Face2News/Chandigarh
Responding to recent media reports highlighting high negative DNA results in Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) cases across some states including Punjab, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra, today informed that the state has established a scientifically robust, three-tier forensic examination protocol that serves as a national benchmark for forensic excellence, achieving an unprecedented 99% DNA positivity rate with negative reports of less than 1%.
Dr. Misra stated, "Our approach is rooted in scientific rigor, resource optimization, and unwavering commitment to justice for our children. We have created a system that ensures every piece of forensic evidence presented in court is reliable, actionable, and capable of withstanding the highest standards of judicial scrutiny."
ACS Home highlighted that the Haryana model follows a scientifically filtered, step-wise approach comprising three critical tiers: First, time-critical medical examination of alleged victims conducted within the critical timeframes to ensure meticulous collection, forwarding and comprehensive documentation of physical evidences for forensic examination: Second, rigorous preliminary Biology and Serology screening of all collected samples for the detection of biological fluids before advancing to DNA profiling, which serves as a critical gatekeeping step to identify samples with biological indicators of sexual assault: Third, world class advanced DNA profiling methods undertaken exclusively in cases where preliminary findings indicate positive biological markers, positioning DNA examination as a powerful confirmatory tool rather than a blanket screening mechanism.
Dr. Misra emphasized that Haryana’s protocol is aligned with internationally accepted forensic principles and laboratory quality standards, similar to the evidence-triage and selective DNA examination practices followed by leading forensic laboratories worldwide, including the FBI Forensic Laboratory, USA. The strategic advantages of this approach include optimal deployment of specialized laboratory resources by conducting advanced DNA testing only when scientifically warranted, enhanced judicial confidence through consistently reliable high-confidence forensic evidence, prevention of misleading interpretations by conducting advanced testing only on cases with established biological indicators, and accelerated case resolution through faster turnaround times for forensic reports.
"Haryana's approach represents a best-practice model that other states can adopt," Dr. Misra emphasized, noting that the protocol has garnered positive feedback from both the judiciary and law enforcement agencies who appreciate receiving forensic reports with high evidentiary value. She said that Haryana remains committed to continuous enhancement of its forensic capabilities through regular training programs for medical and forensic personnel, investment in cutting-edge, most-advanced laboratory equipment, collaboration with national and international forensic science institutions, and periodic review and adoption of protocols based on emerging scientific evidence.
She informed that Haryana is continuously upgrading its forensic infrastructure and modernizing its equipment. During the current financial year, an investment of Rs. 18 crore has been made towards establishing state-of-the-art DNA and Cyber forensic facilities. In addition, the State has augmented its manpower, and consequently, a new DNA Division at the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Gurugram, is scheduled to become operational from 1st January, 2026. State has further enhanced its forensic capabilities at the scene of crime with 40 mobile forensic vans. Further approval has been granted of Rs. 101 crore to procure Modern Forensic Equipments, she added.