DNA 3D Molecular Photofitting: Frontier in Criminal Identification

The foolproof identification of an accused in undetected criminal cases remains a significant challenge for investigating officers. Traditionally, under the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920, identification relied on fingerprints, footprints, and photographs. While these methods played a crucial role in the past, their susceptibility to manipulation necessitated the adoption of more advanced identification techniques. Recognizing this need, the Government of India repealed the 1920 Act in 2022 and introduced the Criminal Procedure Identification Act, 2022.

This new Act represents a monumental leap in forensic identification by incorporating biological samples, behavioral attributes (such as signature and handwriting), and the examination of blood, semen, hair, swabs, and DNA analysis. For the first time in Indian legal history, DNA analysis was formally recognized as a means of identification through legislation. Although the first judicial recognition of DNA evidence in India occurred in Kunhiraman v. Manoj (1991) in the Kerala High Court, it was only with the enactment of the 2022 Act that DNA analysis received statutory legitimacy.

In cold and undetected cases where body fluid evidence is available but the accused is at large, DNA analysis can be instrumental in identification, provided a suspect is identified for comparison. Modern DNA technology has progressed to the extent that even a microscopic biological sample, as small as one picogram, can yield significant forensic insights. In the United States, forensic experts have developed 2D facial reconstruction from DNA, offering a groundbreaking method to aid investigations, which is also called Snapshot DNA Analysis, developed by Parabon NanoLabs, INC www.parabon-nanolabs.com.

Paraben Corporation, a U.S.-based digital forensics company, has pioneered advancements in forensic DNA technology, particularly in DNA-based suspect identification. Their innovative approach involves generating a 2D facial print from a DNA sample, assisting law enforcement in reconstructing facial features. By analyzing genetic markers linked to skin tone, hair color, and facial structure, Paraben’s technology translates raw DNA data into a detailed 2D representation of an individual's face. This advancement is particularly beneficial in cases where photographic evidence or eyewitness accounts are unavailable. In India, there could be many such cases.

With the advent of 3D printing technology, forensic DNA analysis has reached new heights over 2D DNA printing. 3D Molecular Photofitting is an advanced forensic technique that reconstructs a person’s facial features using DNA evidence. By analyzing genetic markers associated with traits such as skin tone, eye color, hair color, and facial structure, forensic experts can generate a predictive 3D model of an individual’s face. The DNA Technology is under trial phases developed by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Centre for Biotechnology, Troy, NY, USA.

This cutting-edge technique integrates genomics, bioinformatics, and AI-driven modelling, significantly enhancing suspect identification, especially in cold cases. The technology offers a promising solution for cases where conventional methods fail, aiding law enforcement in suspect identification with unprecedented accuracy and precision in the case of Saif Ali Khan.

While these emerging DNA technologies hold immense potential, they are still in their incipient stages and require further refinement. The cost factor remains a hurdle, but advancements in forensic science are making these methods more accessible. For instance, which once took months to develop a DNA profile, can now generate results in just 90 minutes through RapidHit Technology developed by Thermofisher. It’s available with Gujarat and Odisha FSL.

Law enforcement agencies must harness these technological advancements to ensure swift and effective justice delivery. DNA-based facial reconstruction can be a game-changer in cases where CCTV footage-based facial matching is disputed or where traditional forensic methods fail to yield results.

While DNA 3D Molecular Photofitting presents promising opportunities for forensic science, its implementation must be accompanied by stringent ethical guidelines and privacy safeguards. Concerns surrounding genetic profiling, data security, and potential misuse necessitate robust regulation and oversight to ensure responsible and ethical usage.

As forensic science evolves at a rapid pace, the integration of advanced DNA-based technologies promises to transform criminal investigations, offering a level of clarity that has often eluded law enforcement. These innovations could eradicate the uncertainties that have historically clouded the search for justice, speeding up investigations and infusing the courtroom with a new standard of scientific rigor. The future of forensic identification lies in harnessing these breakthroughs to unite the precision of science with the intricacies of the legal system. It’s time to place more science at the heart of the courtroom, where justice meets technology.

(The author is a retired IPS officer and forensic consultant to the Assam government. Views personal.)