DNA sampling of 10 children, parents delayed owing to pending documentation

Officials of the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), who took around 10 children and their parents to the Civil Hospital to conduct their DNA sampling in order to establish their family ties, had to return empty handed due to lack of documentation.

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These children were rescued by the department yesterday from different places in the city while they were found begging on roads and outside religious places.

When contacted, Rashmi Saini, District Child Protection Officer, Ludhiana, said parents and their wards were taken to the Civil Hospital for DNA sampling, but due to some pending documentation, it could not be done today. Rashmi said, “Several permissions are needed to conduct the DNA test. The authorities are completing the required formalities. Today, we had taken children and their parents to the hospital. Children were taken back to the children’s home in Shimlapuri as the test could not be conducted. There is a possibility that DNA sampling could be completed tomorrow.”

Rashmi said their department with the help of the police had rescued 18 children found begging on roads. All children were taken to the children's home at Shimlapuri. Parents of 10 children arrived at the home and claimed that they were their kids and asked for their custody. “We will not handover custody of children to their parents till the DNA report is pending. Only the outcome of DNA report will confirm what further action needs to be taken,” asserted Rashmi.

Rashmi said out of 18 children, if valid legal documents would confirm their family ties, then department would not go for DNA testing. Children would be handed over to their parents after completing necessary formalities, she said. During verification of documents, if any suspicion arises, DNA testing would definitely be conducted, Rashmi said.

Dr Harpreet Singh, Senior Medical Officer, Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, said samples were not taken as District Child Protection Unit officials came directly for sampling at the hospital. For DNA sampling, the department should come through the police and also ensure registration of the FIR first, he said, while adding that only then sampling could be done as per the laid down guidelines.