HC seeks expeditious testing of viscera samples

Prayagraj: Taking a serious note of delay in submission of viscera reports adversely affecting investigation of criminal cases, the Allahabad high court has directed the director general of police (DGP), UP, and secretary home, UP to take up this issue at their end for expeditious examination of viscera samples to help the investigating agency so that it doesn’t become an impediment before the courts in deciding matters.
A viscera examination tests the internal organs of a body to rule out poisoning or any other abnormality in case of suspicious deaths. Such tests are generally done in cases which are under suspicion like poisoning and dowry deaths. A viscera report is prepared to determine the cause of death under suspicious circumstances where autopsies are unconvincing.
Hearing a bail application filed by one Tahir Khan of Jhansi district, Justice Samit Gopal observed, “the examination of viscera is also an integral part of investigation which may provide a link regarding the cause of death or give a lead in the matter. In so far as the offence is concerned, the delay in examination of viscera and due to the same being wanting, the investigating agency forwards reports under the Criminal Procedure Code before the court concerned, on which the courts take cognizance and proceed with the matter and then at some stage the report of viscera is supplemented as document of investigation. In totality of circumstances, investigation remains lacking in the event of non-receipt of report of chemical examiner.”
“The delay in examination of viscera is seen not only in this case but in many other cases. Result is thus that the opinion of the investigating officer is lacking in so far as the opinion of expert with regards to viscera is concerned. It is observed that there is no method evolved till date for speedy analysis of viscera so that the investigation may be completed in one go and a report may be filed after its conclusion in whatsoever nature it may be,” the court observed in its order dated October 25.
While fixing November 11 as the next date of hearing, the court directed the additional government advocate (AGA) to communicate this order to the officers concerned for its compliance and necessary action.