Key Points

• Dr. Lal Ji Singh is widely recognized as the “Father of Indian DNA Fingerprinting.”
• He pioneered DNA fingerprinting in India, making it a standard tool for forensic and legal applications.
• His work significantly advanced genetic research, including human population studies and wildlife conservation.

Background

Dr. Lal Ji Singh, born on July 5, 1947, in Kalwari village, Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh, was a prominent Indian scientist. He completed his BSc, MSc, and PhD from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), laying the foundation for his illustrious career in genetics and molecular biology.

Contributions to DNA Fingerprinting

Dr. Singh is best known for establishing DNA fingerprinting in India, starting at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad in 1987. He developed a Bkm-derived probe for forensic investigations, making India the third country, after the UK and USA, to generate its own DNA probe for this technology. His work was instrumental in solving high-profile cases, such as the assassinations of Beant Singh and Rajiv Gandhi, and the Naina Sahni Tandoor murder case, among others. He also played a key role in gaining judicial acceptance for DNA evidence in Indian courts, often appearing as an expert witness.

Institutional Legacy

In 1995, he founded the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), which became a nodal center for DNA fingerprinting and diagnostics for all species and several diseases. He also established the Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES) in 1998 and the Genome Foundation in 2004, focusing on genetic disorder diagnosis, especially for rural and underprivileged communities.

Broader Impact

Beyond forensics, Dr. Singh contributed to human population genomics, collaborating with researchers like Kumaraswamy Thangaraj and David Reich. Their 2009 study in Nature, “reconstructing Indian population history,” highlighted that the Andamanese were among the first modern humans to migrate out of Africa about 65,000 years ago. He also built a significant human variation collection at CCMB, advancing genetic research.

Recognition and Passing

Dr. Singh served as CCMB Director from 1998 to 2009 and BHU Vice Chancellor from 2011 to 2014. He received the Padma Shri in 2004 for his contributions. He passed away on December 10, 2017, at age 70 due to a heart attack, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian science.

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Comprehensive Overview of Dr. Lal Ji Singh’s Contributions to DNA Fingerprinting

Dr. Lal Ji Singh’s work in DNA fingerprinting has left an indelible mark on Indian science, particularly in forensic applications, genetic research, and institutional development. This section provides a detailed examination of his life, achievements, and legacy, drawing from multiple reputable sources to ensure a thorough understanding.

Early Life and Education

Born on July 5, 1947, in Kalwari village, Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Singh grew up in a farming family, with his father, Suryanarayan Singh, serving as the village head. Despite limited educational facilities in his village, he pursued his primary education locally before moving to a nearby school for higher classes. He completed his BSc, MSc, and PhD at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), which shaped his academic and scientific career.

Pioneering DNA Fingerprinting in India

Dr. Singh’s career took a significant turn when he joined the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad in 1987, invited by then-Director Dr. P M Bhargava. Prior to this, he had worked with Dr. Alec Jeffreys in the UK, the pioneer of DNA fingerprinting technology, which equipped him with the expertise to introduce this technology in India. At CCMB, he established DNA fingerprinting for forensic investigations, using a Bkm-derived probe, making India the third country, after the UK and USA, to generate its own DNA probe for this purpose.

His early work involved identifying a region of DNA with repetitive GATA sequences, termed the Banded Krait minor (Bkm), which could differentiate between species and individuals. This discovery was pivotal for forensic applications, enabling the distinction between individuals and establishing parentage. In 1988, he used DNA fingerprinting for the first time in a legal case involving a parentage dispute, and in 1991, he provided the first court evidence in a disputed paternity case, marking a milestone in Indian forensic science.

Forensic Applications and Notable Cases

Dr. Singh’s work was instrumental in solving several high-profile cases, demonstrating the practical utility of DNA fingerprinting. Notable cases include:

• The assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
• The Naina Sahni Tandoor murder case in the 1990s.
• The assassination of Beant Singh.
• Other significant cases like the Swami Premananda case, Swami Shraddhananda case, and Priyadarshini Mattoo murder case.

His efforts to popularize DNA technology included conducting seminars and workshops, often in collaboration with Kaza Poornachandra Gandhi, a former Inspector General of Police in Andhra Pradesh. These initiatives helped bridge the gap between the scientific community, police, and judiciary, ensuring the acceptance of DNA evidence in Indian courts. Despite initial resistance, his persistent campaigning and court appearances as an expert witness established DNA fingerprinting as a reliable forensic tool.

Institutional Contributions

Recognizing the need for a dedicated institution, Dr. Singh founded the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) in 1995, tasked by the Government of India in the late 1990s. CDFD grew into a major institution with global standing, serving as a nodal center for DNA fingerprinting and diagnostics for all species and several diseases. Its website, http://www.cdfd.org.in/, reflects its ongoing role in forensic and genetic services.

Additionally, he established the Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES) in 1998, focusing on wildlife conservation forensics, and the Genome Foundation in 2004, aimed at diagnosing and treating genetic disorders, particularly for underprivileged rural populations. These institutions underscore his commitment to applying genetic science for societal benefit.

Broader Scientific Research

Dr. Singh’s contributions extended beyond forensics into human population genomics. His research began with studying sex chromosomes of snakes, identifying the GATA repetitive sequence in the W chromosome, conserved across species, which was foundational for DNA fingerprinting. Later, he collaborated with Kumaraswamy Thangaraj and David Reich, publishing a landmark study in Nature in 2009 titled “reconstructing Indian population history.” This study established that the Andamanese were among the first modern humans to migrate out of Africa about 65,000 years ago, contributing significantly to understanding Indian population history.

At CCMB, he built an impressive collection of human variation, enhancing genetic research capabilities. His work in this area, including collaborations with international scientists, highlighted the genetic diversity and migration patterns of Indian populations.

Leadership and Recognition

Dr. Singh held several prestigious positions, including Director of CCMB from May 1998 to July 2009, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at CDFD from 1995 to 1999, and Vice Chancellor of BHU from August 2011 to August 2014. He also chaired the Board of Governors of the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi during his tenure as Vice Chancellor.

His contributions were recognized with the Padma Shri award in 2004, acknowledging his impact on Indian science and technology. He published over 230 research papers, with an h-index of 30 as of April 2013, reflecting his prolific scientific output.

Work Ethic and Legacy

Known for his voracious work ethic, Dr. Singh worked from 9 am to 9 pm, even at age 70, and was deeply involved in all aspects of his research, including writing consent forms during sample collection. His focus on bringing science to rural areas and his role as an institution builder and social worker highlighted his holistic approach to science. He was described as a no-nonsense administrator, pioneering researcher, and scientist, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian molecular biology.

Dr. Singh passed away on December 10, 2017, following a heart attack, at the age of 70. His death was mourned as a great loss to Indian science, with tributes from figures like Prof. Swaminathan, who described his contributions as monumental.

Summary Table of Contributions

Contribution AreaDetails Development of DNA Fingerprinting Established at CCMB in 1987-1988, used Bkm-derived probe, made India third country with own probe. First Legal Applications Used in 1988 for parentage dispute, first court evidence in 1991 for paternity case. Notable Cases Solved Rajiv Gandhi assassination, Naina Sahni Tandoor case, Beant Singh case, others. Institutional Foundations Founded CDFD (1995), LaCONES (1998), Genome Foundation (2004). Human Population Genomics Collaborated on 2009 Nature study, established Andamanese migration 65,000 years ago. Recognition Received Padma Shri in 2004, published over 230 papers, h-index 30 (April 2013).

This comprehensive overview underscores Dr. Lal Ji Singh’s pivotal role in advancing DNA fingerprinting and genetic research in India, leaving a legacy that continues to impact forensic science and public health.