Zainab case proves importance of DNA tests

ISLAMABAD: The DNA test played key role in the arrest of accused in brutal rape and murder of six-year-old Zainab Amin and the experts hope that the introduction of forensic technology will improve conviction rate in rape cases which is currently very low in the province.

“DNA test is a game changer in prosecution of rape and related crimes,” says Fauzia Waqar, Chairperson Punjab Commission on the Status of Women, adding that police should ensure DNA samples are collected within 72 hours from the time of the incident.

During last three year, about 8,105 DNA tests were conducted in Punjab by the Punjab Forensic Science Agency in equal number of rape cases but the conviction rate remained 6%, a senior police official who was also involved in Zainab probe told The News.

He said before Zainab case, about 70 DNA tests were conducted in Kasur to nab the same serial killer who was involved in seven cases of rape and murder of minor girls during last two years. However, the DNA sample of the accused Imran Ali who is arrested on Tuesday in Zainab case was never conducted in past so the police was unable to find the real culprit. On Tuesday, finally the culprit was nabbed as his DNA matches with samples collected from bodies of Zainab and other victims.

The senior police officer said a DNA test kit now costs Rs40,000 and the total price for one test could go up to Rs70,000 if the other expenses like labour costs are included. However he claimed that DNA test is conducted in each rape case reported to the police and the cost is borne by the Punjab Forensic Agency.

Pakistan’s anti-rape law “the Criminal Law. (Anrendnent) (Offences Relating to Rape) Act. 2016” makes DNA tests admissible in court. Under the law DNA samples should be taken from suspects and perpetrators. In developed world some countries maintain DNA database of offenders to prevent repeated crimes and speed-up investigation in heinous crimes.

According to Fauzia Waqar the DNA verification can make or break the outcome of a rape case. In Punjab, she said, the test is conducted free of cost by the agency and the introduction of forensic science has improved prosecution in rape crime.

Still, Ms Waqar said, the conviction rate is not satisfactory in the province. “We must improve the conviction rate in rape cases or else we would be encouraging the crime” she said. She said lower judiciary and junior police official do not take rape cases seriously. “In developed countries like the United Kingdom conviction rate for rape is above 60% yet it is considered unsatisfactory,” she said.

However, experts believe like other tests DNA evidence is not always flawless owing to possibility of the collection of incomplete samples for extraction, contamination or intentional planting of biological samples.