'Absence of database on convicted offenders and defined set of markers among challenges for DNA profiling'

Shimla, May 25 (PTI) Improper sample collection and preservation, and the absence of a defined set of markers and a database on convicted offenders are the major challenges in realising the full potential of DNA profiling in criminal cases, a senior forensics official said here.

Vivek Sahajpal, Assistant Director at the Department of Forensics Services, Himachal Pradesh, said DNA technology is regarded as the gold standard for the identification of individuals from biological evidence.

Sahajpal was the only Indian to present a paper at a two-day online conference of the Asia-Pacific region on 'Human Identification Solutions'. Speaking on India's perspective on DNA profiling in criminal cases on Wednesday, he underlined the issues in DNA sampling, statistical analysis and databasing in the country.

Pitfalls and grey areas in the field of DNA analysis in India, with examples of cases and possible solutions, were also highlighted by Sahajpal at the conference.

Proper evidence identification, its collection and preservation, and statistical interpretation of the results are significant for achieving optimum results from DNA profiling, Sahajpal told PTI.

However, even as DNA technology has revolutionised the identification process due to its precision and reproducibility coupled with the capacity to perform results even with limited biological evidence, comparative analysis of DNA profiling data is difficult, he added.

During the conference, Sahajpal stressed that the lack of a defined set of markers for the Indian population despite the huge diversity in genetics is a major obstacle. Therefore, a well-defined core set of markers for the Indian population is the need of the hour, he said.

The lack of a criminal DNA database is another lacuna that requires immediate action, the officer added. Himachal Pradesh is the first state in the country to create a DNA database of unidentified dead bodies, he said.

The state forensics department has trained investigation officers and medical officers in the collection and preservation of data. It is also conducting studies across different regions to develop baseline data for statistical interpretation. PTI BPL RPA IJT IJT