Delhi: Finger Print Bureau helps solve 61 burglaries, identify 60 unidentified bodies

With assistance from the Fingerprint Bureau, the Delhi Police has successfully solved 150 cases this year, with burglaries making up the largest number at 61, according to official sources on Saturday.

The data from the Delhi Police reveals that the Fingerprint Bureau has helped identify 60 unidentified or unclaimed bodies and has solved 18 theft cases this year, the sources said.

The bureau has also been instrumental in solving six murder cases, two cheating cases, and one case each of rape, dacoity, and robbery.

In addition, the Fingerprint Bureau assisted in resolving 27 cases related to property disputes and impersonation.

In 2023, the bureau played a role in solving 173 cases, whereas in 2022, it helped solve 89 cases.

Official sources emphasize that the bureau is a vital component in the forensic examination of any crime scene.

In Delhi, all 15 police districts are equipped with forensic vans that include a fingerprint expert in each.

When fingerprints collected from a crime scene match those of a suspect, they not only aid in solving the crime but also serve as crucial evidence in the charge sheet, according to a senior police officer.

The officer noted that the Fingerprint Bureau is part of the Delhi Police Crime Branch, which maintains a database of five lakh criminals in the national capital.

Also Read: Delhi Hospital Fire: Accused got license despite similar pending case

Cases such as burglaries, thefts, and dacoities are primarily solved using this database, he explained.

The Fingerprint Bureau was established in 1983 and consists of three centres, with the main branch located at Central Delhi’s Kamla Market and additional offices in Malviya Nagar and Pusp Vihar in South Delhi.

The unit is equipped with powder, criminal techniques, ultraviolet light techniques, and fingerprint collection using tapes from crime scenes, according to another officer.

In burglary and theft cases, once a suspect’s fingerprint is collected from the scene, bureau experts match it with their criminal database, leading to crime resolution.

Also Read: Delhi: 183 snatching cases in 10 days, but police hopeful of curbing the menace under new law

The database is known as the Automated Finger and Palm Identification System (AFIS).

The bureau also possesses mobile fingerprint devices that enable officials to collect prints without direct contact with surfaces.

Currently, the bureau’s staff consists of around 50 proficient experts and opinion-makers who work daily with the crime team to solve cases. (With inputs from PTI)