Andhra Pradesh police will soon have the backing of DNA technology to improve efficiency of policing. The State Government has decided to use a technology sourced from IntegenX Inc., US to generate DNA profiles and create a database.

Called the RapidHIT DNA (Deoxyribonucleac acid) system, it facilitates creation of a genetic profile in less than two hours which uses samples from blood stains, saliva, buccal swabs etc to do the profiling. At present, competitive techniques take two days, an official release claimed.

The Government has initiated a DNA index system with an intent of taking the lead in the country to establish a proactive policing model, .

Pilot project

IntegenX demonstrated the efficiency of the system by generating the DNA profiles of the first batch of convicts and suspects involved in various cases in Andhra Pradesh in the pilot project in Vijayawada, inaugurated by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister N Chinarajappa, Director General of Police N Sambasiva Rao, the Adviser to Government Gandhi PC Kaza, besides IntegenX--founder and CEO Anand Gupta and former CSO of Florida Police Roy Swiger and scientists of AP Forensic Science Laboratory.

The Central Government took the initiative to draft Bill, Human DNA Profiling Bill, regulating the use of DNA samples and creation of a DNA database for criminal identification purposes in 2003 and is currently working on updated version of legislation which allows collection and storage of DNA samples of those accused in cases ranging from homicide, sexual assault and rape to even violations under the Motor Vehicle Act which is likely to be introduced in the Winter session of the Parliament this year.

A DNA database could be handy in in preventing different types of social security benefit frauds like the ration card fraud, and frauds with respect to voter ID card, PAN card, driving licence, etc.

DNA fingerprinting technology is utilised by police all over the world for fool-proof identification of the criminals who invariably leave their traces at the crime scene or on the victim while committing the crime. DNA is the genetic material typically found in tissue of all living cells of both humans and plants as well as animals, invariably contains hereditary data passed on from parent to children. Such data is unique to each person except in the case of identical twins that make DNA profiling a reliable personal identification tool.

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