National Forensic Science Laboratory (NFSL) has expressed its inability to complete the DNA test within the stipulated time, citing various difficulties. [break]
“The sample given for the DNA test is not so fresh and due to that reason we are taking some time to complete the investigation,” said Jivan Rijal, specialist at NFSL, adding, “If police had given us a fresh sample or a blood sample for the DNA test, we could have given the test result within a more limited timeframe.”
Metropolitan Police Range, Hanumandhoka had sent a bone fragment some 15 days ago for DNA testing to establish whether the body found at Palung in Makawanpur is Dhakal´s. The post-mortem also could not be completed as portions of the body were missing, according to police.
Rijal told Republica that they couldn´t complete the DNA test at the earliest because of load-shedding also. “We can work for only three to four hours a day but DNA testing equipment needs at least four hours just to warm up for proper functioning.”
A DNA test can normally be completed within a week, according to Rijal.
He also added that this is the first criminal case in which they are doing a DNA test. NFSL is working on the assumption that it will complete the test within a couple of days. It will send the report to Hanumandhoka.
The government will file a case against accused Ranjan Koirala and his ´mistress´ Tara Regmi on Thursday at Kathmandu District Court. Police have sought life imprisonment with property confiscation for the two for their alleged involvement in Dhakal´s murder.
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