26-04-2025, World DNA Day- Team Apradhshastra had the privilege of attending the “Release of Standard Operating Procedure on Collecting and Processing of Scientific/Forensic Evidence in Sexual Assault Case” at the Police Headquarter in Panjim, Goa.
Dr. Pinky Anand, Senior Advocate & Former Additional Solicitor General of India was at the helm the ship. She walked us through the importance of DNA Analysis & Forensic Evidence, stressing upon the how this SoP can be the guiding light, stating its comprehensive nature.
Dr. Anand outlined the importance of Sec. 85 & 86 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sec. 176 (3) & Sec. 329 (4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, in line with violence against women and how a proper chain of custody for forensic evidence can make investigations more effective and convictions more achievable.
Mr. Alok Kumar, DGP, Goa Police, stepping in, reaffirmed the responsibility forensic evidence holds. He reiterated the importance of procedural integrity during evidence collection.
Following him, Mr. Amod K. Kanth, Founder of Prayas, called for the inclusion of Children as part of the SoP, along with the significance of Support Persons as elucidated in Section 39 of the POCSO Act.
After him, Dr. Keshav Kumar,IPS(R),PhD,PSM,MSM reinstated the importance of a proper chain of custody for forensic evidence for it to be legally admittable, the need for meticulous documentation, use of reliable techniques, in consonance with judicial awareness of forensic limitations.
Mr. Robert Green OBE, Professor at University of Kent, spoke about how intrusive medical investigations lead to re-victimization, along with the recidivist nature of offenders, the need of experts for interpretation of evidence, reliable evidence, and a victim-centered approach.
Mr. Edgar McConnell, Business Development Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific, demonstrated how Rapid DNA, a hands-free technology can collect evidence right from the crime scene without the need of technical personals within 90 minutes.
To conclude the day, Justice Bharti Dangre, highlighted the lapses the Criminal Justice System curtails-how insufficient evidence leads to acquittals. She reemphasized the need of uniform and standard procedures for the players of the CJS. Drawing from NCRB reports, landmark cases & her vast experience, she stressed upon the nuances the word “consent” carries.
In conclusion, the SoP on Collecting & Processing of Scientific/Forensic Evidence in Sexual Assault Case was a call for action. All speakers accentuating the need for a efficient & effective manner of collection of forensic evidence, we are set to make amends to how our CJS comes to grips with sexual assault cases.
We thank our Respected VC Sir Prof. (Dr.) R. Venkata Rao, Asst. Prof. (Dr.) Aswathy Madhukumar, Asst. Prof. Saloni Goyal, and IIULER GOA for this remarkable opportunity from the bottom of our hearts.
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