RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: According to studies undertaken in numerous nations, alarming increase in the number of unidentified bodies is a global concern. The population worldwide is increasing, and so is the population of the developing Indian subcontinent. Interestingly, a portion of this population is made up of individuals who have flocked from different states in search of employment, etc. Such people die under unfortunate circumstances, and under a police inquest, the process of their identification begins with an autopsy surgeon and a forensic scientist playing a larger role in it. DNA profiling provides an efficient tool in identification of such unidentified bodies. In addition, the authors have attempted to put together a background narrative of the ill-fated individuals; divulging into their standing in the urban society. MATERIALS & METHODS: A total of 100 case files related to unidentified bodies were selected from total cases received between 2017 and 2021 at Regional Forensic Science Laboratory. The various parameters were reviewed, followed by DNA profiling of all exhibits. An attempt was made to correlate the said parameters with respect to DNA profiles and vice-versa to comprehend how these parameters, coupled with DNA profiling, help in identification of unidentified bodies. RESULTS: The majority of the unknown deceased were males in the age range of 3-90 years old. The unknown deceased died of natural or unnatural causes, with majority dying of injury or trauma. The approximate time since death ranged from same day up to 6 months. Exhibits like dried blood gauzes, liquid blood samples in EDTA vials, teeth, and bones were able to generate DNA profiles in most of the cases for identity of deceased. Blood gauze was the most common source of exhibits submitted at the laboratory. CONCLUSION: The study's findings revealed that besides age, sex or cause and manner of death of decedent, the type of exhibit (blood gauze, tooth, etc.) for DNA examination, the appropriate exhibit, if collected and preserved properly, can play a vital role in identification. A systematised action plan is required by law enforcement agencies in order to minimise the social and legal burden of unidentified dead bodies. In such a plan, medical experts must note down all possible findings at the time of post-mortem and collect suitable exhibits for DNA profiling. Further DNA profiling of the exhibits by forensic DNA experts should be done to preserve the unaltered identity of the deceased for a longer term in a DNA database.