In the intricate journey of life, death- last rites- last journey and the theories surrounding them (including re-birth) continue to fascinate me. However, today’s article focuses on the overlooked plight of unidentified bodies and woefully inadequate efforts made in their identification. Beyond the morbid curiosity lies a critical issue that demands our attention and action- the dignity and empathy these unnamed- unidentified souls deserve in their final journey.
The Silent Cry- Behind the Faces of Unidentified Bodies
The emotional trauma suffered by the families in search of their loved ones is beyond the comprehension and scope of this article. Yet, we have failed to scrutinise and question the poorly printed, totally templated by law, indistinguishable images of the unidentified body and people in newspapers, police stations and websites. There is a need to question the efficacy of the current identification process and the need for dignified representation in the last journey. One does not even wish this torture and trauma on their enemies- the feeling that remains unaddressed- the question that is always hanging in the air- what happened? Where could the person be? Is the person dead or alive? And How did it happen?
First, can it be ensured that the ads released by the police and other government bodies have better proper colour photographs? A clear image – will help in the process.
Counting the Forgotten -Unclaimed Body Epidemic
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) records reveal staggering numbers – thousands of unidentified bodies remain forgotten in morgues and police records. In 2015, Maharashtra led the charts with 6,185 cases (out of a national total of 34592), painting a grim picture of a nationwide crisis. Delhi ( UT), Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal join the chart toppers with more than 3000 unidentified bodies each. That is more than 10 per day, irrespective of the region’s size. Additionally, between January 2018 and July 31, 2022, more than 11,000 unidentified bodies were found in Delhi city alone. Of these, less than 1,500 were identified. The numbers expose the enormity of the problem and the inadequacy of the current system, process and solution.
Beyond Numbers- Search for Unclaimed Bodies
Embarking on a search through the Maharashtra police portal reveals a grim reality: 270 unidentified bodies in December 2023. For many records, there were no pictures where pictures were available; they were badly photographed, not helping the cause.
Despite the technological advancements, we still rely on outdated methods of the near ones visiting every possible thana and mortuary for identification. We have the silly 7-year period before a missing person can be declared dead- in the process, extending the agony of the family.
There has to be a better way to handle the situation using technology and record-keeping.
In the Shadows – The Predicament of Unclaimed Unidentified Bodies
Zoom in, and we realise that the large homeless and migrant population magnify the problem in bigger towns with high floating populations. The lack of ID cards person and visual identification marks – their being far from their roots hinder the identification process.
The police maintain records of the unidentified bodies. And share it on websites and poorly printed newspapers. It includes Images, birthmarks, cuts, tattoos and clothes, height, weight, skin colour, and other physical characteristics. Unfortunately, for some unknown threat, the law does not allow Aadhar biometrics for routine identification to match the unidentified body. These threats should be identified and worked on- as the country can now use this advantage.
Unmasking Inefficiencies- Question Plaguing the Identification Process
Why are the pictures in the database and newspaper advertisements poorly shot? Why is there no national database for missing and unidentified bodies? Why have we not developed an AI-based search to help the near and dear ones upload available pictures and check for a possible match in the Unidentified Bodies data bank? Why do the near and dear ones have to go through the painful process of seeing page after page of poorly framed and shot pictures of unidentified bodies one after another? Why a missing FIR takes time when the police keep the unidentified bodies for a much shorter time? I have many questions, and I am sure there will be many more- if one were to speak with the families who have gone through the trauma.
Digital Dilemmas: Navigating Unidentified Body Search Portals
Try using the National Government Service portal and ZIPNet (Zonal Integrated Police Network)- covering eight northern states – to help find unidentified bodies and match them with the missing person. You will then uncover the challenges in the existing search mechanism.
They direct you to a third-party managed site (nothing wrong there) with a clause- they are not responsible for external website content & privacy policies! Should the government not be responsible and accountable for the service levels and data privacy?
ZIPNet also allows searches for FIR, missing and found mobile and vehicles, prisoners released, proclaimed offenders, and most wanted criminals. Such a single window operation may be in sync with the national approach but dilutes the purpose.
I was the 031806189th visitor at ZIPNet – pointing to the fact that many visit it often.
Despite their promising names, these platforms fall short of expectations, data privacy, and service effectiveness. It calls for an immediate re-evaluation and deployment of the latest technology to ensure they serve the intended purpose.
Even at the risk of being iterative- one asks for a single national-level integrated portal for missing persons and unclaimed bodies. And it could use the latest technology to match its internal data of missing persons and unidentified bodies.
The Unsettling Journey of Unidentified Bodies
After finding an Unidentified body and if no foul play is suspected, the investigating officer checks across police stations to see if the description matches any missing complaint! Knowing how the records are maintained and digitised and how understaffed police stations treat such requests is an exercise in futility other than in some cases of recently missing persons.
The investigating officer publishes the ‘Help Identify’ advertisement with the poorly shot picture in the local daily. In case of more ads on the day- they are scattered across the pages and are not placed on one page for ease of search.
The investigating officer sends the fingerprints to check for a match in the available police data bank! In Maharashtra’s case, the victim’s DNA is sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Kalina, where it is preserved for at least seven months! And we know it is only after Seven years (as per Section 107 / 108 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872) that the family members can request the court to declare the missing person dead.
If there is no match, as per the rules, the unclaimed body must be disposed of within 7-30 days as per the possible indicative religious practices. The unidentified and unclaimed bodies where foul play is not suspected, and the body is in decent condition come to use in Medical colleges for teaching.
From fingerprint matching to DNA preservation, the process is riddled with inefficiencies. The protracted timeline for declaring someone dead in the absence of a body adds another layer to the emotional trauma endured by families.
NETNET. The Unheard Echo for Closure.
The unclaimed and unidentified bodies are not just a problem for law enforcement bodies but are a prolonged blockade and extended emotional trauma for families. In this intricate balance between life and death, we need dignity, empathy and a more efficient and easy identification process. The unclaimed bodies across mortuaries ask us to reconsider the current approach.
We need a centralised data system for missing persons and unidentified bodies. Need to ensure best quality photographs. A technologically aided process that can help visual search and the courts to look into reducing time for declaring a missing person dead.
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