SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Monday stressed on the need for a well-equipped forensic laboratory in the State for better investigation.
Speaking at the launch of a book on State Forensics Laboratory during the Investiture ceremony held at Meghalaya Police headquarters, Sangma said, “It is important to have an effective Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in the State, which is crucial in investigation and ultimate charge-sheeting, prosecuting and conviction.”
He added that the Government has taken a big responsibility to equip FSL and help the department expedite cases. The “Government maintains that there should be constant efforts to make the FSL one of the best in the country,” he added. Stating that there is lack of knowledge about law among the people here, the chief minister said, “There is a strong need for the police department, district administration and judiciary to sensitise people on different laws and then connect with the people.” Sangma stressed on the need for expediting investigation of crime cases so that criminals and potential criminals are not emboldened adding “Many rapists are roaming around scot-free due to delay in investigations and filing of charge sheets.”
Commenting on the role of the police department, he said, “The State police department should go beyond enforcing the law and connect with stakeholders and community.”
Referring to militancy in the State, he recalled the 2004 tripartite agreement signed with the ANVC.
Sangma said, “There was a sense of fulfillment and complacency, which made us slip back. Ultimately, they regroup and GNLA was formed. Nothing of this sort should be repeated.”
Speaking on the book, J Rymmai, IPS, I/C Director, FSL, Shillong, said the book, is to properly document the inception, history and metamorphosis of the FSL.
“The data and facts will be a source of help to the police department and the FSL. It contains a wealth of information which will be a help to crime investigations in the near future,” he said.
Rymmai added FSL requires manpower and was optimistic that by the end of the month, the FSL office will be shifted to its new office at Mawdiangdiang.
