The Centre is a joint initiative of the Directorate of FSL, Government of Karnataka and Centre for Human Genetics (CHG), Bangalore and is located in the premises of the Forensic Sciences Laboratory (FSL), Madiwala and the CHG laboratory.

Part of the modernisation process, the DNA Centre has state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to conduct DNA profiling in critical civil and criminal cases and will be of immense help in investigating and bringing them to a logical conclusion. The total cost of the project is around Rs 4 crore. “We received Rs 3.5 crore under the modernisation grant and the remaining amount was given by the State government,” said Director, FSL, Karnataka, BM Mohan. “DNA profiling is extremely useful in tracking the perpetrators of the crime, especially in rape cases, homicides etc. Though there are DNA Centres in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat etc, we have the unique distinction of an MoU with the CHG for research purpose. It will give us the additional capability to handle the complexities of DNA profiling,”he said.

 “We have also prepared a handout on ‘DNA in the annals of justice system in which we have cited cases in which DNA profiling was used as critical evidence,” he said.

The Centre will be inaugurated by the State Director and Inspector General of Police, KR Sreenivasan and Dr Lalji Singh, director, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) Hyderabad will be the chief guest.

Home Secretary Vatsala Vatsa will release a book, ‘Pursuit of Clues & Forensic Services’ compiled and edited by Dr Mohan. “The book contains procedural details to integrate field forensics with laboratory so that the ultimate evidence is reliable,” he added.

Director, CHG, Prof Sharat Chandra said forensic genetics began in India in an academic and research setting in Hyderabad. “The tie-up with the FSL will further help forensic genetics in the country,” he added.

profiling
The importance of DNA profiling in providing conclusive evidence in a case is such that even the Interpol recognises its value and is supporting the new investigative tool in detecting criminal cases across the world, among its member states.

The Interpol has even set up a DNA unit to assist member states and encourage DNA profile comparison across international borders.

DNA PROFILING
Bangalore, DHNS: Large portions of human DNA is the same because it is dedicated to our species-specific traits; the fact that we have feet instead of hooves, skin instead of scales, etc. But other sections or fragments of human DNA are unique to the individual. These fragments are called polymorphic because they vary in shape from person to person. Essentially, DNA profiling is the process of separating an individual's unique, polymorphic, fragments from the common ones. It helps in tracking down the real perpetrator of a crime.