The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : DNA test resolves parentage issue

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Saturday, May 24, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

DNA test resolves parentage issue

Staff Reporter

— Photo: M. Govarthan

UNITED ATLAST: Papa and Madhu with their son after DNA test established that they are the child’s parents. The child’s parentage came under dispute after another couple claimed the baby as theirs.

ERODE: A DNA test has put an end to a controversy over a month-old infant’s parentage.

Conclusive evidence from the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Chennai, has proved that the child belongs to Erode-based couple Madhu and Papa. On Friday morning, Erode Town Police presented the result to the Judicial Magistrate II, Erode, M. Kamar Basha, who declared that the baby belonged to Madhu and Papa.

The police then handed over the child, which was at the Government Hospital, to the elated parents.

The problem began when the police picked up Papa, who they said was moving with a male child under suspicious circumstances, on May 10. The police took the woman and baby to the Government Hospital, where Sundari, wife of Ramasamy of Muthur, claimed that the baby was hers.

Sundari had lost her day-old son at the hospital on April 20. A woman who claimed to be related to Sundari’s in-laws took away the baby. Following the incident, Sundari lodged a complaint with the police.

Following claims and counter claims for the baby, the Hospital authorities conducted preliminary tests on Papa. The authorities said the tests suggested that she had not delivered a baby nor was there evidence to suggest that she had nursed the child.

There were also inconsistencies regarding the date of delivery in the hospital records.

The police then sought permission from the Judicial Magistrate II for a DNA test. Following a court order, the police took the child and the two couples to Chennai.

The test was conducted earlier this week.

Papa, who is a rag picker, said they would name the boy Arul. The search for Sundari’s child is on.

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