PRAYAGRAJ, June 6 -- The Allahabad high court granted bail to an accused in a rape and murder case with a "heavy heart and great pain" due to the lack of scientific evidence as it expressed serious concerns over the state's forensic science laboratories (FSLs) infrastructure.

The court said it expects from the state government that it will provide high-end machines and sufficient staff to the FSLs while directing the Registrar (compliance) of the high court to send copy of its order to the UP chief secretary for perusal of the chief minister.

Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal allowed the bail application of one Manoj, accused in a rape and murder of 2025 committed in Etah district, for the reason that FSL report does not show that the DN...