FSL method was not well-documented: FSL official

Ahmedabad, Jun 20 (UNI) Gujarat Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) Assistant Director Deepak B Talati today admitted before the Nanavati-Shah Commission that the laboratory had not adopted a well-documented method while establishing the presence of inflamnable liquid (petrol) in the S5 and S6 coaches of the Sabarmati Express that were allegedly set afire in Godhra.

Deposing before the Commission, inquring into the Godhra carnage and the riots in its aftermath, Mr Talati said the FSL had adopted a well-accepted method to establish the presence of hydrocarbons.

During his cross examination, Mr Talati, however, admitted that the method adopted by FSL is not a well-documented method for laboratory testing of the residuals taken from the burnt railway coaches.

The FSL official said the residuals were tested for existence of hydrocarbons using the SE-30 methods in two separate phases -- stationary and mobile.

Adv Mukul Sinha of the Jan Sangharsh Manch, a rights body representing the post-Godhra riot victims, had sought to cross examine Mr Talati on the ground that the latter's affidavit before the Commission was fraught with discrepancies.

On being questioned by Adv Sinha, Mr Talati said the available technology in 2002 could not determine the exact quantity of hydrocarbons in residuals but only their range. Mr Talati's cross-examination will further continue on June 26.

UNI