Experts testing new method of age determination

LUCKNOW: Method of determining age of bodies could soon become swifter and more accurate to help cops in situations of disaster and general crime scene.

The age determination method developed by Roberto Cameriere of University of Macerata, Italy is being tested at the two-day “International Conference of Forensic Odontology” going on at the King George’s Medical University. The event that started on Thursday has over 400 forensic odontology experts undergoing hands-on training with the man who developed the technique.

“We want to see how far the method from Italy is applicable for people in our region,” said Dr Shalini Gupta, organising secretary of the conference, adding: “If the success rate is over 70%, we can even modify and use the same for our own needs during criminal investigation.” Currently, the French method is used for forensic odontology in India.

The chief guest of the event’s inaugural ceremony was Rita Bahuguna Joshi, woman welfare minister for the state of UP. The minister expressed concern over crime against women and children.

“She (Rita Joshi) has promised to help for the development of forensic odontology. She said since her ministry dealt with women welfare, family welfare, maternity and child welfare, which are related to the subject, she would be happy to promote research in the field of forensic odontology,” said Dr Shalini.

On the second day of the conference on Friday, Dr Shalini Gupta spoke on child abuse and related investigation. She said that child abuse had serious physical and psychological consequences, which adversely affect the health and overall wellbeing of a child.

“Most abused children suffer greater emotional damage than physical. An abused child may become depressed. He or she may withdraw, think of suicide or become violent,” she said.

AGE DETERMINATION METHOD DEVELOPED BY ROBERTO CAMERIERE OF UNIV OF MACERATA, ITALY IS BEING TESTED HERE