test urine and blood samples for the presence of alcohol coming from Dhanbad due to non-availability of the machine but we properly did DNA profiling and examined auto-rickshaw related samples.”
Asked how the investigation will get completed in case the FSL is not able to test all samples, the insider explained how it can be possible.
“In Dhanbad case which is being investigated by the CBI, Central Forensic Science Laboratory in New Delhi can play its role in testing blood and urine samples for the presence of alcohol and I do not think it will take more than a day for the CBI to get it tested from CFSL.”
Asked about the staff strength, the insider said: “Against the total sanctioned strength of 68 scientists, it is presently running with 20 scientists and the process of recruitment of others is on.”
Asked about the GCHS machine, the insider said that GCHS is the most commonly used technique used for the analysis of volatile solvents.
Notably, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Dr Ravi Ranjan and Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad had expressed its concern over the lack of testing facility on Thursday and directed the home secretary and the FSL director to remain present at the time of next hearing on August 27.
