DNA test halted for six months

KATHMANDU, Nov 29: With the crash of software used in conducting DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) test, the investigation of dozens of court and police cases across the country has been affected.



Only National Forensic Science Laboratory (NFSL) under the Ministry of Environment Science and Technology possesses the software that crashed six months ago. [break]



The NFSL assists police and courts in investigating serious crimes and, in case of property disputes, establishing parental relationship.



"The crash of DNA analyzer has hindered the investigation of murder and other crimes," special scientist at NFSL, Jeevan Rijal said. According to him, numerous cases regarding identification of biological relationships and forensic determination of rape are pending since past six months.



Likewise, dozens of people seeking emigration to the United States and European countries are deprived of the service.



The consular offices of some embassies demand DNA test report if they are not satisfied with other evidences furnished for establishing blood relationship. DNA test that analyzes the genetic material in human cells has been found to be 99 percent accurate in verifying family relationships.



Scientist Rijal said that the NFSL cannot purchase the software directly from the market. "We have to follow a government set process to procure the software, so it takes time," he said. The laboratory has been providing DNA test services since 2005.

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