New Delhi [India], April 26 (ANI):
On the occasion of World DNA Day, Dr. Pinky Anand, former Additional Solicitor General of India, unveiled new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for forensic evidence collection, aimed at strengthening justice for survivors of gender-based violence.
The launch event, held on Saturday at the Police Headquarters in Panjim, Goa, was graced by the presence of several dignitaries, including Alok Kumar, Director General of Police, Goa; Chief Guest Justice Bharti Dangre; Guest of Honour Justice Nivedita Mehta of the High Court of Bombay at Goa; and other eminent attendees.
The SOP document emerged from two workshops convened in Goa under the leadership of Dr. Anand, with the goal of enhancing judicial outcomes for victims through improved forensic practices. Initiated in January 2024 with a series of roundtable discussions, the project adopted a victim-centric approach to addressing gender-based crimes.
This initiative was followed by a Forensics Workshop in December 2024, which gathered distinguished experts from law enforcement, the medical community, the prosecution, the judiciary, and academia. The pioneering effort scrutinized every stage of forensic evidence handling — from crime scene to courtroom.
Dr. Anand led extensive discussions, encouraging the exchange of best practices across professional domains. The resulting SOP document consolidates these insights, ensuring that all procedures are supported by appropriate legislative references.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of forensic science in delivering justice to victims of heinous crimes such as rape and sexual assault, Dr. Anand highlighted India’s strides in forensic technology, now enshrined in the country’s new criminal laws.
She developed comprehensive guidelines to ensure that forensic evidence is collected and transferred without contamination, thereby preserving its integrity in legal proceedings. Dr. Anand also expressed deep gratitude to key contributors, including Justices Bharti Dangre and Nivedita Mehta, and DGP Alok Kumar, for their invaluable support.
Director General of Police, Goa, Alok Kumar, praised the initiative, noting Goa’s position as a premier global tourist destination and underscoring the importance of ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors.
He commended Dr. Anand for spearheading the drafting of the SOPs and assured that Goa Police remains committed to implementing these procedures to enhance security and justice delivery.
Director of Prosecution for the State of Goa, Poonam Bharne, reaffirmed the dedication of the law enforcement community to securing justice not only for victims and their families but also for the broader safety of the public.
She emphasized Goa’s ability to bring together police officers, medical professionals, civil society members, prosecutors, and judges in a collective mission to optimize forensic evidence collection and strengthen the judicial process.
Dr. Lokesh Chauhan, Dean of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), lauded the newly launched SOP guidelines as a landmark advancement in supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
He stressed the importance of standardizing forensic procedures to reinforce the entire investigative and judicial framework, reaffirming Goa’s steadfast commitment to upholding the highest standards of victim care and evidence integrity. (ANI)
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