DNA profiling centre inaugurated in Odisha capital

Reported by Santosh Jagdev

Bhubaneswar, Mar 7:

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today inaugurated the maiden DNA profiling unit at the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL) here, helping state police expedite investigation in criminal cases.

SFSL BHUBANESWAR
Pic Courtesy: Biswaranjan Mishra

 

Odisha DGP Sanjiv Marik, ADG Crime Branch BK Sharma and Director of SFSL Dr AK Ganguli were among others who shared the dais with the chief minister.

“SFSL has added a new feature to its cap by establishing a modern DNA laboratory which is one of the best in the country,” Patnaik said.

I congratulate the state DGP and other senior officials of the SFSL for their sincere efforts to establish DNA laboratory in the state, Patnaik added.

Notably, DNA testing laboratory would inspire greater confidence in the mindset of the people of the state, for its unique capability to establish human identification which is vital in the investigation of the criminal cases.

He urged the scientist of the laboratory to use the facilities in an efficient, impartial and scientific manner to serve the people of the state.

“Our investigating officers will not have to send samples for DNA profiling in murder, paternity suit and other cases to Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chandigarh anymore,” Marik said.

With the existing facility here a DNA report would now take no more than 15 days, which would definitely help expedite investigation in criminal cases. Earlier it used to take six months or more time to get such reports from these centres,” he added.

DNA profiling is extensively used in variety of criminal and civil cases, such as murder, sexual offences, baby swapping, infanticide, identification of mutilated bodies, false claim of parentage, identification of stolen babies and disputed paternity among others. Different types of tissues such as muscles, bones, teeth, hair with roots, blood stains, seminal stains, liquid blood, and epithelial cell are subjected to DNA profiling test, Dr Ganguli said.

The state of the art laboratory, set up at an estimated cost of around Rs 6 crore, has all modern equipment and technology at par with other forensic labs across the country. Automated DNA extracting machine (EZ1 advanced XL), real time PCR machine 7500, PCR work station, genetic analyzer 3500 xL, 5430R centrifuge and Millipore water purifying system are some of the sixth generation DNA profiling technique.

Total 6-8 persons have been appointed in the SFSL to carry out the tests headed by scientist Dr AK Swain. The laboratory can take up examination of nearly 120 exhibits per month.

Also Read

Comments are closed.