A unique dispute over the ownership of a buffalo and her calf was recently resolved not by traditional evidence, but by modern science in Rajasthan's Nagaur district. Two men had laid claim to the same animals, leading to a police case that was ultimately settled by a definitive medical report.
The Core of the Conflict: Two Claims, One Buffalo
The case originated in the jurisdiction of the Mundwa police station. One party, identified as Rameshwar Mali, a resident of Bhadwa village, filed a formal complaint. He alleged that another man, Mohan Ram from the nearby Guda Endla village, had illegally taken possession of his buffalo and its young calf.
Mohan Ram, however, presented a counter-claim. He insisted that the animals were rightfully his. With both parties steadfast in their assertions and lacking clear traditional proof like purchase receipts or unambiguous witness testimony, the police found themselves at an impasse. The situation required an objective method to determine the truth.
The Scientific Solution: A DNA Paternity Test
Faced with conflicting stories, the Mundwa police adopted an innovative approach. They decided to seek a scientific resolution. The authorities arranged for a DNA sampling and analysis of the animals in question. This type of test, often used to establish biological relationships, was employed to determine which man's buffalo was the true mother of the calf.
The process involved collecting biological samples from the disputed buffalo, the calf, and a buffalo undisputedly owned by Rameshwar Mali. These samples were then sent for a detailed medical examination and DNA profiling at a designated facility.
The Verdict from the Lab
The findings of the medical report were conclusive. The DNA analysis proved that the calf was not biologically related to the buffalo owned by Rameshwar Mali. This scientific evidence directly supported Mohan Ram's claim of ownership over both animals.
Presented with this irrefutable evidence, Rameshwar Mali accepted the report's findings. Based on the DNA report, the police formally closed the case, awarding the buffalo and calf to Mohan Ram. This resolution prevented a potentially prolonged legal battle and restored the animals to their rightful owner.
This incident highlights how forensic science is being utilized at the grassroots level in India to solve unconventional disputes. It underscores the increasing reliance on empirical evidence over hearsay in legal and administrative matters, even in rural settings. The Nagaur police's initiative to use a DNA test sets a precedent for resolving similar property or animal ownership conflicts in a fair and transparent manner.
