Police begin collecting DNA records under 2022 law; over one lakh profiles generated
Indian police have begun collecting DNA profiles from suspects in heinous crimes as part of the 2022 Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act. Over one lakh profiles have been stored in a central database to assist in forensic investigations.
Why it matters
The implementation of a national DNA database significantly changes criminal investigation procedures and raises questions regarding privacy and data retention.
Police in several States have started collecting DNA records, primarily from blood samples, of suspects arrested in heinous crimes. Along with DNA profiles, photographs, fingerprints and iris scans, the government is creating a unique identification record of arrested persons and convicts that can be retained for up to 75 years.
The article reports on government policy and implementation status without taking a stance on the ethics of the surveillance.
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