Haryana Setting Gold Standard in Forensic DNA Protocol for POCSO Cases with 99% Positivity Rate – ACS

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Chandigarh—Responding to current media reviews highlighting excessive unfavorable DNA ends in Safety of Youngsters from Sexual Offences (POCSO) circumstances throughout some states together with Punjab, Further Chief Secretary (ACS), Residence Division, Dr. Sumita Misra, immediately knowledgeable that the state has established a scientifically strong, three-tier forensic examination protocol that serves as a nationwide benchmark for forensic excellence, reaching an unprecedented 99% DNA positivity fee with unfavorable reviews of lower than 1%.

Dr. Misra said, “Our strategy is rooted in scientific rigor, useful resource optimization, and unwavering dedication to justice for our youngsters. We have now created a system that ensures every bit of forensic proof offered in courtroom is dependable, actionable, and able to withstanding the best requirements of judicial scrutiny.”

ACS Residence highlighted that the Haryana mannequin follows a scientifically filtered, step-wise strategy comprising three essential tiers: First, time-critical medical examination of alleged victims carried out throughout the essential timeframes to make sure meticulous assortment, forwarding and complete documentation of bodily evidences for forensic examination: Second, rigorous preliminary Biology and Serology screening of all collected samples for the detection of organic fluids earlier than advancing to DNA profiling, which serves as a essential gatekeeping step to determine samples with organic indicators of sexual assault: Third, world class superior DNA profiling strategies undertaken solely in circumstances the place preliminary findings point out constructive organic markers, positioning DNA examination as a robust confirmatory instrument relatively than a blanket screening mechanism.

Dr. Misra emphasised that Haryana’s protocol is aligned with internationally accepted forensic rules and laboratory high quality requirements, just like the evidence-triage and selective DNA examination practices adopted by main forensic laboratories worldwide, together with the FBI Forensic Laboratory, USA. The strategic benefits of this strategy embody optimum deployment of specialised laboratory sources by conducting superior DNA testing solely when scientifically warranted, enhanced judicial confidence by means of persistently dependable high-confidence forensic proof, prevention of deceptive interpretations by conducting superior testing solely on circumstances with established organic indicators, and accelerated case decision by means of sooner turnaround occasions for forensic reviews.

“Haryanas strategy represents a best-practice mannequin that different states can undertake,” Dr. Misra emphasised, noting that the protocol has garnered constructive suggestions from each the judiciary and legislation enforcement companies who admire receiving forensic reviews with excessive evidentiary worth. She stated that Haryana stays dedicated to steady enhancement of its forensic capabilities by means of common coaching applications for medical and forensic personnel, funding in cutting-edge, most-advanced laboratory tools, collaboration with nationwide and worldwide forensic science establishments, and periodic evaluate and adoption of protocols based mostly on rising scientific proof.

Dr. Misra additional said, “Our youngsters deserve a felony justice system that operates with precision, pace, and unwavering dedication to reality. The Haryana follow showcased that when science, coverage, and dedication converge, we will create programs that really serve justice.” ACS Residence invited forensic consultants and policymakers from throughout the nation to review Haryanas mannequin as states search to strengthen their very own POCSO case investigation and prosecution frameworks.

She knowledgeable that Haryana is repeatedly upgrading its forensic infrastructure and modernizing its tools. In the course of the present monetary 12 months, an funding of Rs. 18 crore has been made in the direction of establishing state-of-the-art DNA and Cyber forensic services. As well as, the State has augmented its manpower, and consequently, a brand new DNA Division on the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Gurugram, is scheduled to turn into operational from 1st January, 2026. State has additional enhanced its forensic capabilities on the scene of crime with 40 cell forensic vans. Additional approval has been granted of Rs. 101 crore to acquire Fashionable Forensic Equipments, she added.