Pune: A state-of-the-art DNA profiling centre
was opened here on Wednesday to help the Armed Forces in identifying
mutilated or charred dead bodies during a war or mishap.
"The DNA data will help us in identifying the dead bodies
of service personnel and will also ensure that all bodies get
respectful disposal," Director General of Armed Forces Medical
Services Lt Gen H L Kakaria, said while inaugurating the 50th
Annual Armed Forces Medical Research Conference here.
"This facility for the Armed Forces will initially
develop as a repository of identification data of the troops
engaged in hazardous duties and then be expanded to cover the
entire Armed Forces. In the near future the repository will be
available for research and preventive health activities for
genetic illnesses," he said.
The DNA Repository and Profiling Centre is located in the
Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology of the Armed
Forces Medical College.
Lt Gen Kakria said that it will initially take off as a
pilot project wherein it will be tried on the locals there.
Once successful, we will take it to forward areas and then to
the rest of the country," he said.
Citing reasons for establishing the centre, he said many
armed forces personnel were often lost in a disaster, accident
or other unfortunate events. Establishing the identity of the
servicemen from mortal remains recovered from such situations
is critical to establishing death of individual and providing
welfare to the next of kin.
He said, "DNA profile of an individual is unique. It is
the only foolproof scientific method of establishing identity.
The identity of the deceased can be easily established by DNA
profiling, provided the DNA profile of the individual is
available in a data bank with the authorities."
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, February 08, 2012, 18:54