All it requires is saliva on a cigarette butt or the back of a postal stamp or the skin cells on the steering wheel of a vehicle to find the criminal.

Part of the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories and set up in collaboration with the Centre for Human Genetics, Bangalore, it could eventually be used for predictive medicine also.

Dr Lalji Singh, the architect of DNA fingerprinting in India expressing her appreciation at the inauguration of the centre today said that this centre was unique due to its involvement of the judiciary. However, he cautioned that DNA can be analysed only on the basis of what comes to the lab. That is why it is important to exercise care in collecting samples. Constables who arrive first on the scene have to be trained.

This was something Prof H Sharat Chandra, director, Centre for Human Genetics also warned against when he said that DNA evidence has acquired an aura of infallability. The DNA evidence has to be considered within the framework of other evidence.

There are just around 15 forensic labs with DNA profiling ability. He pointed to the need for more centres in the country considering the number of cases that required DNA studies. “With over 80,000 such cases the need is for at least 2,000 examiners.” He noted that the final report of the DNA profiling advisory committee, the DNA Profiling Bill 2006 would soon be placed before Parliament. The professor felt a DNA database of all convicted people could speeden the process of investigation. DNA profiling is a costly business and would require around Rs 2,284 crores to meet all the expenses including databases, he said. This is one of the reason why all cases cannot be referred for DNA profiling. As Dr B M Mohan, director of the Forensic Labs said, “We have to be selective. It is only for clinching evidence that we will do this.”

DG and IGP, K R Srinivasan also emphasised the need for more experts. Also present was Justice S R Bannurmath who welcomed the use of technology that would help in delivering justice. “We have a conviction rate of 39 percent and that is mostly due to non-use of data, lacuna in the law, not appreciating evidence, etc. Forensic science has to be made integral part of legal system.” He also felt that the training must be extended to judges  etc.

EARLY DETECTION
Bangalore, DHNS: There is an enormous number of people with genetic disorders in India, with diabetes and coronary heart diseases being the most common. By looking at DNA profiles, it would be able to identify those at risk at an earlier stage, so that corrective measures or lifestyles can be adpated.

However, the technology being costly is one disadvantage, especially in India where many would not be able to afford it. In this connection, the Genome Foundation mooted by Dr Lalji Singh, as a people’s initiative for people, could go a long way.

“This is a non-profit organisation set up under the Companies Act. We are asking every citizen to donate Re 1 towards this cause. That would help us to set up diagnostic centres across the country which are networked with hospitals. Using the help of NGOs we could have collection and diagnostic centres, especially in rural areas. We already have one in Uttar Pradesh and the second one is being set up in Karnataka,” said Dr Lalji.Treatment also would be an aspect of these centres. Affordability is the key-word.The foundation has eminent scientists and policy makers on its board.

(Visit www.ccmb.res.in for details)