Kunduli Fire: Crime Branch Probe into Forensic Lab Report Fiasco

ONI Bureau: Odisha DGP Dr. Rajendra Prasad Sharma has ordered a crime branch probe into the allegations of sabotage in State Forensic Laboratory report in Kunduli “gangrape” case. The DGP has directed the ADG Crime Branch to probe into the alleged discrepancies and submit a report.

While a leading TV channel made sensational expose about how the report submitted by the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFCL) in Bhubaneswar on 17th October, 2017, confirmed presence of semen of two persons in the undergarments of Kunduli victim, the department tried to play a volt face, saying the report was preliminary and inter-divisional, and not the final one.

The Director of SFCL even claimed that final report did not find any trace of semen or rape. When the Lab came under fire and accused of cover-up, they issued another press release yesterday, refuting all allegations saying a final report was sent to SDJM, Jeypore on 23rd October.

The Forensic Lab still failed to answer how an ‘inter-divisional’ report (which was inconclusive), was being referred to the SDJM, Jeypore on 17th October and why it was not sent.

As the Government and Police are drawing flak on this issue, the DGP played it safe by ordering a Crime Branch probe into the allegations of manipulation in the report. But, there is little hope that Crime Branch would bring out the truth. Fingers Crossed.

Source: OTV