Improve ways to handle forensic proof, states told

New Delhi: The home ministry has asked states to improve scientific methods for collection, handling and preservation of forensic evidence, ET has learnt. The MHA circular comes amid concern over the abysmal rate of conviction in sexual assault cases. In 2019, the conviction rate in rape cases was 27.8%, while the crime rate against women rose to 62.4% in 2019 from 58.8% in 2018, according to the National Crime Records Bureau.

“To give impetus to states and UTs in use of Sexual Assault Evidence Collection (SAEC) tools, the ministry has distributed 11,130 kits to all states through Bureau of Police Research and Development. These tools will facilitate efficient collection, handling and storage of forensic evidences in cases of sexual assault. The collection and preservation of evidence from the scene of crime is critical and important not only for timely and efficient investigation but also conviction,” MHA letter stated.

In 2018, the Centre had promised to procure and distribute 79 lakh scientific kits among states for aiding probe into sexual assault cases under the Nirbhaya fund. It comprises of essential items that help in furnishing evidence such as blood and semen samples in rape cases, officials added. As many as 32,033 incidents of rape was registered in 2019 with Rajasthan reporting 5,997 cases, followed by UP (3,065), MP (2,485), Maharashtra (2,299) and Kerala 2,023. Delhi reported 1,253 rape cases.