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Allahabad HC flags poor FSL infra, says inconclusive DNA evidence forced bail in rape-murder case

Prayagraj/New Delhi, June 4 (IANS) The Allahabad High Court has expressed concern over inadequate forensic infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, observing that shortcomings in DNA analysis facilities are affecting the investigation and prosecution of heinous crimes, including rape and murder cases.

Granting bail to an accused in an alleged rape and murder case registered in Etah district, a single-judge Bench of Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal said the court was compelled to enlarge the applicant on bail because the forensic report failed to conclusively link him to the crime through DNA evidence.

The case relates to the death of a woman whose body was found near a river in November 2025.

According to the prosecution, the victim had left her home to dispose of cow dung but did not return. An FIR was initially lodged against unknown persons, and the applicant was later implicated on the basis of statements of witnesses who claimed to have seen him near the spot.

The defence argued that the applicant’s name did not figure in the original FIR and was introduced later through subsequent witness statements. It also contended that the alleged recovery of the deceased’s watch from an open field was insufficient to establish his involvement in the alleged rape and murder.

The applicant further contended that the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report did not support the prosecution’s allegation of rape, since the DNA profile of the accused did not match the DNA material recovered from the victim’s vaginal smear.

While allowing the bail plea, the Allahabad High Court noted that similar issues have surfaced in several cases involving allegations of rape followed by murder. “This Court has come across number of cases specially where the lady was murdered after committing the rape. In those cases, though vaginal swab and DNA sample of accused were also sent to FSL but in most of the cases, FSL report shows that because of incomplete generation of DNA profile, source of DNA found in the vaginal swab cannot be determined,” Justice Deshwal observed.

“Though, the present case is also related to heinous offence wherein rape was committed upon a lady and subsequently, she was murdered but for want of proper scientific evidence, this Court is constrained to release the applicant on bail, albeit with a heavy heart and great pain,” the order added.

The Allahabad High Court termed the inability to generate a complete DNA profile a major deficiency in both the investigation process and forensic facilities. “This is the biggest anomaly in the investigation as well as an incomplete facility in the FSL,” Justice Deshwal remarked.

The order referred to an earlier case in which the Director of the Uttar Pradesh FSL had informed the Allahabad High Court that many forensic laboratories in Uttar Pradesh were grappling with staff shortages and the absence of advanced DNA-testing equipment.

Observing that outdated machines and inadequate infrastructure were hampering the generation of conclusive DNA profiles, the Allahabad High Court said such deficiencies were adversely affecting the administration of criminal justice.

“In this case, outdated machines as well as incomplete infrastructure in FSL is the main reason for non-generation of DNA profile,” the order said.

It added that responsibility for addressing the issue rested with the state administration. “No one can be blamed except the State Government which has many other issues to consider, apart from the issue of providing basic infrastructure to FSL,” Justice Deshwal observed.

Expressing hope that corrective measures would be taken, the Allahabad High Court said it expected the state government to provide “high-end machines” and adequate manpower to forensic laboratories across Uttar Pradesh.

It directed the Registrar (Compliance) to forward a copy of the order to the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh for placing it before the Chief Minister.

Granting bail, the Allahabad High Court recorded that the applicant had no criminal antecedents and had been in custody since November 2025. It clarified that its observations were confined to the bail proceedings and would not influence the trial on merits.

–IANS

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Three hurt as incense-smoke sparks unholy ‘Marathi vs migrant’ brawl in Thane

Thane (Maharashtra), Dec 20 (IANS) An innocuous incident of lighting incense (dhoop) led to a huge brawl rekindling the ‘Marathi versus Migrants’ disquiet in a posh housing complex in Kalyan town of Thane, the home district of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The incident occurred late on Wednesday night when a north Indian member of the Ajmera Heights Society in Yogidham abused some Marathi families and allegedly summoned over a dozen outsiders who brutally assaulted them with iron rods, pipes and sticks, injuring at least 3 persons.

The clash occurred between the families of Akhilesh Shukla who claimed to be an employee at Mantralaya and boasted of high connections, and the Kalvikate family, on Friday morning when the angry members of the cosmopolitan society staged a sit-in protest in the building compound demanding immediate action against Shukla and others involved in the attack.

After the argument over lighting the incense sticks, Shukla abused Lata Balkrishna Kalvikate, 56, even as other neighbours, including Dheeraj Deshmukh and his sibling Abhijit Deshmukh, joined to support her.

“All of you Marathis are filthy people. You eat fish and mutton… You fit in slums and are unworthy to live in such buildings,” screamed Shukla, as other society members took strong umbrage.

When Deshmukh and his brother Abhijit intervened, Shukla turned and shouted at them that Marathi people sweep in front of him, and “if I call up the Chief Minister’s Office, I will show you all your Marathi pride”. He threatened to ‘rape’ Abhijit’s wife Monali and Geeta Shukla exhorted their (outsider) supporters ‘not to spare anyone, including women or children and seniors’.

The stunned society members told media persons that even Shukla’s wife Geeta also pulled the hair and assaulted some of the other women and “there’s an atmosphere of fear in the area”.

Earlier on Wednesday-Thursday night, Shukla’s supporters hammered at least three persons, including Abhijit Deshmukh and Dheeraj Deshmukh. Though they were treated at a local hospital, Abhijit Deshmukh has been shifted to a government hospital in Mumbai due to his serious injuries.

Later, upon Dheeraj Deshmukh’s police complaint, Shukla was called to the Khadakpada Police Station, but locals alleged that “he was given VIP treatment” by the cops and no action was taken including lodging an FIR.

As videos of the fracas went viral on Thursday, the police finally lodged a formal complaint against the Shukla couple and 10 others, but none of them have been arrested so far.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) Congress-Shiv Sena (UBT)-Nationalist Congress Party (SP), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and others raked up the matter, slamming the government for the collapse of law and order in the state, and demanded strong action against the culprits.

Congress’ Vijay Wadettiwar, SS (UBT)’s Aaditya Thackeray, Leader of Opposition (Council) Ambadas Danve, Sanjay Raut, NCP (SP)’s Dr Jitendra Awhad and an MNS Kalyan leader flayed the MahaYuti regime, protesting that now some persons are raising objections on peoples’ dietary habits or their attire.

As the issue snowballed, state Shiv Sena Minister Shambhuraj Desai said that he would apprise Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the matter and assured that appropriate action will be taken.

–IANS

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UP CM Yogi Adityanath reviews ‘Navy Shaurya Museum’ project, calls for early completion  

Lucknow, Oct 30 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday directed officials to ensure timely construction of ‘Navy Shaurya Museum’. His instructions came while reviewing presentation on the upcoming museum in Lucknow during a Culture Department meeting.

He said that the museum would stand as a living symbol of the Indian Navy’s indomitable valour and India’s maritime prowess in the Indian Ocean region.

The Chief Minister remarked that the sea has long been the crucible of Indian civilization, and the Indian Navy represents the modern embodiment of that glorious maritime tradition. The museum, he said, would serve as an important vehicle for bringing this legacy to the people.

The complex will include an interpretation centre, central deck, open-air memorial, thematic walkways, exhibition galleries, fountains, and a light-and-sound arena. Its energy-efficient design will emphasise natural light, ventilation, and green construction techniques to promote sustainability.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the museum should not merely serve as a visual display but as an “experience centre” where visitors can engage with history through digital, interactive, and immersive technologies. He directed that exhibits allow visitors to experience naval operations, warfare, and technological innovations firsthand, and that detailed information on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s maritime vision and legacy be prominently showcased.

The project is being developed in two key segments, the ‘INS Gomati Shaurya Smarak’ (Sacred Memorial) and the ‘Nausena Shaurya Vatika’. The INS Gomati (F-21), an indigenous Godavari-class missile frigate that served the Indian Navy for 34 years and took part in operations like Operation Cactus and Operation Parakram, will be preserved and displayed within the complex, enabling citizens and youth to witness its heroic legacy up close.

A TU-142 aircraft, which served the Navy for 29 years in maritime surveillance and disaster relief, is being installed in the garden, along with a proposed exhibition of the Sea King SK-42B helicopter.

The museum complex will also feature a 7D theatre, aircraft carrier landing simulator, warship simulator, submerged Dwarka model, digital water-screen show, marine life aquarium, and participatory activities such as “Dress Like Your Heroes.” In addition, interactive galleries dedicated to the Navy’s gallantry awards, historic missions, and indigenous defence innovations will be developed.

The Chief Minister stated that the museum will rekindle Uttar Pradesh’s ancient maritime heritage, which once served as a vital link in India’s coastal trade and Indian Ocean connectivity.

He said, “The Navy Shaurya Museum in Lucknow will not only embody the valor of the Indian Navy but also reflect the enduring maritime spirit of India. It will give Uttar Pradesh a proud new identity on the national tourism map.”

–IANS

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