Lalji Singh BSc

Dr Singh and his colleagues in the CCMB, at Hyderabad, developed a probe called Bkm-derived probe for DNA fingerprinting, as a fall out of their earlier internationally well known work on the mechanisms of determination of sex. Their probe is being extensively used for forensic investigation, paternity determination and seed stock verification. DNA fingerprinting evidence was presented in the court and for the first time in the annals of Indian history this result was accepted as an infallible evidence in the court of law. This verdict was upheld by the Kerala High Court.

Since then, they have used this indigenous technique in 500 cases such as paternity disputes, identification of missing children, identification of mutilated bodies, exchange of babies in maternity wards and cases of rape and murder, etc. These include sensational cases of assassination of the late Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi, assassination of Punjab Chief Minister and the famous tandoor case of Naina Sahni.

A separate autonomous "Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics" has been set up by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, which is presently housed in CCMB to apply and further develop this technology for the benefit of the country. The Centre is already providing DNA diagnostic services for many genetic disorders such as Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, Mental Retardation, Fragile-X Syndrome, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Huntington's Disease, Azoospermia, etc. The ultimate aim of the Centre is to develop, acquire and standardize the protocols for carrier detection, prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling for all the genetic disorders prevalent in our country. This is an important achievement for CCMB and CSIR. In recognition of this contribution, Dr Singh and his group have recently been awarded the CSIR Technology Award for the year 1992.