PANJIM, SEPT 21
The Central Government has turned down the Goa Police’s proposal to start the forensic laboratory on public private partnership mode.
The forensic laboratory was meant to expedite police investigations in the State, but this ambitious Rs 2 crore project set up in Verna four years ago has virtually been abandoned.
Inaugurated on February 22, 2008, the Forensic Science Laboratory is in a deplorable condition.
Unable to start or manage the project on their own, the Goa Inspector General of Police Sundari Nanda had proposed to start the laboratory on PPP mode which did not find any favour with the Central Home Ministry.
The Centre observed that the forensic laboratory deals with sensitive investigations and handing it over to any private party could prove dangerous, sources in the State Government told Herald.
“Goa Police had selected Truth Laboratories, a non-governmental organization”, sources told Herald.
Inquiries revealed that Truth Labs provides legally valid expert services by accredited experts to individuals and institutions directly without the need to come through the Police or Courts.
The sources said that the starting of the laboratory will be a big advantage to the Goa Police as it will save time and money and will also help in analyzing and producing evidence in court.
“Right now controversial cases are being referred to Mumbai or Hyderabad laboratories, which takes time and expenditure”, sources revealed.
Presently, the forensic lab building is being used to lodge CISF, IRB and other paramilitary forces whenever they are called in the State for special tasks like during election or International Film festival of India for security purposes.
The building, which is in a dilapidated condition, also houses the Bomb disposal Squad of Goa Police.
When contacted Goa Police spokesperson SP Atmaram Deshpande told Herald he did not know anything regarding the issue. “I have no knowledge of the PPP proposal or the Centre turning down the same”, he said.
