Forensic Identification of Sindoor Stain on Cloth as Trace Evidence Analysis: A Case Study from Delhi, India
Journal Title: International Journal of Forensic Sciences - Year 2020, Vol 5, Issue 2
Abstract
A case of domestic death mystery was presented before Investigating Agency wherein it was difficult to establish the death as murder, as the victim – a 32-year-old married lady, was found by her husband with ligature mark which prima-facie indicated suicide due to hanging. As per brief case history, her husband, as complainant, maintained the fact that both father and the son were not at home and there was no strong specific reason for his wife to commit suicide. The doctor stated the cause of death as Asphyxiation due to strangulation. The Investigating Agency was clueless in establishing the death as suicide or murder and looked towards Forensic Science Laboratory to play an important role in linking shreds of evidence scientifically. Chemical Examinations done on the samples seized by Investigating Agency (Delhi Police) disclosed an abnormally high level of mercury by Instrument Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). A detailed comparative analysis was again undertaken using Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectrometer (FTIR) which further confirmed the same chemical composition present in both the samples i.e. the accuses' cloth containing unidentified stains and the victim’s scalp hair. By Locard’s Principle then, it was established that sindoor (vermilion) used by the deceased had left forensic trace evidence on the accused cloth. A firm scientific connection was recognized between the accused, the victim and the scene of crime in order to interpret the manner of death as a homicide.
Authors and Affiliations
Sinha S*, K Goyal and sharma V
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP751104
- DOI 10.23880/ijfsc-16000186
- Views 45
- Downloads 0
Application of Time Series Analyses in Forensic Accounting
This paper addresses how time series analyses can be used in forensic accounting by presenting three time series models and testing their relevance to forensic accounting practices. The ever-increasing business complexi...
A Pilot Study Investigating Tooth Wear as a Possible Aging Indicator in a Modern Population
This study explores the correlation between tooth wear and age at death of modern people to appreciate the appropriateness of using tooth wear as an independent aging indicator in a forensic context. As a pilot study, d...
A Two Year Autopsy Study on Coronary Artery Stenosis
Sudden cardiac death is a medicolegally challenging autopsy. One may wonder, why? Even as coronary artery disease is the reigning cause of sudden death throughout the world, it was found that most of the literature avai...
Child Asphyxiation Caused by Aspirated Vitamin C Tablet
Accidental cases of death from aspiration caused by laryngeal clogging with foreign body are common in children at the age of 3. Death in these cases occurs very quickly as a consequence of irritation of the laryngeal n...
Biomechanics and Methodology for the Analysis of Injuries Related to Forensic Technical Correlations
The paper describes the definition of biomechanics and methodologies to identify injuries, injury sources and injury causation. Different questions raised from the police, persecution, or judge needs special demands for...