In a significant development in the Delhi blast investigation, authorities have collected DNA samples from the mother and brother of prime suspect Dr Umar Nabi. The samples have been sent to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) forensic laboratory for detailed analysis, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Forensic Investigation Intensifies
The collected DNA samples will be compared with bodily remains preserved at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital. This crucial forensic procedure aims to confirm identification and determine the fate of Nabi, who was allegedly driving the Hyundai i20 vehicle when a powerful explosion occurred outside Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort (Lal Qila) metro station.
The explosion took place at 6:52 pm on Monday, marking what could be the first terrorist attack in Delhi since 2011 if confirmed. The blast resulted in at least eight fatalities and left several others injured.
DNA Profiling: The Gold Standard in Forensic Science
Dr Sudhir Gupta, Head of Forensic Medicine at AIIMS Delhi, emphasized the importance of DNA profiling in the investigation. He described it as the "gold standard" in forensic science for identifying individuals and establishing biological relationships.
"This is a powerful tool for identifying suspects, victims, and establishing biological relationships," Dr Gupta told news agency ANI. "It is used in criminal investigations, disaster victim identification, and paternity testing."
Explaining the technical process, Dr Gupta detailed that DNA is extracted from samples such as blood, hair, or skin cells. Specific regions are then amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The analysis focuses on Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) - repeating DNA sequences that vary from person to person - to create a unique genetic fingerprint.
Investigation Expands to Vehicle Movements
Meanwhile, Delhi Police investigators have been actively mapping the suspect vehicle's movements and ownership trail. According to police sources, Umar Nabi was seen driving the same vehicle on the Mumbai Expressway and the Kundli–Manesar–Palwal (KMP) Expressway before entering Delhi.
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) had previously collected DNA samples from Nabi's mother as part of the ongoing investigation. The current analysis at AIIMS represents a critical step in confirming the identity of the suspect and potentially resolving questions about his whereabouts following the explosion.
Dr Gupta further highlighted the broader applications of DNA profiling, noting its crucial role in disaster victim identification during events like earthquakes or tsunamis, where remains are matched with samples from family members.
