Karnataka Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL), Department of Police, has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Centre for Human Genetics (CHG) in Bangalore for setting up a first-of-its-kind DNA Centre, a project approved by the Union Government as part of better crime detection strategy. Under the MoU, FSL has gone in for a three-year pact, where the CHG would advise and guide in the infrastructure requirements, procurement of equipment and training of experts in FSL.

The state's super speciality forensic centre that includes a state-of-the art DNA Centre would come up at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) campus at Madivala in Bangalore.

The facility, which costs Rs 3 crore, is funded by the Union Government from the amount allocated for the modernisation of police force in the state. Out of the Rs 3 crore, around Rs 60 lakh is allocated for the infrastructure alone, Rs 30 lakh is for interiors which includes special air handling systems and Rs 2 .1 crore is set aside for purchase of equipment. Rs 90 lakh is already deposited with the State Police Housing Corporation.

The DNA Centre is expected to be commissioned before the end of 2005, according to Dr. B M Mohan, director, Forensic Science Laboratories, Department of Police, Karnataka.

CHG will supervise the necessary building parameters, purchase of equipments, analytical instruments and impart training to the FSL officers on the stringent standards to be maintained during a DNA investigation. "The application of science in crime investigation is becoming popular among law enforcement agencies and this is reflected in the increase of the number of cases referred to the forensic science laboratories. On an average, there are 400 cases for analysis and identification for criminal offences in the state, stated Dr. Mohan.

Under the MoU, CHG is expected to train four FSL officers who will be responsible for future DNA profiling and identification of criminals.

Currently, Forensic mobile labs operate around the state and rush to the spot of crime without delay with a team of forensic and finger print experts to collect details before evidence is destroyed. Now the state dispatches samples to Centre for Cellular Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, which is a time consuming procedures. The new DNA Centre in Karnataka will give the much-needed relief for faster analysis, stated Dr. Mohan.

The Finger Print building is ready for occupation next to the FSL. The state FSL has already received accolades from the Supreme Court for its path breaking finger printing, an advanced polygraph test. Procedures have also been standardised for both brain finger printing and narcotic analysis. FSL will be applying for patent for the technology in brain finger printing.