Led by Dr JM Vyas, Vice Chancellor, National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) and Dr K Thangaraj, Director, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting & Diagnostics (CDFD), experts from the fields of forensics, biotechnology, law enforcement, criminal justice & policy came together to emphasise the importance of instituting a national DNA offender database in cracking down on violent sexual crime in India by taking repeat offender off the streets.
While agreeing on the effectiveness of DNA technology in reducing crime rate, the panel discussed contrasting themes of “value” versus “privacy” and how decision makers need to delicately balance these two competing imperatives to ensure that the balance maintained between the rights of the individual and the broader interests of society in tackling crime.
Dr JM Vyas, Vice Chancellor, NFSU & Director General, FSL Gujarat stated, “The DNA Bill pending before Parliament for approval provides procedure and monitoring of DNA data bank of accused, unknown deceased, suspect persons as well as crime scene profiles."
