Introduction: India has the largest network of railways, providing the basic mode of transportation for passengers and freight. Railway-related deaths are either accidental or suicidal, and we may also encounter homicidal deaths by using railway tracks to mask them. Railway-related deaths are rising due to various factors, viz., unmanned level crossings, lack of safety precautions during entraining or detraining, poor infrastructure, and poor safety measures. This study was conducted to determine the manner of death and the various patterns of injuries encountered in fatal railway-related deaths. Material and methodology: All the cases of fatal railway-related deaths brought for the autopsy to our mortuary from January 2023 to December 2024 were considered for the study. The data was collected from the Inquest report, postmortem report, relatives of the deceased, and police regarding the circumstances of death. The data was analysed systematically. Results: A total of 99 cases were observed during the study period. Maximum fatalities (37.4%) were reported among the age group of 31-40 years. Majority of the deceased were male (99%); among them, 74 (74.8%) were known individuals and 25 (25.2%) were unknown. The maximum number of deaths observed was from 12 pm to 6 pm (33.3%), followed by 6 pm to 12 am (28.3%). Most of the deaths were accidental (72.7%) and in 16.2% of cases, the manner of death cannot be ascertained. The majority of accidental deaths were due to trespassing (65.3%). Injuries to the head were observed in most of the cases (56.1%). Among the 99 cases, Shock and Hemorrhage was the most observed cause of death (35.4%), followed by Head injury (26.3%).
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has given rise to a new technology called Deepfake. Deepfake Technology (DT) involves replacing one person's face with that of another in digital content, often for malicious purposes. The most prominent model that operates behind Deepfake is the Generative Adversarial Network (GAN), which operates autonomously. It creates convincingly forged content from a variety of inputs. DT raises significant concerns among legal experts and scholars and has become a worldwide phenomenon due to its easy accessibility and wide availability. The impact of DT can be seen in areas such as politics, journalism, and the legal system. Although DT has potential positive uses as well as negative ones, the detrimental consequences tend to overshadow the benefits. The rapid global spread of DT underscores the urgent need for effective detection methods. Several techniques, such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), MesoNet, face detection, and multimedia forensics, are discussed here. This paper provides a brief overview of Deepfake technology, its developing field, the associated threats, and the methods used for detection. Deepfake encompasses a broad range of applications, which are also covered here. It can offer creative advantages while simultaneously posing significant risks. The technology for detection is advancing quickly in tandem with improvements in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The primary emphasis of this paper is on examining the different techniques available for detecting this emerging field.
Introduction:Hanging and strangulation are forms of violent asphyxial death and are commonly encountered in day-to-day autopsy. The need to differentiate between the two is extremely crucial especially in cases of suspicious deaths. Thorough examination of the external and internal findings including ligature mark helps to establish the crucial facts in such cases. Methodology:The present observational study was carried out on 100 autopsy cases of hanging and strangulation, in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, G.G.S Medical College& Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab during a period from April,2021 to October, 2022 Results:A total of 100 cases of hanging and strangulation were studied. Males accounted for majority of cases of hanging while females accounted for majority of cases of strangulation. Various other factors like age distribution, ligature material used, nail marks, parchmentization, tongue bite were studied. Data was statically analysed. Conclusion:A meticulous forensic examination in hanging and strangulation is of great importance to differentiate between them. This study highlights that the ligature mark needs to be evaluated and correlated along with external findings, internal findings and histopathological findings of neck structures.
This study explores the intricate interrelationship between unemployment, Gini coefficient, and crime in post-reform Indiafrom 2015 to 2022. Positioned within the broader framework of socio-economic development and public policy, this studyinvestigates the extent to which structural economic indicators influence criminal activity across states and over time.Utilizing a robust empirical framework, the research draws on diverse and authoritative data sources: unemployment datafor 2015–2017 is extracted from the Labour Bureau’s Employment Unemployment Surveys (EUS), while later years rely onperiodic national statistics; income inequality data (Gini coefficient) is derived from the SBI Research Reports and the PressInformation Bureau; crime statistics are sourced from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), under the Ministry ofHome Affairs. By quantifying the relationship between the crime rate per lakh population and key economic indicators, thisstudy aims to validate or challenge existing theoretical models that posit economic distress as a driver of criminal behaviour.Through regression analysis and trend examination, the findings intend to offer explain insights into how unemploymentand inequality independently and collectively affect crime patterns. The research ultimately contributes to policy discourseon employment generation, equitable growth, and crime prevention strategies in contemporary India.
Nanotechnology is reshaping forensic science with new techniques that are faster, more sensitive, and more precise. Thisreview highlights how the increasing use of nanomaterials in forensic investigations improves the detection, collection,and analysis of evidence. Nanoparticles like gold, silver, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide have improved latent fingerprintvisualization, showing clearer ridge detail even on difficult surfaces.The increasing use of nanotechnology in forensic investigations is promising and could soon be the tipping point inthe discipline. Applications mainly have been related to evidence identification and analysis, such as single-crystallinesemiconductor CdS nano slabs for explosives detection, functionalized TiO2 nanorods for organophosphorus chemicalwarfare agents in Forensic Chemistry, the use of Nanopowders for latent print visualization in and gold nanoparticleprotein nanopore for detection of single-stranded DNA in Forensic biology. In recent years, nanotechnology has also beenused to identify illegal drugs. Due to the restricted tools available for evidence analysis, these and other applications ofnanotechnology offer sensitive and selective techniques for identifying evidence, as well as quick and accurate results withfewer procedures.Nanotechnology is also being used in document authentication, postmortem interval estimation and microbial forensics.But there are challenges to overcome, standardization, cost-effectiveness and environmental impact. This review bringstogether findings from recent studies to provide a comprehensive overview of how nanotechnology is revolutionizingforensic science and outlines the steps needed to further integrate these tools into routine forensic practice.
Whistleblowing in India’s healthcare sector involves significant personal, professional, and psychological risk. While legal frameworks like the Whistleblower Protection Act (2014) exist, the emotional and mental health consequences of retaliation remain under-researched, particularly through forensic psychological and culturally informed lenses. This qualitative study explores the psychological impact of whistleblower retaliation among healthcare professionals across government, private, and semi-government institutions. Grounded in a constructivist paradigm, the study employed semi-structured, in-person interviews with 20 participants, including doctors, nurses, interns, administrators, and allied health workers selected through purposive and snowball sampling.Using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis, six key themes emerged: psychological impact, forms of retaliation, barriers to whistleblowing, institutional silence and mental health apathy, coping strategies, and reform recommendations. Participants reported symptoms such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, emotional withdrawal, and somatic distress, often shaped by cultural values of obedience, hierarchy, and shame. The study introduces two novel constructs, shame-based silencing and learned despair, to describe trauma responses stemming from institutional betrayal and social invalidation.Findings highlight a lack of effective support systems, with grievance mechanisms seen as performative and mental health services perceived as inaccessible or biased. Forensic psychology offers a lens to reframe whistleblowers not as threats but as morally driven individuals in need of empathy, protection, and trauma-informed care. The study calls for urgent, culturally sensitive reforms in policy, training, and mental health infrastructure, positioning psychological well-being as essential to ethical governance in healthcare.
The development of latent fingerprints on unconventional surfaces, such as eggshells, presents unique challenges due totheir fragile and porous nature. This study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of two physical methods—black powderand fluorescent powder—in developing latent fingerprints on eggshell surfaces under both normal conditions and whencovered with plastic bubble wrap. A total of ten samples were tested for each condition. Results indicate that black powderconsistently produced better fingerprint contrast, with five samples showing excellent visibility under normal conditionsand moderate success even under plastic wrap. In contrast, fluorescent powder demonstrated poor performance overall,with no samples displaying excellent contrast and a significant number yielding weak or no visibility, especially whensurface conditions were altered by plastic covering. The findings suggest that black powder is more suitable for fingerprintdevelopment on eggshell surfaces, while fluorescent powder is limited in its effectiveness, particularly under texturedor wrapped conditions. This study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate physical methods for latent printdevelopment on delicate biological surfaces.
This article focuses on the importance of ear prints in forensic science and how it has proved to be an invaluable tool incriminal investigation over time. Ear print analysis is an emerging forensic technique for criminal identification, leveragingunique two-dimensional ear impressions found at crime scenes. Similar to fingerprints, ear prints are distinct biometricidentifiers, potentially more resistant to manipulation. Their individuality stems from complex ear morphology, includingfeatures like the helix and earlobe. Collected via methods akin to fingerprinting, analysis involves superposition and digitalcomparison. While useful for suspect identification and height estimation, ear prints face challenges in court admissibilitydue to reproducibility issues, subjective analysis, and lack of standardized protocols. Ongoing research aims to enhancetheir reliability and acceptance as a valuable corroborative tool in forensic investigations, necessitating further validationfor broader legal use.
In wildlife forensics, precise species identification is essential, particularly in cases involving poaching, illegal wildlifetrade, and biodiversity conservation. Molecular technologies are necessary for accurate forensic analysis since traditionalmorphological methods frequently fail when biological specimens are processed, incomplete, or degraded. MitochondrialDNA (mtDNA) has proven particularly useful in these situations because of its large copy number, maternal mode ofinheritance, and increased stability in damaged tissues. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene is one of the mostcommonly used mtDNA markers for DNA barcoding due to its high interspecies variability, evolutionary conservation,and inclusion in extensive international databases.This study examined the COI gene sequences of ten often encountered domestic and wild Indian species: Elephas maximus(elephant), Bos gaurus (gaur), Bos taurus (domestic cow), Axis axis (chital), Axis porcinus (hog deer), Macaca mulatta (rhesusmacaque), Pavo cristatus (Indian peacock), Sus scrofa (wild boar), and Panthera tigris (tiger) and Panthera pardus (leopard).COI sequences that are publicly accessible were obtained from NCBI GenBank database. BLAST was used for sequencevalidation, and Clustal Omega was used for multiple sequence alignment. Using MEGA12, a neighbor-joining tree wasconstructed and pairwise distance analysis was performed to evaluate genetic distance and phylogenetic relationships.Significant genetic divergence was found among the species under study, and the phylogenetic tree showed groupingpatterns that aligned with established taxonomic relationships. These results demonstrate that COI-based DNA barcodingis a reliable method for differentiating between closely related species.
This study examines gender differences in crime, a long-standing area of interest within sociology, criminology, psychology, and law. Consistent global patterns reveal that men commit more crimes, particularly violent offenses, than women, though gender also shapes victimization experiences and justice system responses. By analysing statistical trends, types of crimes associated with each gender, and the underlying social, cultural, and biological factors, this research highlights the complex interplay influencing criminal behaviour.In addition to addressing problems of traditional criminological theories, this research critically reviews important theoretical frameworks that explain gender variations in criminal behaviour. It investigates how gender norms or gender stereotypes, cultural expectations, and institutional practices shape outcomes within the justice system. Learning more about these elements is crucial for crafting effective crime prevention strategies, implementing gender-sensitive policies, and ensuring fair treatment across the criminal justice process. Ultimately, the study adds to broader conversations about social justice, gender equity, and the creation of more inclusive and just societies. The findings underscore the persistent gender gap in criminal behavior, shaped by complex social, cultural, and structural factors, and highlight the need for gender-responsive policies to promote fairness and equity within the justice system.
Blood grouping plays a crucial role in medical diagnostics, transfusion practices, and forensic investigations. Traditionalmethods for determining blood groups involve serological testing of blood samples, which, while accurate, requireinvasive procedures, trained personnel, and time. Researchers have recently explored non-invasive alternatives, amongwhich biometric approaches such as fingerprint analysis have gained attention. The emerging field of fingerprint-basedblood grouping presents a revolutionary, non-invasive alternative by leveraging the unique biochemical composition offingerprint residues and the distinct patterns of epidermal ridges. This approach offers significant value by enabling rapid,cost-effective, and hygienic blood type determination, with profound benefits for enhancing emergency response efficiency,streamlining donor registration in blood banks, and advancing forensic investigations. The purpose of this comprehensivereview is to synthesize current research and provide a detailed overview of the methodologies underpinning thistechnology. We examine the scientific basis for the correlation between fingerprint patterns and ABO/Rh blood groups,evaluate traditional chemical and spectroscopic techniques, and analyze the cutting-edge integration of artificial intelligence(AI) and deep learning models for automated classification. Furthermore, the review discusses the practical applications,advantages, and current limitations of the technology, concluding with an outlook on future directions for research andimplementation. This paper underscores the transformative potential of fingerprint-based blood grouping as a viable andpromising solution for modern medical and forensic challenges. However, further research with larger and more geneticallydiverse populations is required to validate and refine the predictive models. In conclusion, while fingerprint-based bloodgrouping cannot yet replace conventional methods, it offers a compelling supplementary tool for rapid, non-invasive bloodgroup estimation.
The research deals with development of latent fingerprint on different surfaces using commercially available naturalpowders like red sindoor(red vermillion), black sindoor (black vermillion),and sandalwood. Paper describe new method ofdeveloping latent fingerprints using simple and non-toxic powders which are easily available and have variety of domesticsand traditional uses. The study is to evaluate how well these powders reveal latent prints on a variety of surfaces usingforensic procedures. The research aims to clarify the advantages and disadvantages of each powder type with respectto surface type (Glass surface,lamination sheet, transparencysheet, metal surface,woodensurface, plainpaper, cardboard,plastic, tile, and steel)using methodical experimentation and comparative analysis. It has been observed that the resultsare positive on almost all the surfaces. Ultimately, this study contributes to enhancing forensic methodologies for latentfingerprint detection and analysis, thereby aiding law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations and justiceadministration
The integration of touch DNA analysis with nano-forensic technology presents a revolutionary advancement in the fieldof criminology, offering a new frontier in forensic investigations. Touch DNA refers to the genetic material left behindfrom even the slightest contact with an object or surface, making it a valuable tool for identifying individuals involved ina crime scene. Traditionally, the collection and analysis of such minute samples posed challenges in terms of sensitivityand accuracy. However, recent advancements in nanotechnology have significantly enhanced the capability to detect andanalyse trace amounts of DNA with unprecedented precision.Nano-forensic technology employs nanoscale materials and devices that can magnify the analysis of biological evidenceat the molecular level, improving the detection of DNA from touch samples. These innovations enable forensic expertsto extract, amplify, and sequence DNA from surfaces previously deemed too contaminated or insufficient for traditionalmethods. The development of nanoparticles, biosensors, and nanochips has led to the creation of more efficient,faster, and cost-effective DNA analysis tools, which are particularly useful in criminal investigations where evidencemay be scarce or compromised.Methodologically, this study evaluates DNA recovery rates across various surfaces (e.g., non-porous vs. porous materials)and compares extraction techniques, highlighting the superiority of silica-coated MNPs (92% recovery) over conventionalmethods (65–72%). Nano-assisted PCR and microfluidic systems reduced processing time to under 1 hour whilemaintaining high precision (99.1% allele calling accuracy). Emerging technologies like CRISPR-based enrichment andnanopore sequencing further address challenges in mixed DNA profiles and inhibitor-rich samples.Results demonstratethat nano-forensics enables viable DNA profiling from previously undetectable traces, such as fingerprints on fabricsor degraded cold-case evidence. Field applications showed a 78% success rate in generating actionable leads from lowtemplateDNA. The integration of artificial intelligence and portable nano-devices promises real-time, on-site forensicanalysis, transforming criminal investigations.This paper concludes that nano-forensics not only overcomes the limitations of traditional touch DNA analysis butalso sets a new standard for forensic science, offering unparalleled resolution in justice-driven applications. Futuredirections include standardization and cost reduction to facilitate global adoption.
Social media has laid a strong foundation in everyone’s daily life. It not only reshaped our communication style but alsoour thoughts and routine activities. This research paper explores the relationship between social media and criminalbehaviour. The digital footprints can include messages, shared media, location check-ins and interactions that can betraced and analysed for behavioural pattern. These digital traces have emerged as crucial tools in both committing andsolving crimes. Digital platforms provided new pathway to engage in criminal activities. The accessibility and reach ofplatforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat allow criminals to operate anonymously, target victims globally, andcoordinate illegal activities discreetly. Social media can also play a role in the radicalization process, where individuals areexposed to extremist content, misinformation, or ideological grooming within online communities. By the results obtainedthrough survey and research articles we found that social media represents a powerful double-edged sword (around 83%),it plays a major role in both construction and destruction of criminal behaviours. The digital footprint behaviour is the vitalresource for crime detection and prevention. By knowing this relationship it will be an effective tool for developing criminalzjustice responses, digital literacy education, and ethical guidelines in the digital era. As technology continues to evolve, sotoo must our approaches to managing its impact on criminal behaviour and law enforcement practices.
Introduction: Food is essential for sustenance of life. Adulteration of food cheats the consumer and can pose serious risk to health in some cases. major food adulteration and contamination events seems to occur with some regularities, such as the widely publicized adulteration of milk products with melamine and the recent microbial contamination of vegetables across Europe for example. With globalization and rapid distribution systems, these can have international impacts with far–reaching and sometimes lethal consequences. These events, through potentially global in the modern era, are in fact far from contemporary and deliberate adulteration of food products is probably as old as the food processing and production system Themselves. Food forensic is a sub field of forensic chemistry which is used to detect when it is contaminated or adulterant, it helps to check the purity of the food item. Food adulteration is the most leading fraud which is growing rapidly. Methodology: The study was conducted is several stages to assess the presence of adulterants in the milk samples collected from different local areas of Ranchi. the methodology involved the following steps such as sample collection, presumptive testing, documentation and data recording, Analysis, interpretation using forensic chemistry principles.Results: The qualitative analysis of 11 different brands of milk samples collected from different regions of Ranchi revealed a significant presence of hydrogen peroxide, starch, sodium chloride etc. the presumptive tests detected multiple adulterants that pose considerable health risk to consumers. Conclusion: The study demonstrate that milk adulteration is a prevalent and alarming issue in the city of Ranchi. It also emphasizes the urgent need for regulatory bodies, public health authorities, and forensic science professionals to work collaboratively to ensure the availability of safe and unadulterated milk for all consumers.
The alarming rise in Juvenile Delinquency in India has become a significant concern for policymakers, legal authorities,and social institutions. Among the various contributing factors, narcotic drug abuse has emerged as a critical yetunderexplored dimension influencing the behavioral and criminal trajectories of youth. This study investigates thecorrelation between narcotics consumption and the development of delinquent tendencies among juveniles in India.Employing a multidisciplinary framework that integrates criminology, psychology, and legal analysis, the researchexamines socio-economic, familial, and psychological conditions that predispose adolescents to drug use and subsequentcriminal behavior. The study also evaluates the effectiveness of existing legal mechanisms, including the JuvenileJustice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act,1985, in addressing the nexus between substance abuse and juvenile crime. The findings underscore the necessity ofcomprehensive intervention strategies encompassing education, community support, and mental health careto mitigate narcotic-induced delinquency. This research contributes to the broader discourse on juvenile justice by offeringactionable insights for legal reform, public policy, and youth rehabilitation in India.
Drowning remains a major challenge in forensic practice, particularly in distinguishing whether immersion occurredbefore or after death and in differentiating between freshwater and saltwater drowning. Traditionally, the diatom testhas been the primary tool for confirming drowning, but its limitations in sensitivity and specificity highlight the need foralternative approaches. Aquaporins (AQPs), a family of water channel proteins, have emerged as potential biomarkers indrowning investigations due to their role in water transport and osmotic regulation. This review consolidates findings frompublished studies that employed immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) to evaluate the expressionof AQP subtypes (AQP2, AQP4, AQP5) in lung, kidney, and brain tissues. Evidence indicates that hypo-expressionof AQP5 is associated with freshwater drowning, while AQP2 and AQP4 show distinct patterns useful in differentiatingdrowning types. By highlighting these results, the study emphasizes that aquaporin markers may complement or evenimprove upon the diatom test, offering a promising diagnostic tool in forensic investigations of drowning deaths.
In equivocal deaths especially in cases of suicide where the reason for suicide is not evident, and in cases where mannerof death is doubtful as in accidental fall or homicidal fall, or suicidal or accidental hanging, a retrospective & thoroughinvestigation about the victims Intention, State of mind and Individual’s actions before death called Psychological Autopsy,provides a significant clue to the investigating team. The furtherinvestigation through psychological autopsy requiresa detailed interviewing of the close family members, relatives, friends and colleagues or acquaintances of the deceasedregarding the various contributing factors which may get revealed subsequently which can helps in delineating the mannerand reason for the instant death.This article brings about the objective of psychological autopsy, the interviewing areas which needs to be explored whileconducting this procedure, it’s legal acceptance and limitations.Also discussing here various caseswhere psychologicalautopsy supported the investigative team and forensic experts to appease the queries in the mind of the relatives, friends,and family members to the sudden unexpected loss of their dear ones.
Background: Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition resulting from prolonged exposure to high temperatures,often exacerbated by physical exertion and inadequate hydration. Despite being preventable, it can lead tofatal outcomes if not promptly identified and treated. This case study highlights a fatal instance of heat stroke toemphasize its clinical manifestations, risk factors, and forensic importance.Case Presentation: A 65-year-old male was found unresponsive after prolonged outdoor activity in extremeheat. Initial assessment revealed hyperthermia, altered mental status, and multi-organ dysfunction. Despite aggressivecooling measures and critical care interventions, the patient succumbed to complications arising fromheatstroke, including rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury. The autopsy confirmed findings consistent withsevere hyperthermia-induced organ damage.Discussion: This case underscores the importance of early recognition and immediate management of heatstroke. Key contributing factors, such as environmental conditions, individual susceptibility, and delayed medicalattention, are explored. The study also highlights the need for public awareness, preventive strategies, timelyinterventions to reduce the incidence of heat-related fatalities and diagnostic aspects in forensic.Conclusion: Heat stroke remains a silent yet significant public health concern, particularly in regions experiencingrising temperatures. This case serves as a critical reminder of the deadly consequences of heat exposure andthe urgent need for preventive action and how to diagnose such a case.
As a painless form of death hanging is the commonest method of committing suicide. A proper observation andstudy of ligature mark is characteristic hallmark of hanging. The ligature mark is a pressure abrasion onthe neck at the site of the ligature which appearsas a groove. This prospective study was conductedamong victims of hanging brought to GMERS Medical College Sola, Ahmedabad during the period July 2018to June 2022.214 cas-es brought with a history of hanging out of total 2054 autopsy cases were selectedfor this prospective study. A typicalligature marks with partial hanging outnumbered typical ligaturemark with complete hanging. Ligature mark was obliquely placed above the level of thyroid cartilage with abreadth of 1to2cm is observed in the max-imumnumber of cases. The colour of ligature mark was darkbrown in one third of cases. Young adults of the age group 21 to 30 years accounted for the maximum cases41.12% and the male: female ratio was 2:1.Chunni (3%) was the most common ligature material used.
