Jaipur : Jaipur Wildlife Forensic DNA Unit will be formed in Jaipur to solve the mysteries of crimes related to all the wildlife including tiger, panther, deer, peacock, Godavan and cheetah. This will be the first hi-tech unit of North India under the supervision of State FSL. A budget of Rs 14 crore has been kept for this. There is a large area of wildlife sanctuaries in the state. The DNA unit will prove effective in getting to the bottom of the crimes related to these. With the development of the unit, it will help in solving crimes related to wildlife not only in Rajasthan but across the country. FSL has sent this proposal to the Forest Ministry.
A hi-tech gene sequencer machine worth Rs 2.5 crore will be imported from America in the unit. The Forest Department is trying to establish a DNA unit so that crimes against wildlife can be detected quickly. In the recently held Regional Inter Agency Coordination Meeting to Discuss Wildlife Crime Issues in Delhi, a deep discussion was held regarding prevention of wildlife crimes. At present, 125-150 cases related to wildlife crime come to the State FSL annually.
Will help in opening cases faster
In the Sansarchandra case of wildlife skin smuggler in Rajasthan FSL, 34 leopard skins came for investigation. Head of Biology and DNA Division Deputy Director Rajesh Singh in his report confirmed the existence of leopard skin. He believes that with the preparation of DNA unit, reports of wildlife crimes will start being received at a faster pace.
The mystery of many high profile cases solved
The case of statue of Vietnamese princess in Ajmer was sent to Jaipur FSL. Investigation confirmed that the idol was made of ivory. Jaipur unit of FSL has also played an important role in Salman Khan deer hunting case and Sansarchand case. The Supreme Court has also emphasized on the establishment of Wildlife DNA Unit.
“There was a proposal from the Forest Ministry. We have sent a proposal for a Wildlife DNA Forensic Unit. The establishment of the unit will bring revolutionary changes in the investigation of wildlife crimes in entire North India including Rajasthan.” “Rajasthan will get a lot of benefit by setting up Wildlife Forensic DNA Unit in Jaipur. We will get relief from sending our samples to Dehradun, Hyderabad where there is already huge pressure due to samples coming from all over the country.”
