DSFL asked to hold buying of new DNA analysis device

Mumbai: The Bombay high court have asked the Directo-rate of Forensic Science Laboratory (DFSL) to put on hold the procurement of Rs 3 crores worth state-of-the-art rapid DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) analysis system, after some experts filed a petition in the court claiming that the hi-tech system did not give accurate results and would be waste of money.

According to the DFSL, they had planned to purchase a fully automated hi-tech system that would speed up the process of sample analysis.

Dr Krishna Kulkarni, director of DFSL, said, “ Usually it takes around eight to ten days for analysing the DNA samples. This causes delay in the investigations and evidence collection.”

Dr Kulkarni said that as the existing system of DNA analysis was time consuming, they had approached the state government to sanction proposal for procuring a fully automated DNA sampling machine.

“Some of the experts alleged that the system does not give accurate results. Considering which, a petition was filed at the court against the proposed purchase. A few months ago, the court ordered us to hold the purchase,” said Dr Kulkarni.