Process of DNA Profiling :
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the hortatory complex molecule present in human and almost all other organisms.
Nearly every cell in a multicellular organism possesses the full set of DNA required for that organism.
Most DNA molecules consist of two biopolymer strands coiled around each other to form a double Helix.
Two strands are called polynucleotides since they are composed of simpler monomer units called nucleotides.
Each Nucleotide is made up of four chemical bases- Adenine(A), Cytosine(C), Guanine(G), Thymine(T).It also has a sugar called Deoxyribose and Phosphate.
These nucleotides creates proteins, that is needed for the cell.
DNA contains all of that information necessary to built and maintain an organism including biological information.
DNA of every human being is different from each other.
Through DNA analysis, one can compare two DNA samples and identify whether both come from same person or not.
DNA Profiling is a process of determining an individual's characteristics and is most commonly used as a forensic technology to identify a person.
A common method to collecting a reference samples is to collect the sample of blood, saliva, hair strand or a broken nail.
Although, 99.9% of Human DNA sequences are the same in every person, some of the DNA is unique. That makes it possible to identify a person.
Benefits of DNA Profiling :
Through DNA profiling technique, crimes can be resolved. It can also nabs criminals.
DNA profile taken from the place of crime can match with the samples of criminals arrested even after several years.
This technique is very useful to identify disaster victims, missing people.
The identification of the parents is also possible.
DNA Index System :
The DNA index system allows generations of DNA profiles from live samples like saliva and blood stains can be identify within 90 to 120 minutes.
This system uses latest DNA technology developed by USA's IntegenX Inc, known as RapidHIT DNA System.
History of DNA Profiling in India :
The initiative to draft bill regulating the use of DNA samples for crime related reasons began in 2003.
The Department of Biotechnology established a committee, known as DNA Profiling advisory committee, to make recommendations for the drafting of a DNA Profiling Bill, 2006.
This eventually became a Human DNA Profiling Bill, 2007.
The 2007 draft bill was prepared by Department of Biotechnology along with the union government for DNA fingerprinting and diagnostics.
In 2007, the draft Human DNA profiling bill was made public, however it was never introduced in parliament.
The draft bill was criticise by civil society members and non-government organizations for not addressing privacy concerns.
Again in 2013, Department of Biotechnology formulated an expert committee deliberate on concerns raised about the bill and also finalised the text.
In 2015, Government planned to table Bill in Parliament during its monsoon session, but did not do so due to wide spread criticism over privacy and data security safeguards.
In 2016, the use and regulation of DNA based technology in civil and criminal proceedings, Identification of missing persons and Human remains Bill was listed for introduction, consideration and passing.
The bill proposed to regulate use of DNA analysis of human body substances profiles.
It provides for the setting up of a statutory DNA Profiling Board to spell out procedures and standards to establish DNA laboratories.
It also provides for creation of DNA data banks at national and regional levels. These banks would be responsible for maintaining indices like crime scene index, suspect's index, offenders' index, missing person's index and unknown deceased person's index.
International Guidelines for DNA Profiling :
The DNA commission constituted by the International Society for Forensic Genetics(ISFG) has issued strict guide line in this regard.
According to ISFG, in case of emergency, forensic DNA lab must first inform to concerned officer.
Before taking DNA samples of injured or deceased person, it is necessary to seek an opinion from the person or his/her family.
At the time when the person's DNA has taken, name of officer present on duty should be clearly mention.
There should be a guarantee to keep investigation and collection private. At the same time proper maintenance also to be ensured.
It is clearly mention in ISFG's report that stream line the process of DNA collection, it is important to make an accurate system and report.
If many agencies are collecting DNA samples, clarity on number of people and correct data must be ensured.
Also the laboratories should have long and authentic work experience.
Apart from this, it is also necessary to have a centralised electronic database to collect all DNA samples.
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