Through UMID, we envision a future where every missing person and unidentified bodies can be identified, ensuring that no family is left searching in despair across India. Here are some key areas we aim to develop:
Improved Identification: Our main goal is to improve the process of identifying missing persons and unknown bodies. This includes helping to recognize victims of disasters, accidents, and crimes, ensuring their families are informed. We also aim to support efforts in tracking trafficking victims, particularly children and vulnerable individuals. By achieving quicker and more accurate identifications, we hope to bring families the answers they need and help them find closure during difficult times.
A National DNA Database
We aim to expand our efforts by establishing additional centres nationwide, with UMID serving as the foundation for building a comprehensive national DNA database for missing and unidentified persons. This initiative would provide a centralized resource for identification, while also streamline investigations and ensure more efficient responses to cases of missing individuals and unidentified bodies.
Support for the Judicial System
A robust DNA database will significantly strengthen the judicial process by providing law enforcement with a reliable tool for identifying individuals involved in crimes and resolving cases of missing and unidentified persons.
Scientific and Research Advancements
We will develop a DNA-based ancestry prediction model as part of the project, utilizing STR profiles from populations across India. Population-specific allelic frequencies will be analysed to form clusters of potential STR combinations. A search algorithm will be created to match query STR profiles with the most likely population, allowing for the tracing of an individual’s ancestry. This will provide critical insights in identifying unknown individuals, such as in cases of unidentified dead bodies or missing persons, offering valuable support to forensic investigations and law enforcement agencies