Cases pending in labs; 1.69 lakh samples waiting for chemical test results

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A total of 1,69,188 samples in 60,381 cases are waiting for results in the state chemical examination laboratories. The officials stifled the order of the Home Department, which gave the scientific officers the power to certify the certificate to expedite the result. Cases are pending in labs in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode.

The study was conducted by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms on the directions of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The report said that there is no shortage of staff in the labs but many are not fulfilling their responsibilities. There are 33 scientific officers to prepare the report and 19 assistant chemical examiners to certify it. If the report is certified by the scientific officers themselves, the assistant chemical examiners have no other work to do. The pace of the proceedings will increase if these people also test samples and attest.

The recommendation in this regard was made by the Chief Chemical Examiner. The recommendation was made by pointing out that those holding positions similar to the post of scientific officer in the Central Forensic Science Laboratories of the Central Government and in forensic laboratories in Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are reporting officers.

The government gave permission on July 29, 2020 after approving this. The official negligence comes when the culprit will be spared if the scientific result is delayed in criminal cases.

Five departments to prove murder

1. The serology department that detects the presence of blood and secretions in cases such as murder and sexual assault.
2. The toxicology department that detects the toxicity of organs and the level of intoxication in the blood and urine.
3. The excise department that tests the sample in abkari cases.
4. Narcotics department for drug cases.
5. The Department of General Chemistry, which examines substances including explosives.

Sample figures for five financial years

2019-2020...................................1,10,103

2020-2021...................................1,28,713

2021-2022....................................1,31,894

2022-2023....................................1,47,325

2023-2024....................................1,69,188