Forensic Psychology serves as the bridge between the field of law and psychology, where psychologists play a crucial role in offering expert testimony for legal proceedings. Through precise and unbiased psychological assessment, they contribute to the establishment of fair and just decisions within the legal system. This paper takes a comprehensive look at the indispensable role of forensic psychology in the investigative process, highlighting the essential nature of its tools and methodologies. The paper also aims to investigate the admissibility of the psychological tests as evidence under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, while questioning the accuracy of such evidences in uncovering truth.

A BSTRACT Introduction: The winter climate in Delhi is severe, with temperatures dropping below 10°C. As a result, individuals often resort to utilizing diverse heat sources such as electrical heating appliances, coal and gas geysers. Unfortunately, these sources are commonly associated with the emission of carbon monoxide (CO) which can accumulate in inadequately ventilated spaces. Exposure to this noxious gas can lead to acute lethargy and debilitation, leaving individuals in a state of helpless distress. Materials and Methods: The present study utilized a retrospective descriptive analysis to examine cases of fatal carbon monoxide exposure retrieved from the Department of Forensic Medicine archives at the esteemed All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Autopsy records were thoroughly examined with respect to various parameters including age, gender, seasonality of the incident, circumstances surrounding the death, source of carbon monoxide generation, post mortem observations, as well as toxicological analysis reports. Results and Discussion: This study entailed an analysis of 56 individuals who fell victim to carbon monoxide poisoning, with a staggering 95% of fatalities occurring during the winter season. The majority of the individuals affected belonged to the age bracket of 21–30 years. The most common sources of carbon monoxide exposure were linked to the use of coal-burning earthen or iron vessels for room heating, as well as structural fires. With the exception of one case, all incidents were accidental in nature. Additionally, nearly all of the victims were discovered in enclosed spaces with heating equipment in close proximity, and evidence of a struggle was noted on the crime scene or with the deceased. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the principal contributor to the inadvertent build-up of lethal concentrations of carbon monoxide gas is the utilization of heating appliances within inadequately ventilated, enclosed spaces. Due to the scentless and non-irritating properties of this gas, individuals who are asleep may be unable to detect its presence in their surroundings, thereby leading to a silent death. To mitigate such risks, the installation of carbon monoxide detectors is crucial. Additionally, it is of utmost importance to raise public awareness regarding the perils associated with using fire pots, coal burning and electrical heating appliances in areas with insufficient ventilation.

Abrus precatorius is a poisonous plant known since ancient times. Accidental poisoning is more common due to the intake of plant seeds containing deadly abrin which is a highly toxic and a thermolabile plant toxalbumin. Abrin has also been reported to be a potential chemical agent that can be used as bioweapon in military or terrorism. Abrin is a ribosome inactivating protein that contains multiple isotoxic forms of protein subunits called chain A and B. The identification of this toxalbumin in the plant is important to determine cause of death in poisoning cases. Therefore, the present review focuses on the structure, mode of administration, tokicokinetics, extraction procedures and forensic analysis of abrin and other constituents. It is observed that most of the researchers have utilized immunological methods for the detection of plant components. This technique has proved to be more sensitive, reliable and accurate for the detection of extremely low concentrations of toxin.

Introduction: Most findings of forensic pathology examinations are presented as written reports. There are currently no internationally accepted recommendations for writing forensic pathology reports. Existing recommendations are also varied and reflect the differences in the scope and role of forensic medical services and local settings in which they are to be implemented. The legal fact-finder thus faces wide variation in the quality of forensic pathology reports, which poses a threat to the reliability of legal decision-making. To address this issue, the development of the "PERFORM-P (Principles of Evidence-based Reporting in FORensic Medicine Pathology version)" was undertaken. The goal of the PERFORM-P is to provide common practice recommendations adaptable to local requirements to promote evidence-based practice (EBP) in forensic pathology. Methods: An international consensus study was conducted in three phases by (1) developing a long-list of items to be considered in the reporting recommendations, (2) conducting a Delphi process (an iterative survey method to transform individual opinions into group consensus) with international forensic pathologists, and (3) designing the PERFORM-P prototype and its accompanying manual. Results: With assistance from 106 forensic pathologists/forensic medical practitioners from 41 countries, the PERFORM-P was developed. The PERFORM-P consists of a list of 61 items to be included in a forensic pathology report, which is accompanied by its Explanation and Elaboration (E&E) document. Discussion: To prepare forensic pathology (postmortem) reports that incorporate principles of evidence based practice, internationally accepted recommendations might be helpful. The PERFORM-P identifies recommendations for necessary elements to include in a forensic pathology report. PERFORM-P can be applied to a wide range of matters requiring forensic pathological analysis, acceptable to forensic pathologists from a representative selection of jurisdictions and medico-legal systems. (c) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. CC_BY_4.0

Death certificate data is used to monitor local, regional and national mortality trend and is helpful in improving public health as well as public safety. Accurate and reliable information about the cause of death in a population is useful for understanding disease burden estimation and trends in the health of populations; moreover, the information provided by such data is vital in terms of public health planning as well. With the continuous upsurge in mortality due to coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), mortality analysis could be valuable in addressing the current pandemic and implementing the epidemic control strategies effectively and efficiently. Given that COVID-19 death certification substantially affects the local and national responses towards disease prevention and transmission, the importance of the accuracy and quality of information in these certificates cannot be understated. Hence, accurate death certification related to COVID-19 is vital to understand the extent and progression of the current pandemic.

Vitriolage (acid attack) involves an intentional act of violence in which any corrosive is thrown onto the face and body of a person with the intention of disfiguring them. The most common type of corrosive used in these attacks is sulfuric acid (oil of vitriol) hence the name "vitriolage". Sulfuric acid is a strong acid/corrosive and has a toxic nature that is capable of causing bodily injuries leading to damage to mucous membranes, tissues and skin with blindness, burning, and scars often leading to significant disfigurement with temporary or permanent disability. The main reasons for acid attacks are marriage refusal, rejection of love proposals, dowry issues and male aggression. Acid attacks have horrendous physical, social, psychological and economic effects on victims. This review will delineate the various legal provisions relating to acid attacks with special reference to the recent Indian Criminal Law Amendment Act of 2013 which addressed the issue of these attacks specifically by making it a separate offence in the Indian Penal Code under sections 326 A and B. The Bangladesh Acid Offences Prevention Act 2002 and Acid Crime Control Act, 2002, and legislation and policies combating acid attacks in Cambodia, Nepal and Pakistan will also be mentioned. Additionally, the paper will discuss the role of the judiciary in South Asia by focusing on other landmark judgments and decisions and throw light on the campaign in India namely "Stop Sale Acid" aimed at stopping the unrestricted sale of acid. Finally, further suggestions are proposed to assist in combating this heinous crime.

The use of multi-label biochemical panels is justified by the fact that different markers reflect the severity of various pathological processes (disorders of carbohydrate and fat metabolism), which in their interaction are indicators of decompensation of a single pathology – diabetes in particular. The aim of the work was to study the differences in biochemical parameters in healthy and patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) depending on the level of albumin in the urine. 78 men and 62 women aged 22-26 years, patients with diabetes mellitus type 1, who were hospitalized in the therapeutic department в № 1 and № 2 of Vinnytsia Regional Highly Specialized Endocrinology Center and 8 practically healthy men and 13 practically healthy women of the same age were examined. The level of microalbuminuria was determined in all patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Fasting blood glucose and 2 hours after a meal were determined by enzymatic, amperometric analysis on a biochemical analyzer Biosen C_Line, manufactured by EKF Diagnostic (Germany). The average value of blood glucose was calculated mathematically. To determine glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), we used the method of high performance liquid chromatography on a D 10 analyzer, manufactured by Bio-Rad (USA). The International Normal Ratio (INR) was determined using a set of reagents to determine the prothrombin time, prothrombin ratio and international sensitivity index, which is specified in the passport to the set (manufacturer of PC-K-TEST "Granum"). Total cholesterol and triglycerides were determined by colorimetric photometric method (using enzymes) on a biochemical analyzer using standard kits from Olympus AU480 (USA). Statistical processing of the results was performed in the license package "Statistica 5.5", using non-parametric evaluation methods. When comparing the level of biochemical parameters between patients with T1D and normo-, microalbuminuria and proteinuria with healthy men or women, patients found higher values: fasting glucose (in men – by 29.1 %, 30.9 % and 42.0 %; in women – by 29.7 %, 33.2 % and 46.0 %); glucose 2 hours after exercise (for men – by 27.4 %, 30.8 % and 36.1 %; for women – by 30.4 %, 32.4 % and 40.2 %); the average value of glucose (for men – by 26.2 %, 30.8 % and 39.3 %; for women – by 28.7 %, 34.0 % and 43.1 %); glycated hemoglobin (47.8 %, 48.8 % and 45.8 % for men; 27.2 %, 50.2 % and 54.4 % for women). Also, in patients with T1D men and proteinuria and women with normoalbuminuria and proteinuria compared with healthy men or women found higher cholesterol values (17.8 % in men and 7.6 % and 26.0 % in women); and in patients with T1D men with proteinuria compared to healthy men – 31.3 % higher triglyceride levels. When comparing the level of biochemical parameters between patients with T1D in men or women with proteinuria, higher values were found: fasting glucose compared with men with normoalbuminuria by 22.2 % and with women with normoalbuminuria by 30.3 % and microalbuminuria by 23.7 %; the average value of glucose compared with men with normoalbuminuria by 20.8 % and microalbuminuria by 14.0 %; glycated hemoglobin compared to women with normoalbuminuria by 15.9 %; compared with men with normoalbuminuria and microalbuminuria – by 24.8 % and 20.3 %, or with women with normoalbuminuria and microalbuminuria – by 24.9 % and 28.0 %; triglycerides compared with men with normoalbuminuria by 23.0 %. When comparing the sex differences in the level of biochemical parameters between healthy or between patients with T1D and normo-, microalbuminuria and proteinuria in men and women, only higher values of glycated hemoglobin by 14.1 % in women with proteinuria and total cholesterol by 8.3 % in women with normoalbuminuria were found. Thus, between healthy and patients with T1D and different levels of albuminuria there are differences in biochemical parameters, and they are greater the higher the level of albumin in the urine.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Nose is considered to be a conspicuous feature of human face. Its different parameters like shape, size, nasal angles etc may indicate one's gender, age, race, adapted climatic conditions, and the environment to which one belongs to. Furthermore, it is an important component and determinant of an individual's physical outlook and appearance. The current study provides a new approach for the assistance of anthropologists and forensic experts in human identification and sex determination from the nasal angles. METHODOLOGY The study was performed on a total of 500 subjects (250 males and 250 females) belonging to north India (Mandi, Himachal Pradesh State). In comparison to the classical and manual methods for nasal angle measurements, an automated approach was followed in the present study. A Windows-based software called tpsDig2 was used for nasal angle measurements by utilization of the landmarks (nasion, pronasale, subnasale, and alare). Three nasal angles (nasal prominence angle, inter-alar angle, and nasal tip angle) were measured in all the subjects and each measurement was repeated thrice to reduce the measurement error and increase the specificity and efficiency of the results. Discriminant function statistics was used for determination of sex from different nasal angles. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The results of the statistical analysis (ANOVA) performed using SPSS reveal the significant difference between males and females in all the 3 repeated measurements of nasal angles. The final discriminant classification statistics show that 64% of original grouped cases have been correctly classified and the designed statistical model can be used in several forensic scenarios for the sex determination on the basis of the available nasal angles. The study may be further useful in the identification cases pertaining to facial reconstruction. The investigation may also be helpful in providing specific correlation of the nasal angles with the other parts of the face in the cases of remodelling and reformation of craniofacial alterations and reconstructions in plastic surgery and aesthetics.

Background: Postmortem examination is indispensable to ascertain the cause of an unnatural death and as such is mandatory by the law. From ages, traditional autopsy (TA) has proved its worth in establishing the cause of death in the deceased despite some inherent difficulties and challenges and has enjoyed an insurmountable status. The increasing use of application of the modern-day radiology for postmortem examination has however opened a new arena overcoming some of the difficulties of the TA. There are conflicting reports in the published literature regarding superiority of one modality of the postmortem over the other. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the findings of postmortem computed tomography (CT) scan and TA in the victims of traumatic deaths and to analyze whether postmortem CT can be used to replace TA. Materials and Methods: All patients with a history of trauma that were declared brought dead on arrival in the emergency department were subjected to full-body CT scan. An experienced radiologist reported the findings of CT scan. Subsequently, a forensic expert subjected the patients to TA. The physician who performed autopsy was blinded to the findings of CT scan and vice versa. An individual who was not part of the radiology or forensic team then entered the findings of CT scan and autopsy in a predesigned Pro forma. An unbiased assessor finally compared the findings of the two modalities and analyzed the results. McNemar's test was used to ascertain the level of significance between the findings reported by these two modalities considering P = 0.05 as statistically significant. The agreement or disagreement on cause of death reported by these two modalities was also assessed. Results: About 95% of the deceased were males. The mean age of the corpses was 35 years (range 16–67 years). CT was found superior in picking up most of the bony injuries, air-containing lesions, hemothorax, and hemoperitoneum. However, autopsy was found more sensitive for soft-tissue and solid visceral injuries. Both modalities were equally helpful in identifying extremity fractures. Statistically significant agreement (>95%) on cause of death by both modalities was not achieved in any patient of trauma. Conclusion: Postmortem CT scan is promising in reporting injuries in traumatic deaths and can significantly complement the conventional autopsy. However, at present, it cannot be considered as a replacement for TA.

Suicidal and accidental poisoning with drug overdose is one of the common causes of morbidity and mortality in India. Considering such fact, quantification of drug becomes imperative to distinguish narrow margin of therapeutic dose and toxic dose. Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) is extensively used as antipyretic and analgesic drug. Generally it is used in headaches, slight pains and fever. Overdose of Paracetamol causes hepatotoxicity. It can be fatal in large dose (>10g). It can potentiate the harmful effect of other drugs if taken in combination. A quick, simple and precise method is developed for quantitative estimation of acetaminophen using RP-HPLC in biological samples viz. Blood, Vitreous Humor and CSF. The separation was done using RPC-18 HPLC column and Methanol: water as mobile phase. On the basis of ICH guidelines validation parameters such as Linearity, Accuracy, Precision, Recovery, Limit of Quantification and Limit of Detection were done.

Evaluation of trauma and prediction of outcome in 255 train accident victims in Delhi was studied out of which 40 cases survived and taken up for this study. Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) was calculated and its correlation with period of survival was determined. Males and females were 86.7% and 13.3% respectively. Mean age was 37.5 years. Most common age group involved was 21–30 followed by 31-40 years. The region of the body most commonly involved in survivors was the lower limbs followed by upper limbs, head and chest while in the victims who died was head followed by chest and abdominal injury. Thirty percent of the survivors belonged to TRISS group 50-80 followed by 70% survivors to TRISS >80 group. There was a positive correlation between TRISS and probability of survival.

To evaluate the impact of death-to-preservation time (DPT) on effective utilisation of donor corneas. In a prospective observational study conducted at our tertiary eye centre, donated corneas received over a 15-month period from November 2011 to January 2013 were evaluated. Donor age, donor refrigeration (done or not), DPT, endothelial cell density (ECD), corneal grading, clinical utilisation and surgical outcome after graft transplantation were noted. To analyse the impact of different DPT on donor cornea transplantation, primary outcome measures (corneal grading and endothelial cell density) and secondary outcome measures (primary graft failure and graft infection) were analysed. A total of 990 corneas were assessed. Primary outcomes showed no significant difference for higher DPT ( P > 0.01). ECD, where DPT was >12 h, was better for refrigerated corneas ( P < 0.001). Prolonged DPT had no significant effect on primary graft failure ( P = 0.131) and graft infection ( P = 0.137) in the first month after transplantation. We find that DPT should not be the only criteria to assess the cornea quality; other donor characteristics should be considered equally important. Donor refrigeration should be encouraged in cases where early retrieval is not possible.

Dear editor, The child sexual abuse (CSA), an under-reported offence in india, is among the serious problems plaguing our society and has reached epidemic proportions.[123] A study conducted by the Government of India to estimate the burden of CSA revealed shocking results and reported that every 2nd child in the country was sexually abused at some point of time.[4] Children who are victims of sexual abuse often know the perpetrator in some way.[3] Hence, the problem of csa needs to be addressed through less ambiguous and more stringent punishment. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (pocso) act 2012[5] was formulated to effectively address the heinous crimes of csa and sexual exploitation of children, which came into force on children's day itself, i.e., November 14, 2012. However, even after 5 years of its inception, this act has faced unforeseen challenges in its complete implementation, the chief being failure to set up special pocso courts in all the districts of the country. Setting up of these courts was an essential mandate of the POSCO act, the lack of which has resulted in considerable delay in the disposal and pendency of the cases registered under the act. As per se ction 28 (1) of the pocso act, the state governments, in consultation with the Chief Justice of High Court, should designate a Sessions Court as a special court to try offences under the pocso act to facilitate speedy trial.[5] However, as per se ction 28 (2), if a sessions court had been already notified as a children's court under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights act or if any other special court has been designated for similar purposes under any other law, it could also be considered as a special court under the pocso act.[5] Unlike other enactments, the importance of this “special statute” lies in the “special courts” for trying offences under the pocso act. Despite the statutory stipulation that every district should have an exclusive pocso court, the directives have been continuously ignored. The apathetic attitude of the state government's bureaucracy is reflected by the fact that until and unless the Supreme Court does not intervene, neither do they formulate any manual related to a law, nor do they fulfill other formalities for its implementation. The POSCO act has faced the same fate, and even after 3 years of its implementation, it was only after the intervention of the Supreme Court that the special courts for women and the Juvenile Justice Boards were given the status of Special pocso courts in various districts.[6] To make matters worse, the judges appointed in such special courts are not subject experts as neither are they provided additional training by the state government nor do they seriously study the law pertaining to such cases. As a consequence, they consider such cases as an additional burden, and hence, cases of csa are not dealt effectively and efficiently as envisaged under the provisions of pocso act 2012.[6] This is reflected by a judgment passed by a special court (actually a sessions court) in Thane, Maharashtra, on the 22nd of December 2016 where the court issued a perjury notice to a 16-year-old minor girl in a case registered under pocso act.[7] The girl had allegedly been subjected to rape by her father. Although she testified against her father in the examination-in-chief, she turned hostile during the final stages of the cross-examination conducted by the defense counsel. The trial strategy on part of the defense was similar to the rape trials involving adult women victims, where attempts are made to devalue the credibility of the victim by questioning her sexual history and moral character. This step belies the spirit and objectives of pocso act, which stipulates child-friendly atmosphere through all stages of the judicial process and given paramount importance to the principle of “best interest of the child.”[5] more importantly section 22 (2) of the act excludes children from being punished for providing false information, and as per the act, a child is defined to be any person below the age of 18 years.[5] In an erroneous move, in this case, the special court relied on the pocso bill, which had allowed a child above 16 years filing a false complaint to be sent to the Juvenile Justice Board for suitable remedial action. However, this clause was deleted when the bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha and is not part of the current law. Unfortunately, in this case, on account of the ignorance of the judge, a judgment was passed in compliance to the pocso bill and led to this erroneous decision. There is an urgent need to educate the medical, judicial, and law-enforcing agencies about the pocso act 2012. Awareness and training of all the stakeholders is one of the important variables in providing comprehensive care and justice to children, the future of our country. CSA is a scourge of Indian society, and hence, the pocso act was introduced in 2012. However, no law can be implemented effectively and efficiently, without the dedicated and coordinated efforts of the implementing agencies. A multidimensional approach is required in this regard, and the onus lies with the state governments, police department, judicial system, and medical fraternity to implement the act in letter and spirit and to respond to these cases with urgency, empathy, and compassion. Speedy trials are possible if the judges, their staff, prosecution, police, and defense coordinate with each other, failing which concept of special courts will be defeated. Similarly, doctors also need to be trained to understand the intricacies and help in proper scientific collection of various evidences while examining the child victim of sexual abuse. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

'Eunuchs/Hijras ’as they are called in India, are the persons who are neither male nor female. Many times, some males disguise their gender identity by posing as the third Gender and extort money from people on red lights and rob the general public. We report a case where a person posing as a eunuch was apprehended by police in a case of assault, but, after medical examination, turned out to be a male cross-dressing as a female. Honourable Supreme Court of India had recognized 'Eunuchs/Hijras ’as “third gender ”and had directed the Government to take steps for their welfare and extend all kinds of reservation in admission in educational institutions and for public appointments. So, it will be very important to differentiate the real gender ambiguity from the fake ones. The authors, considering the same, intend to increase awareness among medical professionals to adopt the proper procedure for determining the sex in an individual.