The suspect had been on the run for many years.
A piece of wood that was seized by the police from a crime scene has led to solving a long-pending murder mystery, a Sharjah Police official has revealed.
According to Brig Ahmed Al Serkal, director-general of the Sharjah Police Forensic Laboratory, an Asian man reported that he was severely injured after an assault on him by another Asian man using a log of wood. A police team visited the scene and lifted the evidence, including the log used in the attack. Fingerprint examination of the log at the forensic lab proved that the attacker had used the same piece of wood to murder another man years ago. The suspect, who was on the run for years, was arrested by the police for both the crimes. When confronted with the forensic evidence, he confessed to both the crimes, said Brig Al Serkal.
The officer added that the number of mysterious crimes solved by the forensic lab saw an increase this year. “We managed to solve 15,513 crimes this year against 13,054 crimes solved in 2018,” he said.
During a Press conference organised as part of the initiative, ‘Let us be close to each other’, Brig Al Serkal also revealed other details about the achievements of the forensic department during 2019.
“The cases solved by the forensic experts included murders, thefts, rapes, assaults, forgeries, drug crimes and scams. We also managed to uncover some tricks used by outlaws to smuggle drugs or hide goods and prohibited material from the eyes of police.”
He added that the forensic laboratory managed add 6,412 DNA samples to its database during 2019, which resulted in resolving 164 crimes cases occurred in the emirate. “The forensic lab conducted DNA testing all the detainees, prisoners and those who have a criminal record and placed it within a database, in order to facilitate resolving of any crimes when needed.”
The role of the forensic laboratory includes issuing technical reports to the competent authorities when required. It also conducts scientific research and presentations at international and local forums and contributes to enhancing the scientific process of civil and police academic institutions by preparing and delivering lectures, holding training workshops and receiving student visits. The laboratory also participates in various cultural and awareness programmes and activities targeting the public.
Colonel Adel Al Mazmi, a fire expert with the forensic laboratory, stressed on the importance of following the safety and security conditions at various commercial, industrial and residential buildings to prevent fire.
He urged the public to ensure proper storage of goods and validity of fire extinguishers. “Residents should make sure that electric connections are fault-free, air conditioners are working properly and gas cylinders are connected without any leak. People should also avoid throwing cigarette butts from the balconies.”
