Importance of DNA profiling in sexual assault case: A case study

Abstract

DNA profiling helps in solving many hidden secrets which is not always a simple task. In the present case study, a girl aged 06 years had been raped by a person of age 19 years at Bemetara district in Chhattisgarh, India. After filing the complaint by the victim’s relative underwear, laggings, frock, vaginal smear slide, vaginal swab, vulval swab along with hair follicle and blood sample of the victim was collected by the medical officer during medico-legal examination. DNA was isolated from the above articles and the subsequent STR profiles were generated. Exhibits of suspect i.e. underwear, pubic hair and blood sample were also collected by the medical officer. DNA was isolated from these exhibits and the STR profiles were generated. DNA profiles of the victim and suspect were compared and the DNA profile of the suspect was found to be matched with the DNA profiles obtained from the exhibits of the victim.