JAIPUR: The Rajasthan government has approved action against four senior officials of the Forensic Science Laboratory in connection with alleged irregularities in the procurement of DNA testing kits, clearing the way for the Anti-Corruption Bureau to begin a formal investigation.
The approval has been granted under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act for alleged misuse of official position. Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham cleared the proposal, allowing the ACB to examine the procurement process in detail and fix accountability.
Officials Facing Action
The officials facing action include FSL Director Dr. Ajay Sharma, Assistant Director (Serology DNA) Dr. Anand Kumar, Assistant Director Dr. Bhavna Poonia and Senior Scientific Officer Dr. Ramkishan Kumawat.
All four had earlier been placed under Awaiting Posting Orders on April 13. The action follows complaints at senior levels within the government after alleged financial irregularities were flagged in the purchase of DNA testing kits.
FCRF Academy Launches Premier Anti-Money Laundering Certification Program
Preliminary Probe Flags Irregularities
The Department of Personnel, which authorised the ACB probe, noted that the preliminary investigation found substance in the allegations. Officials indicated that financial irregularities in procurement had been established at an initial level, though a detailed inquiry is still underway.
An officer familiar with the matter said irregularities had occurred and that further verification and technical testing would take time before final conclusions are drawn. The case first came to the government’s attention on May 22, 2024, through an official e-file. At the time, store in-charge Dr. Ramesh Chaudhary flagged discrepancies in procurement records.
On examining purchase data for 2023-24, he found that identical DNA testing kits had been procured by FSL Rajasthan at significantly higher prices compared with other states. He reportedly raised repeated written objections to the director, but no corrective action was taken.
₹8.71 Crore Alleged Scam
The same DNA kits, supplied by the same company, were allegedly purchased at rates up to 11 times higher than those in other states. Despite internal complaints, procurement reportedly continued. The alleged financial irregularity is estimated at ₹8.71 crore. Following the complaints, the state removed the four officials from their posts and initiated action.
Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act mandates prior approval before an investigation can be initiated against public servants for decisions taken in the course of official duties. In Rajasthan, such approval is granted by the Department of Personnel or the concerned administrative secretary. Only after this sanction can the ACB proceed with a formal inquiry into alleged corruption.
With approval now in place, the ACB is expected to begin a detailed investigation into the procurement process and determine accountability.
