DNA-based tool to help trace abandoned children, predators in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: As part of the efforts to modernise the state

forensic department, chief minister on Saturday inaugurated

a new DNA profilebased search tool at the . The

new device will help trace abandoned , inter-state

criminals and child sexual predators among others.

Officials said has become the first state in the

country to get the state-of-the-art device. Developed by the state forensic sciences department

, it can be used to create

profiles of victims of human trafficking and help trace them

so that they can be reunited with their parents. The tool can

also help in identifying missing children, track criminals

from other states who have taken shelter in Tamil Nadu, as

well as help identify unidentified bodies and create profiles

of history-sheeters and people who die of natural disasters.

Of the 14 units that make up the state forensic sciences

department, DNA profiling is a key component. A press

release from the Secretariat said that several countries have

such which help them create an effective mechamsim

to launch a crackdown on criminal offenders.

A police officer said that the forensic DNA profile search too,

can also be used to solve cases like rape, sexual assault and

murders. “The fingerprints from crime scenes, small

particles on the victims of sexual assault and murders can be

traced to the criminals.”

The present structure in the department takes time to

identify and isolate the DNA of required samples. However,

the newly introduced tool, which has advanced kits, will be

able to deliver accurate results in less time, for even the most

challenging casework samples, said the officer