Hundreds of criminal cases across Guwahati are facing prolonged delays as post-mortem and forensic reports remain pending for months, bringing investigations to a near standstill, police officials have acknowledged.
The backlog has emerged as a major hurdle in cases involving suspicious deaths, road accidents, assaults, and alleged murders, leaving investigators unable to file charge sheets and families waiting indefinitely for clarity.
Criminal investigations across Guwahati are being severely affected due to long delays in post-mortem and forensic reports. Police officials admit that hundreds of cases remain pending as reports from medical and forensic departments take months, slowing probes into suspicious deaths, assaults, and accident-related cases.
A City-Wide Problem
Police sources across multiple Guwahati police stations said the issue is systemic rather than case-specific. Investigations often reach a dead end once medical and forensic inputs are required, as officers are legally bound to wait for final reports before proceeding further.
In many cases, officers said they have completed witness statements and evidence collection, but cannot move ahead without forensic confirmation.
Pandu College Case Brings Fresh Attention
The issue recently resurfaced following the death of a Pandu College student, whose body was recovered from a boys’ hostel in Jalukbari in December last year. While the case drew public attention, police officials clarified that it represents only one among hundreds facing similar delays.
Investigators said that without a final forensic report, determining the exact cause of death and assigning responsibility becomes legally difficult.
Where the Bottleneck Lies
Officials pointed to multiple pressure points in the system, including:
- Overburdened mortuaries and forensic departments
- Shortage of forensic experts
- Delays in laboratory analysis
- Administrative lapses in report transmission
Most post-mortem examinations and forensic processing in Guwahati are routed through Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, which caters not only to the city but also to nearby districts, compounding the backlog.
Impact on Victims’ Families
Families of deceased persons said the delays add to their trauma. Several complain that they are unable to perform legal follow-ups, insurance claims, or seek closure because investigations remain officially “incomplete”.
Legal experts in Guwahati note that prolonged delays also weaken cases over time, as memories fade and evidence becomes harder to corroborate.
Police Admit Investigation Paralysis
Senior officers admitted that charge sheets cannot be filed without final medical opinions, even when circumstantial evidence is strong. This has resulted in accused persons remaining uncharged for long periods, and in some cases, suspects being released due to procedural delays.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
As Assam’s largest city, Guwahati handles a disproportionately high volume of criminal cases. Civic and legal observers warn that unless forensic capacity is urgently expanded, delays could seriously undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system.
What Happens Next
Police officials said the issue has been flagged with higher authorities, with proposals under discussion to increase forensic staffing, improve lab capacity, and streamline report-sharing mechanisms. However, no fixed timeline for improvement has been announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why are criminal cases getting delayed in Guwahati?
Due to prolonged delays in receiving post-mortem and forensic reports, which are mandatory for filing charge sheets.
Q2. Which institution handles most forensic work in Guwahati?
Most cases are processed through Gauhati Medical College and Hospital and associated forensic laboratories.
