DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Fingerprints are unique to every person, and the Haryana Police is using this technology to great effect. Not only can they identify criminals, but they can also identify unidentified dead bodies using the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS).

The State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB) plays a crucial role in matching fingerprints and identifying dead bodies. Recently, their team identified two dead people: Gaggi from Punjab and Ram Kishan from Rohtak.

Developed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), NAFIS creates a unique identification code for each criminal. Fingerprint scans and data are uploaded to a national server. This system stores information on people arrested or involved in criminal activity.

In just two months this year, the Haryana Police has updated fingerprint data for over 16,470 people, including arrested criminals and unidentified bodies. Additionally, over 5,298 fingerprints have been successfully matched with criminals on record. Fingerprint teams have also collected 90 fingerprints from crime scenes in this period.

Last year, more than 88,000 fingerprints were uploaded, leading to numerous identifications. Fingerprint experts at SCRB examine fingerprints from incidents to solve crimes. The two unidentified bodies mentioned earlier were identified quickly using this method. SCRB Panchkula is responsible for training Haryana Police in fingerprint matching. ADGP OP Singh, leads SCRB. In the first three months of this year, they trained 50 police personnel in basic fingerprint proficiency and over 52 investigation officers on operating NAFIS and handling fingerprint collection at crime scenes and during arrests.

SCRB Panchkula doesn't just handle fingerprints. They also examine important documents in serious cases and prepare reports for the

District Police.
(editor@dailyworld.in)