TURA, Oct 21 - Demands have been raised to set up a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and a DNA testing centre in Meghalaya to ease the problems being faced by police in solving criminal cases at a faster and better way.
Currently, the State does not have the FSL and DNA laboratories and the only option is to take samples to Kolkata in West Bengal. The FSL lab in Assam�s Guwahati does not suffice for the State leading to them rejecting any request from Meghalaya for testing.
�For testing DNA, the sample has to be fresh (up to six hours) but if you look at the state of affairs, just collecting the samples and getting them to Guwahati takes that time. But, if the sample has to come from Baghmara in South Garo Hills, it will take 10 hours to even get out of our State. This delay defeats the purpose of testing as the samples are spoiled,� said a resident of Resubelpara, Willness Marak.
Marak added that the previous MUA Government led by Dr Mukul Sangma, had earmarked land in Mawdiangdiang locality in Shillong for setting up the labs. �The office has been set up but the equipments and personnel have not been assigned yet. The government should quickly develop the centre. Further, sample kits should be made available in all Police Stations and hospitals in the State,� added Wilness.
�The policemen carrying the FSL/DNA samples don�t have sanction for travel by air. Given that the samples have to be provided to the labs within 12 hours, it is impossible to deliver it on time,� stated one SR Sangma of Tura.
