Genetic diversity and forensic profiling: analysis of 20 CODIS STR Loci in the population of West Bengal, India.

Abstract

West Bengal, situated in eastern India, is renowned for its diverse landscape and significant population density. This study aims to assess the genetic diversity and forensic parameters at 20 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci of the population of West Bengal using samples collected from 200 genetically unrelated healthy adults during routine forensic casework from 2023 to 2024. Employing advanced genomic technologies and stringent quality control measures, genetic analysis explored allele frequencies and forensic parameters, including Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and linkage disequilibrium tests. The research revealed substantial genetic diversity and polymorphism, particularly at locus D1S1656, shedding light on West Bengal's genetic landscape. These insights enhance our understanding of population genetics and have implications for forensic applications and broader population studies. Our results also showed significant linkage disequilibrium between several autosomal STR markers in the diverse populations. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of advanced genetic analysis in elucidating population diversity, offering valuable insights into the genetic makeup of the West Bengal population and its significance for forensic and population genetics research.