AIMPMD AL ARE ENERGY NEG FOR kyxy

LNJN National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science
A Forensic Guide
for Crime Investigators
Standard Operating Procedures
NICFS
Restricted
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
(Standard Operating Procedures)
LNJN National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science
(Ministry of Home Affairs)
Sector-3, Outer Ring Road, Delhi – 110085.
NICFS
DISCLAIMER
This publication is meant for authorized Criminal Justice Agencies. LNJN NICFS shall
not be liable for any direct, consequential or incidental damages arising out of the use
of the book. Reference herein to any specific product (commercial or non-commercial),
processes or services by brand or trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise
does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation or favour by
LNJN NICFS (MHA). The information and statements contained in this document
shall not be used for the purpose of advertising or to imply the endorsement or
recommendation of LNJN NICFS (MHA).
Published by
LNJN National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science
(Ministry of Home Affairs)
Sector-3, Outer Ring Road, Delhi –110085.
Executive Editor
Rina Mitra, IPS
Co-Executive Editor
Sandeep Mittal, IPS
Credits
Copy Editor: Sadiksha Waiba
Jacket Design: Abriti Waiba
Cover photo: Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, New Delhi
Printed at
Bengal Offset Works,335, Khajoor Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005.
NICFS
FOREWORD
The advances in science and technology are increasingly enhancing
the role of forensic science and scientific aids in criminal investigation. This
is a positive trend as it strengthens the much needed objectivity of investigation,
thereby enhancing the credibility of investigation process and improving
probability of bringing offenders to justice.
The LNJN National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science has
come out with a timely compilation of SOPs for collection of physical and
digital evidence in a wide variety of crime scenarios. A noteworthy aspect of
this forensic guide is that the legal provisions relevant to each crime situation
have been well explained making it a portable vade mecum for investigators,
prosecutors, defence counsels, forensic scientists, judges, students and interested
laymen. The material has been well-compiled and produced in a user-friendly
manner.
The compendium is going to be a valuable companion for the criminal
justice community in ascertainment of truth and fixation of culpability.
I complement Smt. Rina Mitra, Ex. Director, LNJN National Institute of
Criminology and Forensic Science (NICFS) and Shri D.M. Mitra, the present
Director for having taken keen interest in producing such a useful compendium.
(ANIL SINHA)
Director
Central Bureau of Investigation
New Delhi.
NICFS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
i
PREFACE
The scope and importance of forensic evidence has been increasing over the years. On one hand,
with the expansion of technology, new types of crime such as internet based crime, computer aided
crime, etc., have emerged as a major challenge to the law enforcement agencies. Consequently,
forensic science has also expanded into new areas like computer forensics. On the other hand, there
is increasing demand and reliance on forensic evidence by courts and opinion makers. In the recent
past, courts have relied on forensic evidence over oral evidence for conviction. Therefore,
investigating agencies are expected to not only collect newer types of evidences but also to strive to
get relevant and convincing forensic evidence to satisfy the courts as well as other stakeholders like
the press, civil society and political leadership.
Each type of forensic evidence requires relevant method for collection, handling, packing and
forwarding the physical evidence for forensic examination. However, crucial a forensic evidence
may be, any anomaly in the way it was collected and handled could lead to destruction of its
evidentiary value. Forensic evidence can be severely damaged due to shortcoming of any of
the aspects. While Investigating officers (I.Os) try to collect physical evidence for forensic
examination, often they are not aware of the exact procedure and also relevant queries.
Investigating Officers need to know the correct procedure for each type of forensic evidence
at the time of collection and also queries that could be made for the expert’s opinion.
Though there is a tendency to send specialized officers for collection of forensic evidence, it is
neither necessary nor practical for the team to reach each and every place. Therefore, the I.O. himself/
herself should be capable of handling physical evidence.
However, looking at the vast range of physical evidences that need forensic examination, it is not
possible for an I.O. to remember the correct procedure in detail. Therefore, it was felt that a handbook
on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) should be available to the I.O. for their ready reference.
This handbook tries to fulfill the long felt need of the investigating agencies. It will be useful not
only for I.Os. but also judicial officers and prosecutors. This is a maiden attempt by NICFS intended
to empower different agencies of the criminal justice system and bridge the gap between technical
and non-technical officials in the criminal justice system.
PREFACE
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
ii
While drafting the chapters of this voluminous work, care has been taken and chapters have not
only been reviewed by the internal faculty but also vetted by external experts on the relevant subject.
Effort has also been made to make the book user friendly and thus empower the I.Os. with basic
understanding of the type of crime and investigation they would handle. Forensic Science is also a
growing discipline.Vital suggestions received from the users, the state police or investigation agencies
under the central government, trainers as well as heads of training institutions may need to be
incorporated in the next edition.
This SOP may not be all inclusive. However, due to technology growing at rapid pace, the suggestions
in the SOP are best examined in the context of current technology and practices prevalent in the
country. Besides, each case is unique; therefore it may require action other than those described in
the related chapter. Therefore, users may have to refer to the other chapters also for the appropriate
forensic tool that suits them.
This handbook also provides model queries that the I.O. needs to ask the forensic experts and
medico legal experts. This book on Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is for ready reference only
and doesn’t claim the absolute necessity or correctness of the prescribed procedure.
D.M. MITRA, IPS
Director
LNJN NICFS
New Delhi.
PREFACE
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators: Standard Operating Procedures has been written to
bridge the gap in application of Forensic Science on crime scene management and to guide
the Investigating Officers. We wish to thank the chapter authors and subject experts who
helped us in achieving our endeavour.
We thank all the Director General of Police of State Police especially Tamil Nadu, Arunachal
Pradesh, Haryana, Director General, National Investigation Agency and Director, State Vigilance
Bureau, Haryana for providing their support in the creation of this forensic guide.
We wish to acknowledge and communicate our gratitude to Shri M.L.Sharma, IPS, Former
Special Director, Central Bureau of Investigation, who volunteered to edit the contents of this
voluminous work and Shri R.R.Verma, IPS, then Director General, National Crime Records
Bureau, New Delhi, who extended all his support to prepare chapters on finger prints and
portrait building.
Our thanks to the Director General, Narcotics Control Bureau, New Delhi and Director,
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, New Delhi, for their unqualified support.
We thank our former Director Smt. Rina Mitra, IPS and Shri Sandeep Mittal, IPS, Deputy
Inspector General of Police (Administration), NICFS, Delhi, for leading the team of faculties
of NICFS and coordinating with other organizations for bringing in valuable inputs to this
forensic guide.
We would also like to acknowledge the sincerity, hard work and innovative ideas put in by
Ms Sadiksha Waiba for copy editing and enhancing the visual appeal of the voluminous
work.
Lastly,we are particularly beholden to the staff of LNJN NICFS who actively participated and
contributed in the publication of this volume.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
iv
Subject Authors
Lead Author
Dr A.C. Rajvanshi, Senior Faculty (Chemistry), NICFS, Delhi
Contributing Authors (in alphabetical order)
Dr A. K. Bapuly,Director, FSL, Odisha
Shri N. B. Bardhan, Principal Scientific Officer, CFSL/CBI, Delhi
Dr V. N. Sehgal, Retd. Director, CFSL/CBI, Delhi
Dr Tanya Chauhan, Assistant Professor (Biology), NICFS, Delhi
Chapter 01-General Principles of Scene Investigation General
Chapter 02-Principles of Evidence Packaging
Lead Author
Dr K. P. S. Kushwaha, Senior Faculty (Biology), NICFS, Delhi
Contributing Authors (in alphabetical order)
Dr A. K. Bapuly, Director, FSL, Odisha
Dr M. K. Goel, Former Director, FSL, Haryana
Dr S. K. Verma, Professor of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, University College of
Medical Science and GTB Hospital , Delhi
Dr V. Dhankar, Specialist & Head, Department of Forensic Medicine, Dr. BSA
Hospital, Rohini, Delhi
Chapter 03-Forensic Biology
Chapter 04-DNA Fingerprinting
Chapter 05-Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Lead Author
Shri P. Sharma, Senior Scientific Assistant (Chemistry), NICFS, Delhi
Contributing Author (in alphabetical order)
Shri L. K. Katyal, Former Assistant Director, FSL, Haryana
Chapter 06-Poisoning cases
Chapter 07-Hooch cases
Chapter 08-Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
SUBJECT AUTHORS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
v
Lead Author
Shri J. R. Sethi, Assistant Professor (Chemistry), NICFS, Delhi
Contributing Authors (in alphabetical order)
Shri N. B. Bardhan, Principal Scientific Officer, CFSL/CBI, Delhi
Shri Ram AvtarYadav, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Anti Corruption, CBI
Dr V. N. Sehgal, Former Director, CFSL/CBI, Delhi
Chapter 09-Explosives
Chapter 10-Fire and Arson
Chapter 11-Petroleum Adulterations
Chapter 12-Trap Cases
Chapter 13-Acid Attack
Lead Authors
Dr J. K. Modi, Senior Faculty (Ballistics), NICFS, Delhi
Shri C. Nigam, Senior Scientific Assistant (Ballistics), NICFS, Delhi
Contributing Authors (in alphabetical order)
Dr A. K. Bapuly, Director, FSL, Odisha
Shri K. C. Varshney, Deputy Director, FSL, Delhi
Chapter 14-Firearms
Lead Author
Shri J. K. Semwal, Senior Faculty (Documents), NICFS, Delhi
Contributing Authors (in alphabetical order)
Dr A. K. Bapuly, Director, FSL, Odisha
Shri A. K. Gupta, Former Director, FSL, Delhi
Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Senior Scientific Assistant (Documents), NICFS, Delhi
Chapter 15-Forged Documents
Chapter 16-Security Documents
Chapter 17-Torn Documents
Chapter 18-Charred Documents
Lead Author
Shri Anil Chawla, Director In-charge, Central Finger Print Bureau, NCRB, Delhi
Chapter 19-Fingerprints
SUBJECT AUTHORS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
vi
Lead Authors
Shri Sandeep Mittal, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Administration), NICFS,
Delhi
Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Senior Scientific Assistant (Documents), NICFS, Delhi
Contributing Authors (in alphabetical order)
Shri A. K. Dohare, Additional Director General of Police, Bhopal
Shri G. Deepak Raj Rao, Assistant Professor (Computer Forensics), NICFS, Delhi
Shri Om Veer Singh, Additional Director, CERT-IN, Delhi
Chapter 20-Digital Evidence
Lead Author
Dr S. R. Singh, Senior Faculty (Physics), NICFS, Delhi
Contributing Authors (in alphabetical order)
Dr A. C. Rajvanshi, Senior Faculty (Chemistry), NICFS, Delhi
Dr C. P. Singh, Assistant Director (Physics), FSL, Delhi
Chapter 21-Image Analysis – CCTV Footage
Lead Author
Dr S. R. Singh, Senior Faculty (Physics), NICFS, Delhi
Contributing Author (in alphabetical order)
Dr C. P. Singh, Assistant Director (Physics), FSL, Delhi
Chapter 22-Road Accident
Chapter 23-Theft and Burglary
Chapter 24-Speaker Identification
Lead Author
Ms. Surekha Soni, National Crime Record Bureau, New Delhi
Chapter 25-Portrait Building System
Lead Author
Dr A. K. Bapuly, Professional Director, FSL, Bhubaneswar
Chapter 26-Polygraph Test
Lead Author
Smt. Rina Mitra, Director, LNJN NICFS, Delhi
Chapter 27-Wildlife
Chapter 28-Digital Signature of Wildlife Products in International Trade
SUBJECT AUTHORS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
vii
PREFACE i-ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iii
1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION 01-15
1.1 Investigation Defined 02
1.2 Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation 02
1.2.1 Significance of Physical Evidence and ‘Chain of Custody’ 03
1.2.2 Legal and Human Considerations During Investigation 05
1.2.3 Health and Safety Considerations 05
1.3 Crime Scene Investigation Process 06
1.3.1 Planning 06
1.3.2 Organization and Coordination 08
1.3.3 Preservation of the Scene and its Evidence 09
1.3.4 Documentation of the Scene and its Evidence 10
1.3.5 Recognition and Recovery of Physical Evidence 11
1.3.6 Transportation, Storage and Forwarding of Evidence to the Laboratory 14
2. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF PACKAGING OF EXHIBITS 16-31
2.1 Sources of the Exhibit 16
2.2 Goals of Evidence Packaging 16
2.2.1 Protection of IO from possible hazards associated with evidences like 16
2.2.2 Protection of evidence against 16
2.3 Elements of Packaging Evidence 17
2.3.1 Packing Material 17
2.3.2 Size of Packing Material 18
2.3.3 Sealing of Evidence 18
2.4 Precautions to be Taken 20
2.5 General Directions 20
2.6 Directions for Specific type of Exhibits 21
2.6.1 Weapons and Tools 21
2.6.2 Hair and Fibres 22
2.6.3 Blood and Bloodstains 23
2.6.4 Semen 25
Detailed Table of Content
CONTENTS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
viii
2.6.5 Saliva 25
2.6.6 Dust or Soil 26
2.6.7 Arson Cases and Cases of Burning 26
2.6.8 Tool Marks 27
2.6.9 Exhibits for Ballistics Examination 27
2.6.10 Glass 29
2.6.11 Paint 29
2.6.12 Questioned Documents 30
2.6.13 Latent Fingerprints 30
2.6.14 Drug Samples 31
3. FORENSIC BIOLOGY 32-91
3.1 Pre-Search Planning and Preparation 32
3.2 List of Equipments Required 32
3.3 Constituting the Team for Handling the Crime Scene 36
3.4 Crime Scene Investigation 36
3.4.1 Protection of Crime Scene 36
3.4.2 Photography of the Crime Scene 37
3.4.3 Sketching of Crime Scene 38
3.4.4 Crime Scene Search 39
3.5 Death (due to weapons other than firearms) 39
3.5.1 Crime Scene Investigation 40
3.5.2 Evidence Material Likely to be Found at Crime Scene 42
3.5.3 Collection and Packaging of Evidence Material 43
3.5.4 Forwarding of Evidence Material 44
3.5.5 Likely Queries to be Raised (may vary from case to case) 44
3.6 Death Due to Fall from Height 45
3.6.1 Observation at the Crime Scene 46
3.6.2 Observation on the Body of Deceased 47
3.6.3 Evidence Material Likely to be Found 48
3.6.4 Collection and Packaging of Evidence Materials 48
3.6.5 Forwarding of Evidence Materials 49
3.6.6 Likely Queries to be Raised (may vary from case to case) 49
3.7 Death Due To Burning 50
3.7.1 Crime Scene Investigation 51
3.7.2 Observations at the Scene of Death 51
CONTENTS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
ix
3.7.3 Observation on the Body of Deceased 53
3.7.4 Evidence Material Likely to be Found in Burning Cases 54
3.7.5 Collection and Packaging of Evidence Material 55
3.7.6 Forwarding of Evidence Materials 56
3.7.7 Likely Queries to be Raised (may vary from case to case) 56
3.8 Sexual Offences 58
3.8.1 Crime Scene Investigation 59
3.8.2 Evidence Materials Likely to be found at Crime Scene 64
3.8.3 Collection and Packaging of Evidence Materials 65
3.8.4 Forwarding of Evidence Materials 66
3.8.5 Likely Queries to be Raised (may vary from case to case): 67
3.9 Hanging 70
3.9.1 Types of Hanging 70
3.9.2 Crime Scene Investigation 72
3.9.3 Observations of the Body 73
3.9.4 Local External Findings 74
3.10 Periligature Injuries 76
3.10.1 Evidence Material Likely to be Found at Crime Scene 76
3.10.2 Collection and Packaging of Evidence Material 77
3.10.3 Forwarding of Evidence Material 77
3.10.4 Likely Queries to be Raised (may vary from case to case): 78
3.11 Strangulation 81
3.11.1 Crime Scene Investigation 82
3.11.2 Observations on the Body 82
3.11.3 Evidence Materials Likely to be found at Crime Scene 83
3.11.4 Collection and Packaging of Evidence Materials 83
3.11.5 Forwarding of Evidence Materials 84
3.11.6 Likely Queries to be Raised (may vary from case to case): 84
3.12 Drowning 86
3.12.1 Types of Drowning 86
3.12.2 Crime Scene Investigation 87
3.12.3 Observations on the Body 87
3.12.4 Evidence Material Likely to be found fat Crime Scene 88
3.12.5 Collection and Packaging of Evidence Materials 88
3.12.6 Forwarding of Evidence Materials 89
3.12.7 Likely Queries to be Raised (may vary from case to case): 89
CONTENTS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
x
4. DNA PROFILING 92-101
4.1 Overview of the DNA Testing Process 94
4.2 Application of DNA in Forensics 96
4.3 Documentation, collection, preservation, packaging and 96
forwarding of evidence materials for DNA profiling:
5. BLOODSTAIN PATTERN 102-111
5.1 Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: 102
5.2 Basics of Formation of Bloodstain Pattern 105
5.2.1 Information Revealed by Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 108
5.2.2 Types of Bloodstain Patterns: 109
5.2.3 Classification of Bloodstain Spatter by Velocity 109
5.2.4 Determination of the Direction 110
5.2.5 Determination of the Point or Area of Convergence or the 110
Point or Area of Origin
6. POISONING 112-159
6.1 Sections of Law 112
6.2 List of Equipments Required 114
6.3 Constituting the Team for Handling the Crime Scene 115
6.4 Crime Scene Investigation 116
6.4.1 Protection of Crime Scene 116
6.4.2 Photography of the Crime Scene 117
6.4.3 Sketching of Crime Scene 117
6.4.4 Crime Scene Search 117
6.5 Classification of Poisons 117
6.6 Information to be Obtained while Investigating a Case of Poisoning 119
6.7 Factors Affecting the Effect of Poisons 120
6.8 Examination of the Body of the Victim 120
6.9 Forwarding of Evidences to FSL 126
6.10 Guidelines for Preservation of Exhibits 126
6.11 Checklist on Investigation of Death due to Poisoning 128
6.12 Do’s and Don’ts for the Investigating Officers 128
6.13 Alcohol 129
6.13.1 Fatal Dose 129
6.13.2 Fatal Period 130
6.13.3 Evidence in Cases of Alcohol Intoxication 130
CONTENTS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
xi
6.13.4 Location and Collection of Liquor/Illicit Liquor 130
6.13.5 Collection of Samples 130
6.13.6 Breath Analyzer 131
6.13.7 Likely queries to be asked from Forensic Expert: 132
6.14 Pesticides 133
6.14.1 Organophosphorus Pesticides 133
6.14.2 Organochloro Pesticides 136
6.14.3 Carbamates 137
6.14.4 Pyrethroids 138
6.15 Fumigants 139
6.15.1 Aluminium Phosphide 139
6.15.2 Zinc Phosphide 141
6.16 Poisonous Gases 142
6.16.1 Carbon Monoxide 143
6.17 Plant Poisons 145
6.17.1 Rati (Abrus precatorious) 146
6.17.2 Dhatura (Datura Fastuasa) 147
6.17.3 Oleander (Kaner) 149
6.18 Animal Poisons 150
6.19 Dog Bite Cases 153
6.20 Food Poisoning 156
6.21 Seizure List 158
6.22 End of Search 158
6.23 Scrutiny of Evidence Collected From Crime Scene 158
6.24 Likely Queries to be Raised 159
7. HOOCH POISONING 160-166
7.1 Reasons for Death of ‘Hooch’ Victims 161
7.1.1 Investigation of ‘Hooch’ Tragedy Episode 162
7.1.2 Symptoms Exhibited by the Victims 162
7.1.3 Evidence Materials Likely to be found at the Site of Occurrence 163
7.1.4 Samples to Be Collected In Case the Victim Is Alive 163
7.1.5 Samples to be collected in Case the Victim is dead 164
7.1.6 Treatment Regime of ‘Hooch’ Victim (by Doctors only) may include 164
7.1.7 Forwarding of Evidence Material 165
7.1.8 Likely Queries to be raised by the IO 165
CONTENTS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
xii
8. NARCOTICS DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPHIC SUBSTANCES 167-210
8.1 Definitions According to NDPS Act (Section 2) 168
8.2 Procedures under NDPS Act 172
8.3 Types of Evidences in NDPS Cases 181
8.4 Collection of Evidences 182
8.5 Number of Samples to be Drawn in Each Seizure Case 183
8.6 Small and Commercial Quantity of Important Drugs 184
8.7 Packaging Procedure of Evidences 187
8.8 Labeling and Sealing of Evidences 188
8.9 Forwarding of Evidences 189
8.10 Narcotic Drug Detection Kit 189
8.11 Precursor Detection Kit 194
8.12 Precursor Chemicals 195
8.13 Checklist for Investigation of Drug Related Offences 196
8.14 Details of Seizure of Drugs for the Years 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 201
8.15 Do’s: Search, Field Testing and Seizure 201
8.16 Chain of Custody of Seized Drugs and Precursors 203
8.16.1 Laboratories to which samples may be sent: 204
8.16.2 The addresses of state forensic science laboratories are given below: 205
8.16.3 Follow Up 206
8.17 Common Reasons for Acquittal 206
8.18 Seizure List 207
8.19 End of Search 207
8.20 Scrutiny of Evidence Collected From Crime Scene 207
8.21 Questionnaire 208
9. EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCES 211-236
9.1 Pre-Search Planning and Preparation by IO 216
9.2 Team required for Handling Crime Scene 222
9.3 Crime Scene Investigation 223
9.4 Search for Evidences 227
9.5 Collection of Evidences 229
9.6 Packaging and Forwarding of Evidence 232
9.7 Seizure List and Forwarding Memo Preparation 233
9.8 Dealing with Law and Order at Crime Scene 233
9.9 End of Search 234
CONTENTS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
xiii
9.10 Queries 234
9.11 Case Studies 235
10. FIRE AND ARSON 237-255
10.1 Relevant IPC Sections 238
10.2 Pre-search Planning and Preparation 240
10.3 List of Equipments Required 240
10.4 Team Required for Handling a Crime Scene 242
10.5 Crime Scene Investigation 242
10.5.1 General Guidelines for Searching a Fire Scene 245
10.5.2 Exterior Search 246
10.5.3 Interior Search 246
10.6 Search for Evidences 247
10.6.1 Different fire cases could be: 247
10.6.2 Indicators of Arson 248
10.6.3 The IO should observe and collect the following evidences 248
10.6.4 Evidences to be looked for in case of a vehicular arson/fire: 249
10.6.5 Evidences to be looked for in case of an electrical short circuit 249
10.6.6 Point of Origin of Fire: 250
10.7 Collection of Evidences 250
10.8 Packaging and Forwarding of Evidences 251
10.9 Seizure List 252
10.10 Dealing with Law and Order at Crime Scene 252
10.11 End of Search 252
10.12 Queries 253
10.13 Case Studies 254
11. PETROLEUM AND ADULTERATION 256-274
11.1 List of Equipments required 261
11.2 Drawl of Samples 265
11.3 Packaging and Forwarding of Samples 267
11.4 Queries 271
11.5 Case Studies 272
12. TRAP CASES 275-287
12.1 Pre-trap Preparation 277
12.2 Trap Kit 279
CONTENTS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
xiv
12.3 Team Required for Handling a Crime Scene 279
12.4 Actual Trap/Post Trap Panchnama/Memorandum 280
12.5 Search for Evidences 281
12.6 Collection of Evidence 282
12.7 Packaging and Forwarding of Evidences 283
12.8 Seizure List 284
12.9 Queries from Forensic Laboratory 284
12.10 Do’s and Don’ts 285
12.11 Information Revealed After Forensic Examination 286
12.12 Case Study 287
13. ACID ATTACK CASES 288-302
13.1 Indian Penal Code Sections 290
13.2 List of Reagents and Kits Required 292
13.3 Team required for Handling the Scene 295
13.4 Crime Scene Investigation 295
13.5 Search for Evidences 297
13.6 Collection of Evidences 298
13.7 Packaging and Forwarding of Evidences 299
13.8 Seizure List 299
13.9 End of Search 300
13.10 Queries 300
13.11 Case Study 301
14. FIREARMS 303-383
14.1 Safe Handling of Firearms at Scene of Crime (SOC) 303
14.2 Sections 304
14.3 Police as First Responder at Scene of Crime-Duties 306
and Responsibilities
14.3.1 Ensure Safety at the Scene of Crime 307
14.3.2 Arrange for Medical Assistance 307
14.3.3 Apprehend any Suspects 307
14.3.4 Secure the Scene of Crime 307
14.3.5 Identify Victim/Victims 308
14.3.6 Call for Specialized Forensic Crime Team 308
14.4 Crime Scene Management 309
CONTENTS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
xv
14.4.1 Crime Scene Assessment 309
14.4.2 Crime Scene Photography 311
14.4.3 Crime Scene Sketching 312
14.4.4 Crime Scene Search 314
14.4.5 Kit 316
14.4.6 Lists of Exhibits Likely to be Found at Scene of Crime 317
14.5 Various Clues Likely to be Found in Crime Involving Firearms, 333
Their Recovery, Collection, Labeling, Packaging, Sealing and
Transportation
14.5.1 Firearms 333
14.6 Fired Cartridge Cases, Percussion Caps 339
14.7 Projectiles-Bullets, Bullet Fragments, Pellets, Wads 340
14.8 Live Ammunition (Cartridges or Black Powder/Shots/Wads in 345
Case of Muzzle Loading Firearms
14.9 Home-Made Ammunition 346
14.10 Clothes of Victims 346
14.11 Clothes of Suspects 348
14.12 Gun-Shot Residue (GSR) 348
14.13 Gun-Shot Injuries 353
14.14 Firing Through Glasses 359
14.15 Bullet Holes/Marks/Ricochet Marks on Inanimate Targets 362
14.16 Whether a Hole in Human Body is A Gun-Shot Hole or Not? 365
14.17 Shot-Gun Patterns 366
14.18 Chain of Possession 366
14.19 Differentiation between Homicide, Suicide and Accidental Firing 367
14.20 Case Studies 368
14.21 Unusual Practices Followed by Criminals in Committing Crimes 371
15. FORGED DOCUMENTS 384-403
15.1 Relevant Sections under the IPC 384
15.1.1 Pre-Search Planning and Preparation to Examine Scene of Offence: 388
15.1.2 General Guidelines for Carrying Out Search at Scene of Crime: 388
15.1.3 Constituting Teams Required for Handling the Crime Scene 389
15.1.4 Additional Guidelines 389
15.2 Basic Integrated Kit for Document Related Cases: 389
15.3 Crime Scene Investigation 390
CONTENTS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
xvi
15.3.1 Protection and Security of a SOC: 390
15.3.2 Search for Evidence: 390
15.3.3 Documentary Evidence: 391
15.3.4 Material Evidence 391
15.3.5 Crime Scene Photography (Document Photography) 392
15.4 Procedure for Preservation of Questioned and Standard Documents 392
and Collection of Standard Document for Comparison:
15.4.1 Marking of Documents 395
15.4.2 Questionnaire for Genuine Signatures: Some of the sample queries 396
15.4.3 Forgery 396
15.4.4 Questionnaire: Some of the Sample Queries: 397
15.4.5 Basic Equipment for Examination of Genuine of Forged 398
Writing/Signatures:
15.4.6 Wax Sealing of Documents: 400
15.5 Seizure List: 400
15.6 End of Search 400
15.7 Scrutiny of Evidence Collected from the SOC: 401
15.7.1 Accused 401
15.7.2 Crime 401
15.8 Confiscation of Proceeds of Crime: 401
15.9 Submission of Charge Sheet/Complaint 401
15.10 Case Studies: 402
16. SECURITY DOCUMENTS 404-440
16.1 Applicable IPC Sections: 404
16.2 Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) 406
16.2.1 Basic Guidelines for CSI 406
16.2.2 Pre-Search Planning and Preparation to Examine Scene of Offence: 406
16.3 Basic Integrated Kit Meant for Forged Document May be Used 406
16.4 General Guidelines for Carrying out Search at Scene of Crime 407
16.4.1 Constituting following Teams Required for Handling the Crime Scene: 407
16.4.2 Role of Team Members: 407
16.4.3 Briefing Team Members 407
16.4.4 Protection and Security of a SOC 407
16.4.5 Search for Evidence 408
16.5 Procedure for Collection/Preservation of Security Documents 409
CONTENTS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
xvii
16.6 Suspected Counterfeit Currency/Bank Notes (FICN): 409
16.7 Forged Passport 418
16.7.1 Forgery in Passport 420
16.8 Indian Visa 423
16.9 Judicial/Non-Judicial Stamp Papers: 426
16.9.1 Fake Judicial/Non-Judicial Stamp Papers: 427
16.10 Driving License 429
16.11 Registration Certificate 430
16.11.1 High Security License Plate 430
16.12 Plastic Cards-Master Cards 431
16.13 ATM Card 433
16.14 Identity Card 434
16.15 Aadhar Card 434
16.16 Handling of Security Documents 435
16.17 Do’S and Don’ts 435
16.18 Seizure List 436
16.19 Sealing of Security Documents 436
16.20 End of Search 436
16.21 Scrutiny of Evidence Collected from SOC 437
16.21.1 Accused 437
16.21.2 Crime 437
16.22 Plan of Investigation 437
16.23 Submission of Charge Sheet/Complaint 437
16.24 Case Studies on Passports and Visa 438
17. TORN DOCUMENTS 441-451
17.1 Sections of the IPC 441
17.2 Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) in Case of Torn Documents 442
17.2.1 Basic Guidelines for Search at Scene of Crime (SOC) 442
17.2.2 Pre-search Planning and Preparation to Examine Scene of Crime 443
17.3 Crime Scene Kit 443
17.4 General Guidelines for Carrying out Search at Scene of Crime 443
17.4.1 Constituting Team Required for Handling the Crime Scene: 443
17.4.2 Composition of Team Members and their Role 443
17.4.3 Briefing Team Members 444
17.4.4 Protection and Security of a SOC 444
CONTENTS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
xviii
17.4.5 Documentation of the Crime Scene 444
17.4.6 Photography of the Crime Scene 444
17.4.7 Search for Evidence 444
17.4.8 Photography of the Torn Documents 445
17.5 Collection, Handling and Packaging of Torn Documents 446
17.6 Transportation of Torn Documents 446
17.7 Examination of Torn Documents 446
17.8 Seizure List 447
17.9 End of Search 447
17.10 Scrutiny of Evidence Collected from SOC 448
17.10.1 Accused 448
17.10.2 Crime 448
17.11 Plan of Investigation 448
17.12 Submission of Charge Sheet/Complaint 448
17.13 Likely Queries to be raised 449
17.14 Precautions 449
17.15 Case Studies 450
18. CHARRED DOCUMENTS 452-464
18.1 Crime Scene Investigation in Case of Charred Documents 453
18.1.1 Crime Scene: 453
18.1.2 Crime Scene Investigation: 453
18.1.3 Basic Guidelines for Carrying out Search at Scene of Crime 453
18.1.4 Pre-Search/Planning and Preparation to Examine Scene of Offence 453
18.2 Crime Scene Kit for Collection of Evidence 454
18.3 General guidelines for Carrying out Search at Scene of Crime 455
18.3.1 Constituting Team Required for Handling the Crime Scene 455
18.3.2 Composition of Team Members and their Role 455
18.3.3 Briefing Team Members 455
18.3.4 Protection and Security of SOC 455
18.3.5 Documentation of the Crime Scene 456
18.3.6 Photography of the Crime Scene 456
18.3.7 Medical Assistance 456
18.3.8 Search for Evidence 456
18.3.9 Documentary Evidence 456
18.3.10 Material Evidence 457
CONTENTS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
xix
18.4 Procedure for Handling and Transportation of Charred Documents 457
at the Scene of Crime
18.4.1 Collection and Packaging of Charred Documents 458
18.4.2 Handling and Preservation of Charred Documents 458
18.4.3 Transportation of Charred Documents 459
18.5 Seizure List 460
18.6 End of Search 460
18.7 Scrutiny of Evidence Collected from SOC 460
18.7.1 Accused 460
18.7.2 Crime 460
18.8 Re-Visit the Crime Scene if Required 460
18.9 Flaws by IO 461
18.10 Plan of Investigation 461
18.11 Submission of Charge Sheet/Complaint 461
18.12 Few Cases of Charred Document 461
18.13 Likely Queries to be Raised (may vary from case to case) 462
18.14 Relevant Sections 462
18.15 Case Studies 463
19. FINGERPRINTS 465-467
19.1 Procedure for attending scene of crime 465
19.2 Packing of Article 467
20. DIGITAL EVIDENCE 468-506
20.1 Types of Computer Frauds and Cyber Crimes 468
20.1.1 Computer as Target 468
20.1.2 Computer as Repository of Evidence 468
20.1.3 Computer as the Tool 468
20.1.4 Crimes Due to the Use of Computers 469
20.2 The Information Technology Act, 2000 (As Amended in 2008) 470
20.3 Search Logistics 472
20.3.1 Considerations at Crime Scene 472
20.4 Pre-Search Considerations 473
20.4.1 Classification of Digital Evidences: 473
20.5 Aim of Analysis of Digital Evidence 473
20.6 Important Steps at Cyber Crime Scene 473
CONTENTS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
xx
20.7 Crime Scene Kit 474
20.8 How to Begin Search by First Responder 476
20.9 Identification 476
20.9.1 Types of Exhibits 476
20.9.2 Potential Digital Evidences (Storage Media) 477
20.10 Documentation 481
20.10.1 Computer System Data Recording Form 482
20.10.2 Seizure Note 483
20.11 Document the Chain of Custody 484
20.11.1 Authenticity of the Digital Evidence 484
20.11.2 Security of Digital Evidence: 484
20.12 Seizure of Digital Evidence 484
20.12.1 How digital evidence is to be handled by IO from SOC to FSL 485
20.12.2 Seizure of a Powered ‘ON’ Computer 487
20.12.3 Seizure of a Powered ‘Off’ Computer 487
20.12.4 Also Seize in Addition to Digital Evidence 487
20.13 Collection of Digital Evidence 488
20.14 Photography at Crime Scene: (Especially Collection of Evidence) 492
20.15 Decision Making Tables 493
20.16 What should be seized? 496
20.16.1 The Aim of Seizure is: 496
20.16.2 What should be taken? 497
20.17 Some of the Sample Queries 497
20.18 Packaging of Digital Evidence 498
20.19 Transport and Preservation of IT Equipment 500
20.20 Precautions 500
20.21 Some Cases in India related to Digital Evidence Analysis 501
21. IMAGE ANALYSIS 507-513
21.1 Relevant Sections of Various Legislative Acts 507
21.2 Types of Digital Video Recording System (DVRs) 508
21.3 Equipments Required 508
21.4 Police as First Responder at the Crime Scene 509
21.5 Documentation: Pre-Evidence Collection 509
21.5.1 Retrieving of the CCTV Images Data 510
21.5.2 Handling of Evidence 511
CONTENTS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
xxi
21.6 End of Search and Collection 511
21.7 Forwarding of Evidence Material 511
21.8 Queries 512
21.9 Special Considerations 512
22. ROAD ACCIDENTS 514-539
22.1 The Indian Penal Codes Sections Relating to Road Accidents 515
22.1.1 Road Accident: Collision 515
22.2 Police as First Responder at the Accident Scene-Duties and 515
Responsibilities
22.3 Evidence Collection Kits and Packing Materials 516
22.4 Search Method for Physical Evidences from the Scene 517
22.5 Photograph Accident as Evidence 517
22.5.1 Photographing the Road 517
22.5.2 Photograph the Vehicle 518
22.6 Sketch Site and Measurements of Evidence Position 519
22.7 Examination and Evidence Collection 521
22.7.1 Road 521
22.7.2 Vehicle 522
22.7.3 Drivers 523
22.7.4 Special Considerations 523
22.8 Packaging and Forwarding the Case 524
22.9 Likely Queries to be Raised 524
22.10 Modified Claims Tribunal Agreed (MCTA) Procedure 524
22.11 Check List 525
Appendix 1 526
23. THEFT AND BURGLARY 540-546
23.1 List of Equipments required 541
23.1.1 Photography and Evidence Search kit 541
23.1.2 Finger Prints Development Kits 541
23.1.3 Footprint/Shoe Prints Collection Kits 541
23.1.4 Tool Marks Lifting Kit 541
23.2 Police as First Responder at Place of Occurrence 541
23.3 Evidence Likely to be found at the Place of Occurrence 542
23.3.1 Material Left at the Crime Scene 542
CONTENTS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
xxii
23.3.2 Materials which may get transferred to the criminal during 543
commission of crime
23.3.3 From Suspect and his Environment 543
23.4 Collection and Preservation of Evidence Material 543
23.4.1 Fingerprints 543
23.4.2 Glass Fragments 544
23.4.3 Tools and Tool Marks Evidences 544
23.4.4 Foot/Shoeprints/Tyre Impression 543
23.4.5 CCTV Recording 545
23.5 Forwarding the Exhibits for Forensic Examination 546
23.6 Queries to be Raised 546
24. SPEAKER IDENTIFICATION 547-560
24.1 Crime Category wise Possible Audio Evidence Devices 547
24.2 Tools and Materials for Collecting Evidence 548
24.3 Police as First Responder at the Scene 548
24.3.1 Search 548
24.3.2 Documentation of Scene 549
24.3.3 Collection Criteria for Audio Evidence 549
24.3.4 Recording of Questioned Conversation with Suspect(s) 550
24.3.5 Authentication of Electronic Records 550
24.3.6 Preparation of an Accurate Transcription(s) 551
24.3.7 Recording of Specimen Samples of Suspect/Complainant 551
24.3.8 Recording of Specimen Speech Sample from the Facilities in FSLs 552
24.3.9 Packaging, Sealing and Transportation and Storage of Audio Evidence 553
24.4 Reference to FSL 554
24.4.1 Forwarding of Exhibits to the Forensic Science Laboratory 554
24.4.2 Queries to be Asked to the Forensic Laboratory 554
24.5 Check List 554
24.6 Legal Status of Electronic Records 554
24.6.1 Relevant Sections of Various Legislative Acts 555
25. PORTRAIT BUILDING SYSTEM 561-600
25.1 Applicability and Purpose: 561
25.2 Why PBS: 561
25.3 Brief History of PBS: 563
CONTENTS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
xxiii
25.3.1 Manual Kit for Preparation of Portrait 563
25.3.2 Drawbacks of the Manual Portrait Making Kit: 563
25.3.3 Computerization of Portrait Preparation 563
25.3.4 Salient Features 564
25.3.5 Handling of Witness/Victim for Making Portrait 564
25.3.6 Constraints in Making Portraits 565
25.3.7 Questions Asked to the Victim/Witness for Making the Portrait: 566
25.4 Some of the Major Cases in which PBS was Used Successfully: 568
25.5 User Manual of Portrait Building System 569
25.6 User Manual 572
25.7 Operation Manual of PBS Edit 588
26. POLYGRAPH TEST 601-610
26.1 Legal Requirement 603
26.2 General Requirements 604
26.3 Sample Format for Intimation to I.O.S regarding Fixation of dates 606
of Polygraph Test
27. WILDLIFE 611-683
27.1 Introduction 611
27.2 List of Indian wildlife species that are commonly found in illegal trade 613
27.3 Features for identification of the species 616
27.3.1 Blackbuck 616
27.3.2 Bear 617
27.3.3 Pangolins 620
27.3.4 Indian Elephant 621
27.3.5 Indian Lion 624
27.3.6 Leopards 625
27.3.7 Loris and Slow Loris 626
27.3.8 Civets 627
27.3.9 Musk Deer 631
27.3.10 Rhinoceros 631
27.3.11 Otter 633
27.3.12 Tiger 635
27.3.13 Tibetan Antelope 656
27.3.14 Monitor lizard 658
27.3.15 Turtles and Terrapins 658
27.3.16 Pythons, King Cobra and other Snakes 661
27.3.17 Spiny tailed lizard 665
CONTENTS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
xxiv
27.3.18 Mongoose 665
27.3.19 Sambar 667
27.3.20 Chital 668
27.3.21 Wild Pig 670
27.3.22 Sand Boa 670
27.3.23 Kuth 671
27.3.24 Tokey Gecko 672
27.3.25 Birds 672
27.3.26 Shells (Mollusca) 674
27.3.27 Corals (Coelenterates) 678
27.3.28 Sea Horses 679
27.3.29 Sea Cucumber 681
27.3.30 Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) 681
28. DIGITAL SIGNATURE OF WILDLIFE PRODUCTS IN 687-721
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
28.1 Tiger Skin 684
28.2 Lion Skin 685
28.3 Leopard Skin 686
28.4 Indian Elephant Ivory 687
28.5 Indian Elephant Ivory 688
28.6 Walrus Tusk 689
28.7 Pangolin Skin 690
28.8 Rhino Horn 691
28.9 Wild Boar Tusk 692
28.10 Deer Antler of Sambhar & Chital 693
28.11 Pallas’s Gull 694
28.12 White Cockatoo/Umbrella Cockatoo 695
28.13 Crocodile Bags 696
28.14 Crocodile Shoes 697
28.15 Star Tortoise 698
28.16 Turtle Carapace 699
28.17 Sea Horse 700
28.18 Horned Helmet 701
28.19 Trumpet Triton 702
28.20 Helmet Shell 703
28.21 Chambered Nautilus 704
28.22 Elongate Giant Clam 705
28.23 Trapezium Conch 706
28.24 Chiragra Spider Conch 707
28.25 Truncate Spider Conch 708
28.26 Great Green Turban 709
CONTENTS
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
xxv
28.27 Mole Cowrie 710
28.28 Spiral Tudicla 711
28.29 Sibbald’s Conch/Pigeon Conch 712
28.30 Commercial Trochas / Top shell 713
28.31 Capiz Shell 714
28.32 Sclerarctinian Coral 715
28.33 Sclerarctinian Coral Acropora 716
28.34 Organ Pipe Coral 717
28.35 Antipatharia (Black Coral) 718
28.36 Sea Fan (Gorgonea) 719
28.37 Sea Cucumber 720
28.38 Red Sanders 721
CONTENTS
NICFS
CHAPTER 1
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
1
GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CRIME SCENE
INVESTIGATION
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aims to lay down specific action steps for the
systematic investigation of a case under reference. It has been drafted in accordance with the
Criminal Procedure Code of India, the procedure prescribed in other relevant laws and common
provisions of the police regulations in use across the country. This chapter has been divided
into two sections:
(i) Section I comprises of an introduction to the type of crime occurred with details of
critical concept and information.
(ii) Section II discusses the operational action steps right from receipt of information at
the police station till the time when the necessary reports from the Forensic Science
Laboratories (FSL) are available on the crime exhibits.
Crime scene investigation is an integral part of scientific investigation and is a very crucial
step for collection of evidence for a case. The plan of investigation consists of the following
steps:
(i) Re-construction of Scene of Crime (SOC)
(ii) Developing understanding about the sequence of events in connection with the
commission of crime or the modus operandi.
(iii) Collection of relevant evidence in a systematic manner.
The action steps for investigation are detailed in a certain sequence including utilisation of
high-tech scientific aids. However, depending on the facts and circumstances of a case, some
of the action steps may be executed in a different sequence as per specific requirement of the
case.
1
NICFS
CHAPTER 1
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
2
1.1 Investigation Defined
1.1.1 The word ‘investigation’ has been defined in Section 2(h) of the Criminal Procedure
Code as:
All the proceedings under the Code for the collection of evidence by a police officer or by
any other person (other than a Magistrate) who is authorized by the Magistrate in this behalf.
1.1.2 Investigation is basically an art of unearthing the truth for the purpose of successful
detection and prosecution. In the words of the Supreme Court (in H.N. Rishbud v/s State of
Delhi: AIR 1955 SC 196: 1955 SCJ 283,) the investigation generally consists of the following
steps:
(i) Proceeding to the spot
(ii) Ascertainment of the facts and circumstances of the case
(iii) Discovery and arrest of the suspected offender
(iv) Collection of evidence relating to the commission of the offence which may consist
of:
(a) Examination of various persons (including accused) and the reduction of
their statements into writing, if the officer thinks fit;
(b) Search of places and seizure of things considered necessary for the
investigation and to be produced at the trial; and
(v) Formation of the opinion as to whether on the materials collected, there is a case to
place the accused before a Magistrate for trial and, if so, taking the necessary steps
for the same for the filing of a charge sheet u/s 173 Cr.P.C.
1.2 Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation
The investigation begins at the crime scene with the recognition and recovery of physical
evidence. It proceeds with its analysis, evaluation of the results and presentation of the
findings to the court of law. From the first responders to the end-users of the information, all
personnel involved should have an adequate understanding of the forensic process, the scientific
disciplines and the specialized services provided by forensic laboratories. Crime scene
investigation is a process that aims at recording the scene as it is first encountered and
NICFS
CHAPTER 1
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
3
recognizing and collecting all the physical evidences potentially relevant to the solution of the
case.
The first responder, usually a police officer, plays a critical role in the entire crime scene
investigation process.
(i) The initial responsibility of the police officer is to preserve the integrity of the scene
and the evidence.
(ii) The police officer is also responsible for the early documentation of crime scene and
all its evidences.
In most of the cases, since the first responders are non-forensic personnel, adequate training
on handling of evidence at SOC is crucial to successfully carry out these activities. The first
responder (who is normally not expected to further process the scene) needs to carry out some
basic recovery procedures before the arrival of the crime scene investigators, if there is a risk
of the evidence being destroyed, lost or contaminated. In situations where there is no prospect
for the crime scene to be processed by crime scene investigators, the responsibilities of the
first responder might have to be extended beyond preservation and documentation.
1.2.1 Significance of Physical Evidence and ‘Chain of Custody’
1.2.1.1 Physical Evidence
Physical evidence can range from massive objects to microscopic items, resulting from a
crime and recovered at the crime scene or related locations. Considering all sources of
information available in investigations (e.g. confessions, testimonies, video surveillance), physical
evidence plays a vital role. Physical evidence, when recognized and properly handled, offers
the best prospect for providing objective and reliable information regarding the incident under
investigation. However, the value of even the most carefully recovered and preserved evidence
can be lost if the chain-of-custody is not properly maintained. ‘Chain of custody’ refers to the
chronological and careful documentation of evidence to establish its connection to an alleged
crime. Throughout the forensic process, it is crucial to demonstrate each step undertaken to
ensure the following two characteristics of the evidences retained from the crime scene to the
courtroom:
(i) Traceability
(ii) Continuity
NICFS
CHAPTER 1
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
4
1.2.1.2 Chain of Custody
The chain of custody is established whenever an investigator takes custody of the evidence
at a crime scene. The chain is maintained when the evidence is received from another
officer.
(i) The chain-of-custody record for all items collected from the scene must be
documented. Each evidence collected should be tagged and must include the
following details:
(a) Case reference number FIR…, dated…., Police Station.
(b) Exhibit number.
(c) Date and time of collection.
(d) Item description.
(e) Identity of the person who collected the evidence.
(f) Location where the item was found.
(g) Name and signature of the person who collected the evidence.
(ii) In case of digital evidence, the hash value of each digital evidence must be computed
and recorded individually on every transfer in order to maintain the authenticity and
integrity of digital evidence records. Individuals assuming custody of such digital
evidence must sign a chain-of-custody document mentioning the respective hash
values.
(iii) A clear, well-documented chain of custody should be established through the
following:
(a) Notes, including information recorded in aforementioned clause (i) and
any unusual markings on or alterations to the item.
(b) Markings and packaging of the evidence.
(c) Seals of the evidence.
(iv) All the processes during transfer of evidence should be recorded faithfully in the case
diary to establish the chain of custody.
NICFS
CHAPTER 1
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
5
(v) When evidence is submitted to the Police Station ‘Malkhana’ or to a forensic laboratory,
a receipt documenting the transfer is obtained. The evidence should be sent to the
Forensic Science Laboratory with duly filled prescribed forwarding form under proper
acknowledgement.
1.2.2 Legal and Human Considerations During Investigation
1.2.2.1 Legal Considerations
While there are general principles related to crime scene investigation, local laws, rules and
regulations govern many activities of the crime scene investigation and forensic process. They
relate to issues such as how:
(i) to obtain authority to enter the scene,
(ii) to conduct the investigation,
(iii) to handle evidence (e.g. the type of sealing procedure required),
(iv) to submit physical evidence to the forensic science laboratory.
These legal considerations ultimately determine the admissibility of the evidence collected at
the crime scene. Failure to comply with existing laws, rules and regulations can result in a
situation where the evidence cannot be used in the court. Hence, it is a matter of importance
for personnel working at the crime scene to be aware of, and to ensure proper compliance
with these rules.
1.2.2.2 Human Considerations
Regardless of local rules and regulations, codes of professional conduct outline moral obligations
of personnel working at crime scenes. Such codes typically stress on the importance of acting
with care and professionalism (due diligence), objectivity (treat evidence for what it shows not
what you think it shows), open-mind and impartiality. If there is a conflict between preservation
of evidence and the possibility of saving a human life, priority is always given to emergency
medical care.
1.2.3 Health and Safety Considerations
Personnel working at crime scenes may be exposed to various health and safety hazards. Not
all hazards are immediately obvious and some may come up as the investigation unfolds.
Potential health and safety hazards may arise from a number of sources:
NICFS
CHAPTER 1
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
6
(i) Chemicals (either present at the crime scene such as in the case of clandestine
laboratories, or used as part of the investigation).
(ii) Biological materials (e.g. blood and body fluids may be a source of risk of HIV/
AIDS and other infections).
(iii) Unexploded explosives (e.g. booby traps) and firearms.
(iv) Environmental factors (e.g. excessive heat or cold).
(v) Unsafe structures (especially when collecting evidence at fire and bombing scenes).
(vi) Insecure environment (e.g. offender still present at the scene).
(vii) Other risks include sharp objects, radiological, nuclear and electrical risks, gases,
etc.
It might be necessary to suppress or remove health and safety hazards before starting the
investigation. Apart from the hazards encountered at the scene itself, police personnel may be
exposed to hazards when receiving items collected at the scene. The personnel working at the
crime scene play an important role in minimizing hazard risks to others who handle collected
evidence later in the forensic process. These procedures may include:
(i) The provision of first aid kits.
(ii) Appropriate protective clothing, worn throughout the investigation such as helmet,
latex gloves, paper shoes and even a face mask.
(iii) Adequate equipment and interventions of the fire brigade in case of fire.
1.3 Crime Scene Investigation Process
The planning, organization and coordination of the work at the crime scene aims at deploying
resources commensurate to the case being investigated and using these resources efficiently
and effectively.
1.3.1 Planning
Good planning is essential to execute work at the crime scene. Planning may include gathering
the most of readily available information by considering questions such as:
NICFS
CHAPTER 1
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
7
(i) What is believed to have taken place?
(ii) What is the magnitude of the problem?
(iii) Is any specialized expertise/medical assistance required?
(iv) Are there any particular dangers at the scene?
(v) What other assistance might be required?
(vi) Is it an indoor/outdoor scene?
(vii) Is it a remote location?
(viii) What local resources would be available?
(ix) If anybody else needs to be informed?
(x) What are the weather (hot/cold climate) conditions?
(xi) What equipment is required?
Following are the examples of basic equipments (available in the form of kits) required for
processing the scene of crime.
(i) General crime scene investigation kit
(ii) Crime scene protection kit
(iii) Digital camera
(iv) Forensic light source
(v) Crime scene illumination kit
(vi) Photo documentation kit
(vii) Adhesive ID marker
(viii) Evidence marker
(ix) Gas mask
(x) Explosive detection kit
NICFS
CHAPTER 1
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
8
(xi) Narcotic detection kit
(xii) Gunshot residue collection kit
(xiii) Semen detection kit
(xiv) Blood detection kit
(xv) Impression evidence: Tyre and foot print investigation kit
(xvi) Tool mark investigation kit
(xvii) Arson investigation kit
(xviii) Digital Evidence Collection tool kit
(xix) Laptop
(xx) Finger print lifting kit
Figure 1.1: Different types of field kits required at the crime scene
1.3.2 Organization and Coordination
Organization and coordination are very important and should continue throughout the
investigation and include decisions on:
(i) What needs to be done, i.e. the sequence of actions and priorities
NICFS
CHAPTER 1
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
9
(ii) Accessibility to the crime scene i.e., the access is limited to personnel playing an
essential role in the crime scene investigation and in the medical care (such as
doctors and nursing staff) of victims present at the scene.
(iii) Assignment of tasks (e.g. designation of a leader, definition of roles and
responsibilities, need for specialized expertise).
(iv) How required actions will be undertaken (e.g. applicable procedures, need for
specialized equipment and tools, and required communication channels).
Each crime scene is unique. Hence, planning and organization require adaptation and flexibility
from one case to another. In addition, during the course of an investigation, the requirements
may change as new elements are recognized and the personnel working at the scene may have
to adapt to the organization of the work accordingly. The equipment required for crime scene
work should be available to the personnel working at the crime scene, readily put together in
a box/kit and replenished regularly, to enable rapid response. Some cases may also require
specialized equipment.
1.3.3 Preservation of the Scene and its Evidence
Crime scene preservation starts soon after the incident is discovered and reported to the police
station. Concerns for scene protection end only when scene investigation process is completed
and the scene is released.
(i) Demarcation of the area to be protected is a complex activity and the boundaries of
the scene may change as the investigation unfolds. What appears to be obvious at the
outset may change and need to be re-evaluated.
(ii) Once demarcated, the area is clearly cordoned off using any kind of physical barrier.
Any non-essential people who entered the scene before the cordon was established,
are removed (and this information is recorded) and any non-essential people are
prevented from entering the scene during the entire scene investigation.
(iii) From the beginning to the end of the crime scene investigation, strict anti-contamination
measures are important. They include:
(a) Wearing protective clothing, gloves and shoe covers (as shown in Figure 1.2.)
(b) Using a single path when entering the scene (this is also valid for medical
personnel providing care to victims).
NICFS
CHAPTER 1
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
10
(c) Keeping away from using any facilities available at the scene (e.g. toilet, water,
towel, and telephone), eating, drinking or smoking.
(d) Avoiding moving anything/anybody, unless it is of absolute necessity (if something
or somebody is moved, the initial location should be carefully documented).
(e) When selecting protective and anti-contamination measures, respect for the
victim’s privacy and human rights is important. If required, the use of screens,
curtains, tents should be considered.
(f) If, during the course of the investigation, a second or a third, related crime
scene is discovered, each scene is treated separately (i.e. separate teams working
on different scenes).
1.3.4 Documentation of the Scene and its Evidence
Documentation aims at producing a permanent, objective record of the scene, the physical
evidence and any changes that take place. Documentation at the scene is also the starting
point for the chain-of-custody.
(i) Documentation starts with the arrival of the first person at the scene. Using appropriate
means (e.g. notes, photography, video, sketches and measurements), the scene as it is
first encountered is recorded along with other things:
(a) Arrival time
(b) Condition of doors, windows and shades
(c) Odours
(d) Signs of activities
(e) Weather/light conditions
(f) Air conditioning systems (central or localized)
Any person present while entering or leaving the scene and any changes that take place as a
result of activity undertaken or observed are recorded as well.
(ii) Once physical evidence is recognized, detailed documentation is made before it is
moved or recovered.
NICFS
CHAPTER 1
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
11
Figure 1.2: Gloves used as an anti-contamination measure
(iii) Each recovered item is labelled individually.
The requirement for documentation continues throughout the crime scene investigation process
and beyond until the result of the laboratory examination is available. It constitutes the chainof-
custody. When a person working at the scene leaves the investigation, all information (e.g.
photographs, records, notes, etc.) is turned over to the personnel coming in.
1.3.5 Recognition and Recovery of Physical Evidence
Recognition and recovery of physical evidence aims at locating and identifying a maximum
number of potentially relevant evidences, and selecting appropriate recovery methods.
1.3.5.1 Recognition of Physical Evidence
There are a number of search patterns that may be followed in case of outdoor crime scenes.
Some of them are as follows:
Strip method: The whole area is to be searched, and divided into a convenient number of
strips. Each strip is examined carefully (as shown in Figure 1.3). Whenever any item or
physical evidence is found, it is properly collected and preserved. The process is continued till
the entire area has been searched.
Spiral method: Here the search is started from one end of the crime scene, carried out in
spirals till the focal point of the crime scene.
Zone method: The scene is divided into small zones and each zone is examined in turn.
Grid Method: In the grid search method, the IO begins like a strip search. After completing
the search by horizontal lanes, he searches back at right angles to the original strip (as shown
NICFS
CHAPTER 1
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
12
in Figure 1.3). This search from two different angles helps in the recovery of evidence which
may be missed in simple strip method.
Pie or Wheel method: It is a search pattern in which the area is divided into pie slices or
sections of a wheel, usually six in number. Crime scene searchers start from a critical point,
such as body, and travel outwards along straight lines or rays.
Strip Method Spiral Method
Zone Method Grid Method Pie or Wheel Method
Figure 1.3: Crime scene search methods
After the collection of evidence, appropriate packaging is required to preserve the evidence
integrity. The most relevant and important evidence may not be obvious or directly visible to
the naked eye. Typically, the recognition of physical evidence starts with the observation of
the scene like:
NICFS
CHAPTER 1
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
13
(i) Searching for evidences with the naked eye and magnifiers and also using various
hand-held light sources.
(ii) Basic testing procedures might have to be carried out to detect physical evidence, e.g.
use of powders and iodine fuming gun (as shown in Figure 1.4) to locate and enhance
fingerprints at crime scene or the use of chemicals to visualize traces of blood at the
SOC.
1.3.5.2 Recovery of Physical Evidence
(i) Once the evidence is recognized, appropriate recovery methods (e.g. adhesive tape,
tweezers, cotton tips as shown in Figure 1.5) and adequate packaging (e.g. collection
bags/boxes, containers for sharp objects) are used. Each piece of evidence is labelled
and sealed following requirements as per law. Priorities in evidence recovery might
have to be decided to avoid unnecessary loss or degradation of evidence.
Figure 1.4: Use of Iodine fuming
gun to locate latent fingerprints
Figure 1.5: Adhesive tape and
laminated paper
(ii) Under difficult conditions, it might be preferable to recover and collect more evidence
at a later stage of the investigation.
(iii) As a part of the recovery process, in many instances, sample in question and control
samples are necessary, e.g. when collecting fire debris. In situations where the evidence
is in traces and is difficult to be collected by manual methods, vacuum pumps with
special attachments (as shown in Figure 1.6) are used to collect the trace evidence and
in a situation where the evidence is in very large quantity, a representative sub-sample
in duplicate is usually collected, e.g. from bulky drug seizures.
NICFS
CHAPTER 1
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
14
Figure 1.6: Vacuum pump with special attachment used to collect trace evidence
1.3.6 Transportation, Storage and Forwarding of Evidence to the Laboratory
The last phase of the crime scene investigation process aims at selecting the means of
transportation and storage that are appropriate for the particular type of physical evidence to
ensure the integrity of evidence to be forwarded to the laboratory.
(i) Once physical evidence is recovered, items more likely to provide information that
will assist the investigation receive priority for submission to the forensic laboratory.
(ii) Material evidence is generally taken to police station malkhana. From there, it is sent
to FSL under the covering letter of SP or a designated officer. Adequate conditions,
e.g. a cool and dry place, and secured and controlled access are essential characteristics
of transport and storage conditions. Also the costs, distance, time and means of
transportation are aspects to be considered while choosing how to relocate and store
the evidence.
(iii) The relocation of some of the physical evidences, e.g. drugs and firearms, may need
special considerations.
(iv) Documentation of transportation, storage and forwarding to the laboratory is important.
A written receipt is usually obtained for all the evidence received by the laboratory.
(v) While sending the evidence to the forensic science laboratory, checks on the following
points are invariably made.
(a) Whether the Forwarding Form accompanying exhibits is duly filled in and is
completed and signed by the competent authority?
(b) Whether the queries are specific, clear and relevant to the exhibits forwarded to
the laboratory?
NICFS
CHAPTER 1
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
15
(c) Whether the exhibits in containers/ parcels have been sealed with tamper proof
seals and the seals are intact?
(d) Whether case reference, exhibit details have been mentioned/ tagged on each
container of exhibit/parcel and signed by the IO?
(e) Whether the specimen seal impressions have been forwarded to the laboratory
along with evidence forwarding proforma?
(f) Whether the road certificate/movement orders for exhibits and personnel carrying
exhibits to the laboratory are complete in continuity and valid in all respect?
References
1. http://www.unodc.org/document/scientific/crime_scene_awareness_Ebook.pdf (date of
access 16 December 2014).
2. Justice V.S. Malimath, Committee on Reforms of Criminal Justice System:A Report,
vol. I, Ministry of Home Affairs Government of India, Bangalore, 2003.
NICFS
CHAPTER 2
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
16
GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF PACKAGING OF
EXHIBITS
2.1 Sources of the Exhibit
There are three main sources from which crime exhibits can be obtained:
1. The scene of the crime
2. The victim
3. The suspect and his environment
It is necessary to search for the above three sources thoroughly in order to collect all the
materials in sufficient quantity and send them to the laboratory. The microscopic fragments,
debris and other inconspicuous materials can contribute to the final solution of the crime. The
collection of such materials is a specialized task; an investigating officer must have a very
deep sense of observation.
2.2 Goals of Evidence Packaging
2.2.1 Protection of IO from possible hazards associated with evidences like
(i) Accidental firearm discharge
(ii) Bio-hazards
(iii) Sharp objects
(iv) Health hazards associated with exposure to bacterial/viral toxic infections
2.2.2 Protection of evidence against
(i) Loss
2
NICFS
CHAPTER 2
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
17
(ii) Contamination
(iii) Cross-transfer
1. Suspect to victim
2. Victim to suspect
3. Scene to scene
4. Item to item
(iv) Deterioration
2.3 Elements of Packaging Evidence
2.3.1 Packing Material
(i) Plastic Container/Polythene pouch: In some cases plastic containers/polythene pouches
(as shown in Figure 2.1) are optimal and can be used for drugs, documents and
digital evidences.
Figure 2.1: Airtight polythene pouches
(ii) Paper: Paper bags/envelopes (as shown in Figure 2.2) are optimal and may prevent the
deterioration of a biological sample if it is not completely dry when packaged.
Figure 2.2: Paper envelopes
NICFS
CHAPTER 2
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
18
2.3.2 Size of Packing Material
(i) Size of a container is important
(ii) Too small packaging (as shown in Figure 2.3) is likely to be inadequate
Figure 2.3: Too small envelope for the evidence
(iii) Too big packing would disperse the evidence throughout the container and could be
difficult to recover (as shown in Figure 2.4).
Figure 2.4: Small glass fragments packed in large envelope
(iv) Ideally, small fragments would be packaged into a paper, i.e. coin envelope or a hold
down device.
2.3.3 Sealing of Evidence
Sealing an evidence properly is the most important issue. An evidence can be sealed in the
following three ways
(i) Heat seal
(ii) Tape seal/paper seal
(iii) Lock seal
NICFS
CHAPTER 2
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
19
Figure 2.5: Tape sealing the evidence
● Tape seal should completely seal envelope flap.
● Tape seal should completely seal bag flap.
● Staples are not an appropriate evidence ‘seal’.
● Tape seal should be across entire flap of envelope.
● All seals must be initiated by the person, sealing the evidence and dated to indicate
when the evidence was sealed.
NICFS
CHAPTER 2
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
20
2.4 Precautions to be Taken
(i) Protect the scene of offence immediately after the receipt of information about the
offence.
(ii) While picking and packing the material for dispatch to the laboratory, care should be
taken to see that no article is inadvertently contaminated with extraneous material.
Obtain photographs of the scene from a number of angles so as to later establish the
exact position of the object, the body (if any), the weapons, etc.
(iii) Investigating officer should handle the articles with care.
(iv) Look for unusual foreign matter like pieces of hair, fiber, paper, clothes, glass, wood,
metal, etc., and collect the sweepings from the floor without disturbing other things
like blood, saliva, semen-stains, etc.
(v) Make a rough sketch of the position of objects and note the relationship of various
pieces of evidence to the surrounding.
(vi) While investigating cases of murder or suicide, a medical officer should accompany
the police to the scene of crime whenever possible and inspect the body and its
surroundings before they are disturbed.
2.5 General Directions
(i) Each article should be separately packed and labelled indicating the serial number of
an item.
(ii) Never pack more than one type of item together.
(iii) The labels should be numbered consecutively and should bear the signature of the
forwarding officer.
(iv) All the packets belonging to one case should be enclosed in one box or an outer
covering.
(v) Articles belonging to different cases should never be forwarded under the same cover.
(vi) All parcels should be carefully sealed by the dispatching officer and packed in such
a manner that they cannot be opened without destroying the seals.
NICFS
CHAPTER 2
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
21
(vii) The seal should be the same throughout.
Figure 2.6: The correct way of sealing of an envelope of crime exhibit
(viii) In all cases, the specimen seal impression should be sent.
2.6 Directions for Specific type of Exhibits
2.6.1 Weapons and Tools
(i) Iron metal parts stained with blood should be preserved from getting rusty as far as
practicable and should be sent for examination to the laboratory as early as possible,
after proper drying of blood stain/fluid.
(ii) Although paper is good packaging for bloodstained evidence, but it can easily endanger
anyone who handles this evidence and blood sample sticking on the evidence can be
lost.
Figure 2.7: Incorrect packing of blood stained knife in an envelope
(iii) Knives, guns, tools and other weapons need to be immobilized first and then should
be secured to board by means of strings.
(iv) It should be then placed in a box of suitable size (as shown in Figure 2.8).
NICFS
CHAPTER 2
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
22
2.6.2 Hair and Fibres
(i) If hair and fibres are found adhering to some objects with blood, clot, the whole
object with the hair or fibre adhering should be sent to the laboratory.
(ii) In order to prevent contamination, any foreign matter adhering to the hair or fibres
should be picked up with forceps.
(iii) They should be placed in glazed surface, cellophane, filter or blotting paper, which
should be carefully folded along the length of the exhibit and enclosed in a suitable
container.
Figure 2.8: Packaging of knife with suspected blood stain at scene of crime
Figure 2.9: Packaging of hair sample at the scene of crime
NICFS
CHAPTER 2
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
23
(iv) Hair from the persons or animals should be obtained by combing or clipping from
several points, cutting them close to the skin.
(v) Pubic hair should be taken from rape victims. This should be clipped close to the
skin. This is useful for comparison with the hair found on the person clothing or
handkerchief of the suspect.
2.6.3 Blood and Bloodstains
(i) Ensure that anything that comes in contact with the biological samples during collection
should not contaminate it. Work on clean surfaces and wear gloves if necessary to
avoid contamination.
Do not use any preservative unless specified.
(ii) Blood that is in liquid pools should be picked up on a gauze pad or other clean
sterile cotton cloth and allowed to air dry thoroughly at room temperature.
Pack gauze pad or sterile cotton cloth after drying between clean white paper and
send it in paper envelope.
Do not dry stained material by heating or in bright sunlight. Hang clothing and
similar articles in a room where there is adequate ventilation.
(iii) For fresh moist stains on clothing, sheets, blankets, etc., allow the stain to dry at
room temperature. Insert the stained clothing between clean white paper and send in
paper envelope after sealing it properly.
Figure 2.10: Packaging of bloodstained clothing at the crime scene
NICFS
CHAPTER 2
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
24
(iv) For fresh moist stains on solid objects such as weapons, wood, plaster, automobile,
etc., collect the blood stain on filter paper or gauze pad and allow the stain to dry in
shade at room temperature and send in any envelope. Blood may be soaked on filter
paper or gauze pad and allow to dry in shade at room temperature and send in any
envelope.
(v) Dried stains on clothing, sheets, and blankets: Send the entire clothing to the laboratory,
protecting the stain with clean white paper and send in any paper envelope.
(vi) Dried stains on small solid objects: Send the whole stained object to the laboratory
after labelling and packaging.
(vii) Dried stains on large solid objects that cannot be delivered to the laboratory: Scrape
the stain onto a clean piece of paper, which can be folded and place in an envelope.
Do not scrape directly onto the evidence. Scrape blood from objects using a freshly
washed and dried knife or similar tool. Wash and dry the tool before each stain is
scraped off. Seal and mark the envelope.
(viii) Do not mix dried stains. Place each stain in a separate envelope.
(ix) Never attempt to wipe dried stains from an object using a moistened cloth or paper.
(x) If the blood is found on earth, or earthy material, scrapping should be made deep
enough (1 inch) to collect the soaked blood.
(xi) Do not use any packaging device that limits air exchange because biological samples
get deteriorated.
(xii) If blood stains are suspected to be present in the nails, it should be clipped and the
clippings be packed in a glazed paper and sent in any envelope to the laboratory.
While clipping nails, care should be taken to avoid cutting of the skin or flesh.
Figure 2.11: Blood samples packed in tube (air tight), pouch (air tight)
and paper envelope
NICFS
CHAPTER 2
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
25
Control samples:
(a) In cases where it is not possible to send the entire object to the laboratory, a
portion of the unstained area immediately surrounding the stain should always
be forwarded for control tests, and the location on the clothing from where the
control sample has been taken must be marked with red pencil and the
investigating officer should sign the marking.
(b) If stain is on soil, plaster, furniture, etc., a portion (1 inch) of the unstained area
should be scraped to the same depth as the stained area and sent as control.
(c) In the case of weapons, it is very desirable that the whole object is sent to the
laboratory with suspected blood stain so that the control sample is also prepared
by taking swab from unstained surface of the weapon.
To minimize the chance of cross transfer of adhering evidence; different clothing items should
not be packaged in the same container.
Figure 2.12: Different clothing items packaged in the same and different container
2.6.4 Semen
Seminal stains are often found on clothing, blankets and sheets. Allow these stains to get
dried at room temperature before packaging. Wrap these clothing with suspected stain of
semen in paper and pack the evidence in paper bags after marking the stains with red pencil.
Precautions:
● Do not use plastic bags because it will deteriorate the sample.
● The garment or fabric may be folded taking care that the stained areas are not
folded.
2.6.5 Saliva
(i) If saliva is suspected to be present on any object, the entire object should be sent to
the laboratory.
NICFS
CHAPTER 2
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
26
(ii) Control samples of saliva from the victim and the suspected persons should be
collected and sent immediately in small sterile plastic/glass tube with an advice to be
kept in the freezer.
Note: If the persons are dead, swabs from the mouths of both the victim and suspect
should be sent.
2.6.6 Dust or Soil
(i) Dust or soil should be placed in a filter paper and then enclosed in a suitable
container.
(ii) If the dust is found on any article of furniture, it can be collected directly in a filter
paper with the help of a vacuum cleaner.
(iii) Soil may be collected with a spatula or spoon.
(iv) If the dust is found on an object which can be readily transported such as shoe or
clothing, the whole object should be sent to the laboratory keeping the dust or soil
intact on the material.
(v) Metal filing, glass fragments, finger nail scrapings, paint chips, wood chips, plaster
and similar samples should be placed in filter paper and enclosed in suitable containers.
Precautions:
● For all the above purposes, cellophane paper or any other paper preferably with
a glazed surface can be used instead of filter paper.
● Liquids and greases should be sent in glass containers with non-leaking ground
glass stoppers.
2.6.7 Arson Cases and Cases of Burning
(i) In arson cases, traces of flammable fluid may be found in cans, mattresses, rugs,
furniture, wallboard, and other objects at the scene. The traces of the same flammable
fluid may spread to the areas where no burning has occurred or where there is a
partial burn.
(ii) The traces of these flammable fluids from the material such as soil, wood, cloth,
paper, etc., if suspected, can be preserved in a heat sealed plastic bags and then
packed in an airtight appropriate size leak proof plastic/metal container. The
investigating officer should ensure that the traces of flammable liquid do not get
evaporated by the time the samples reach the laboratory.
NICFS
CHAPTER 2
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
27
(iii) If volatile liquids are found in open containers, pour a small amount of material into
a clean bottle with an airtight seal so that no loss occurs.
Do not use any rubber-lined lids or plastic containers.
(iv) Large pieces of wood, furniture, wallboard, and similar exhibits which will not fit in
cans should be placed in heat-sealed plastic bags.
Note: In all cases, the package or container should be marked as inflammable.
2.6.8 Tool Marks
(i) Tool marks should be protected by covering with soft paper. It should then be placed
in strong wrapping papers. The whole thing should be in a strong box and packed
after fixing the evidence in the box by thread so that the tool marks on the evidence
are not damaged during transportation.
(ii) Submit the whole evidence containing tool marks to the laboratory instead of just
removing the area containing the marks. If this is not possible, carefully photograph
and sketch the area containing the marks.
(iii) Casts of tool marks can be made by an experienced person.
Attempts should never be made to fit tools into questioned marks or to make test
marks prior to laboratory examination because the questioned mark or tool marks
may be altered. In addition, traces of transferred paint or other stains on the tool may
be lost or additional material may be transferred to the tool.
2.6.9 Exhibits for Ballistics Examination
2.6.9.1 Firearms
(i) Photograph the firearm with ammunition.
(ii) Inspect for live ammunitions, if any, remove them. Never submit a loaded gun to the
laboratory.
(iii) The investigating officer should not try the mechanism or the working of the firearms.
It should be brought in-original condition of the seizure.
(iv) Never clean the bore, chamber, or cylinder before submitting a firearm, and never
attempt to fire the gun before it is examined in the laboratory.
(v) Record serial number, make, model, manufacture details and caliber of the
weapon.
NICFS
CHAPTER 2
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
28
(vi) Enclose the firearm in a cellophane sheet and pack in cloth cover and seal properly
(as shown in Figure 2.13).
Figure 2.13: Firearm packed and sealed in a cloth
Figure 2.14: Bullet packed and sealed in a box
(vii) Handguns may be sealed in a box. Give cotton padding so that the firearm does not
move inside the box and seal properly.
2.6.9.2 Cartridge Cases
(i) Place recovered cartridge cases in plastic envelopes separately and then packed
collectively in a suitable box preferably cardboard, plastic or wooden box. The box
should be packed in a clean cloth and sealed properly.
If an examination is required to determine whether a bullet or cartridge case was
fired by a specific weapon, submit the weapon and all recovered unfired ammunition
to the laboratory.
2.6.9.3 Bullets
(i) Note caliber of bullet.
(ii) Never mark bullets on its outer surface with a metallic marker.
(iii) Wrap each recovered bullet in a piece of paper and then pack in a suitable box with
sufficient padding of cotton. Then pack the box in a cotton cloth and seal properly
(as shown in Figure 2.14).
NICFS
CHAPTER 2
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
29
(iv) Submit all evidence including bullets recovered to the laboratory. Do not attempt to
clean recovered bullets before sending them to the laboratory. Bullets recovered from
a body should be air dried and wrapped in paper.
2.6.9.4 Ammunition
(i) Always attempt to recover unused ammunition for comparison purposes from the
locations such as cars, clothing, houses, or other locations.
(ii) Do not put any details/marks on the cartridge.
(iii) Enclose the cartridge in a plastic envelope and seal in a box giving sufficient padding
of cotton between two cartridges to avoid the cartridges from colliding with each other.
Each article should be packed, labelled and sealed separately before sending to the
laboratory. (For detailed procedure for packaging of firearm and ammunition please
refer to Chapter 14 of this SOP).
2.6.10 Glass
(i) Shoes and clothing of suspects or other objects contaminated with glass should be
wrapped in paper and send to the laboratory for examination.
(ii) Place small glass fragments in a coin envelope and then in bigger envelopes, which
can be marked and sealed (as shown in Figure 2.15).
Figure 2.15: Packaging of glass fragments
(iii) Place large glass fragments in boxes with sufficient cotton padding to prevent any
breakage or damage during shipment. Seal and mark the box properly.
2.6.11 Paint
(i) Keep all samples collected in separate containers. Small paper can be used to collect
and hold many paint samples. It can be placed in an envelope, which can be marked
and sealed.
Never place paint directly into envelopes unless large pieces are enclosed.
NICFS
CHAPTER 2
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
30
2.6.12 Questioned Documents
(i) All original questioned documents such as handwriting, typewriting, or other
evidences involved in a particular investigation should be sent to the laboratory
for examination.
(ii) Known specimens are also required with the questioned document for investigation.
(iii) All documents should be packed in polythene or plastic envelopes and then in a
paper envelope. The sealing should be complete so that there is no chance of tampering
the sealed document.
Precautions:
● Questioned document and the specimens should not be defaced, or altered in any
circumstances. Do not fold or punch holes or use pins on a document.
● Personal marks for identification purposes should be made as small as possible
on the back or other area of the document where no handwriting or typewriting
is present.
● If document is already damaged, do not try to repair the document.
● Where examination of charred paper is involved, extra care must be taken to
prevent any additional crumbling or breaking of the burned material. It should be
placed on top of the loose cotton in a box and should be delivered in person to
the laboratory.
2.6.13 Latent Fingerprints
(i) Most fingerprints sent to the laboratory should be on paper, glass, metal, or other
smooth surfaced objects. Articles containing latent fingerprints must be picked up
and not be touched.
(ii) Lifted, developed latent fingerprints should be marked and sealed in marked
envelopes.
(iii) Papers and documents containing latent prints should be placed individually in a
paper envelope.
(iv) Containers, bottles or glasses can be sandwiched between two sheets of stiff
cardboard, wrapped, and placed in a box to send it to the laboratory.
NICFS
CHAPTER 2
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
31
Precautions:
● The investigating officer should wear gloves while handling any article having
fingerprints so that his fingerprints do not contaminate the object.
● The investigating officer should also take care that the area of the object where
fingerprints are likely to be present are not touched by him.
● Once the fingerprints are visualized, these should be immediately developed
and photographed.
● Fingerprints on bigger objects such as doors, iron boxes, tables, chairs, etc., which
cannot be transported to the laboratory, should be developed and lifted using
adhesive tapes.
2.6.14 Drug Samples
(i) Appropriate packaging materials for drug evidence are heat sealed like plastic
pouches or air tight pouches (as shown in Figure 2.16). Sealed pouches can safely
contain potent drug evidence and protect personnel against unnecessary exposure.
Figure 2.16: White coloured powder suspected to be heroin packed in airtight pouch
(ii) Choose an appropriate sized plastic pouch for the packaging of drug evidence.
Note: A paper envelope and paper is not appropriate packaging for drug evidence.
References
1. A.K. Bapulay, Forensic Science: Its Application in Crime Scene Investigation, 1st edn,
India, 2006, p. 264.
2. http://www.mppolice.gov.in/PHQImages/GOPEnglish/gop_1-62.pdf
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
32
FORENSIC BIOLOGY
Earlier crime scene investigation was dependent on the ability of crime investigators to obtain
information from witnesses, suspects and use of informants. If these elements failed to provide
the requisite information the case used to remain unsolved. The developments in science and
technology have strengthened the scope of crime scene investigation in a systematic and
scientific manner. Use of general guidelines by the IOs in processing the crime scene plays a
pivotal role in successful crime scene investigation.
3.1 Pre-Search Planning and Preparation
(i) Make a clear assessment about the place of occurrence (house, shop, factory, open
area, etc.) where search is to be conducted.
(ii) Make detailed planning and preparation as per circumstances of the case.
(iii) Collect all possible, relevant and authentic information for planning and preparation.
(iv) Constitute teams required for carrying out search at the crime scene.
3.2 List of Equipments Required
A. Items for crime scene measurement, sketching and photography
(i) Clipboards
(ii) Crime scene cards
(iii) Plan papers, graph papers
(iv) Pencils, erasers
(v) Straight-edge ruler
3
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
33
(vi) Measuring tape (30 m.)
(vii) Steel tape (5 m.)
(viii) Magnetic compass
(ix) Camera (digital with spare battery and memory card)
(x) Light source
(xi) Laboratory thermometer (25 cm. long with temperature range from 00 to 500C) for
rectal temperature
B. Items/reagents for blood testing
(i) Whatman filter paper clippings (6×6 cm.)
(ii) Benzidine/phenolphthalein reagent
(iii) Hydrogen peroxide solution
(iv) Luminol reagent
(v) Sprayer
(vi) Droppers
(vii) UV-light source
(viii) Forceps
(ix) Cotton wool
(x) Gloves
(xi) Beaker
(xii) Paper bags (for disposal of used filter paper clippings)
C. Items/reagents for semen testing
(i) Whatman filter paper clippings (6×6 cm.)
(ii) Acid-phosphatase reagent
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
34
(iii) Droppers
(iv) UV-light source
(v) Forceps
(vi) Cotton wool
(vii) Gloves
(viii) Beaker
(ix) Paper bags (for disposal of used filter paper clippings)
D. Fingerprint kit
(i) Fingerprint powders (black, grey, anthracene, magnetic, fluorescent)
(ii) Brushes: camel hair, ostrich hair and magnetic
(iii) Light source
(iv) Adhesive tape
(v) Fingerprint lifting cards
(vi) Gloves
E. Footprint kit
(i) Footprint lifters
(ii) Electrostatic footprint lifting device
(iii) Plaster of Paris
(iv) Machine oil
(v) Talcum powder
(vi) Spirit
(vii) Shellac solution
(viii) Wire mesh
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
35
(ix) Frame for preparing plaster cast
(x) Magnetic compass
(xi) Glass sheet (35×20 cm.)
(xii) Transparency sheet (35×20 cm.)
(xiii) Tracing paper
(xiv) Fine tip permanent marker
F. Evidence collection kit
(i) Cotton gauze cloth
(ii) Forceps
(iii) Gloves
(iv) Paper envelopes (6×6 cm., 15×10 cm.)
(v) FTA card
(vi) Saline solution
(vii) Beakers
(viii) Glass sheet (20×20 cm.)
(ix) Butter paper clippings (6×6 cm.)
(x) Scalpels
(xi) Scissors
(xii) Evidence tag
(xiii) Cotton cloth bag
(xiv) Sealing wax bars
(xv) Candles
(xvi) Matchbox
(xvii) Metallic seal of IO
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
36
3.3 Constituting the Team for Handling the Crime Scene
Make list of persons to be detailed for:
(i) Protection of scene
(ii) Searching the scene
(iii) Identification and collection of evidence (fingerprint expert, forensic expert)
(iv) Measuring and sketching of crime scene
(v) Photography of crime scene
(vi) Information gathering
(vii) Evidence custodian
3.4 Crime Scene Investigation
Steps for effective crime scene investigation:
3.4.1 Protection of Crime Scene
The crime scene must be protected from entry by unauthorized persons so that physical
evidence materials are not altered, moved, destroyed, lost or contaminated. Investigator should
adopt the following steps for the protection of crime scene:
(i) Safeguard the location as quickly and as effectively as possible.
(ii) If injured body shows any sign of life, provide immediate medical help and rush the
person to the hospital.
(iii) All unauthorized persons (relatives, friends, onlookers, photographers, etc.) should be
excluded from the scene.
(iv) Officer-in-charge of the case should determine when, why and who should enter the
scene.
(v) Police officer should not leave the scene unguarded.
(vi) The witnesses, suspects and informant should be detained for further details.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
37
(vii) To ensure that the crime scene is not altered, it should be barricaded, enclosing a larger
area than a smaller one so that no clues are left out.
(viii) Officer should not introduce any material, like chewing gums, cigarette ends/ash, foot
or footwear marks, fingerprints, etc.
(ix) During examination, the original condition of doors, windows, stair-case, lighting,
routes of entry/exit should be preserved.
(x) Officer should not use bathroom, wash basin, lavatory, towels, telephone, etc. at the
scene.
(xi) Nothing should be picked up, touched, changed or altered until it has been described
in a notebook, its location shown in a sketch and photographs taken.
(xii) Scene should not be cleaned until thoroughly examined.
3.4.2 Photography of the Crime Scene
The crime scene should be properly photographed as the photographs of the crime scene are
extremely important. Proper photographs of the scene brings the scene in the court room as
it is rare for judges, lawyers, etc., to visit the crime scene. Sometimes, eyes may not observe
certain facts which the camera will photograph and make permanent record of them and these
are available to the IO at later stages also.
The following principles should be adopted:
(i) At least four photographs should be taken for the general view, four for the dead
body and at least two for each of the items of evidence discovered at the crime scene.
(ii) Close-up photographs should be taken along with a scale to indicate dimensions of
the item photographed.
(iii) Keep the record of the exposures, items covered, positions of the camera and type of
illumination used.
The following photographs should be taken:
(i) Photos of the entire crime scene.
(ii) Route of approach of criminal.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
38
(iii) Points of entry and exit.
(iv) The location of dead body.
(v) Evidence on the deceased (injuries, hair and fiber in hands/fist, weapons, etc.).
(vi) Evidence left by criminal at the crime scene (weapons, cigarette butts, bullets, cartridge
cases, fingerprints, foot/footwear marks, etc.).
(vii) Bloodstain pattern, disturbed furniture, etc.
(viii) If possible videography and 3D scanning of the crime scene should be done.
3.4.3 Sketching of Crime Scene
It is important to draw sketches of the crime scene by the expert as sketches are helpful in
depicting the scene of occurrence, provide an ideal presentation of scene in combination with
photographs as they indicate relative distances between relevant objects and also indicate
relevant evidence.
The following principles should be adopted for crime scene sketching:
(i) The sketch of the crime scene should be prepared at the site only.
(ii) Distance should be measured with tape.
(iii) A suitable scale should be used and mentioned on the sketch.
(iv) The directions should be indicated on the sketch.
(v) Use symbols, letters or digits and a legend to avoid crowding.
(vi) Make simple line drawing of the crime scene (in investigative notebook or on a
separate sheet). The following information should be included:
● Measurements and distances.
● Title block consisting of name and title of sketcher, date and time the sketch was
made, case number, names of persons assisting in taking measurements, address
of location sketched and directions using magnetic compass.
● 3D crime scene scanner is a useful tool for reconstruction of scene of crime at
a later stage.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
39
3.4.4 Crime Scene Search
The crime scene should be searched thoroughly and carefully. Search techniques and planning
varies from one scene to another. The most practical method is to begin the search at the
point where the body is first discovered and extend the search in an outward direction until
entire room or location has been covered. Search should begin with locating the latent
fingerprints before any item is touched or moved. The investigator should direct the fingerprint
expert indicating the areas to be examined. All visible details should be observed and described
before dusting anything for latent fingerprint. During initial search, each possible item of
evidence should be measured from fixed location.
(i) First establish the perimeters of the scene and it should be properly documented with
the help of photographs and sketches.
(ii) Ascertain legal basis for the search prior to any seizure of evidence.
(iii) Establish method of search based on investigative theory, size of area to be searched,
and other factors. The following search methods are common:
(a) Zonal method: Area to be searched is divided into squares/sectors. An officer is
assigned to each zone.
(b) Spiral method: Also called circle method it is effective in a small area.
Searcher can begin from the center or the perimeter and moves in a circular path.
(c) Wheel method: The searcher gathers at the center of the scene and moves
radially outwards. Drawback is the possibility of spoiling evidence when gathering
at the center and ever increasing distance between searchers as the investigation
move outwards.
(d) Grid method: This is the best procedure for large area. Searcher moves parallel
to one another and covers same area twice.
(e) Cross-hatch method: The search for the evidence is carried out two dimensionally.
First scene is covered length wise and then width wise.
3.5 Death (due to weapons other than firearms)
Several weapons like lathis, swords, knives, shoes, bricks, rods, stones, or any other implements
which are easily available, can be used to cause wounds or hurt a human being, which
sometimes leads to death.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
40
According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, 33201 incidence of murder (u/s 302
IPC) were reported during the year 2013 in India.
Figure 3.1: Cases of homicide
3.5.1 Crime Scene Investigation
On reaching the crime scene, the investigator should
(i) Take photographs of the deceased and place of occurrence from different angles and
distances as per requirements to record the details of the scene including the body.
(ii) Prepare crime scene sketch showing the dead body and other items depicting their
correlative positions including distances between them.
(iii) Find out whether the death is due to natural or unnatural cause. If death is unnatural,
probable cause, manner and time of death should be determined.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
41
(iv) Rule out any possibility of staging the crime scene (alterations made to mislead the
investigation) by the suspect.
(v) Team of forensic experts and medico-legal experts should be called for scientific
evaluation of the scene.
In homicide cases, the IO should make and document the following observations:
(i) Sex, appearance, age, built, colour of hair of the deceased.
(ii) Description of the deceased’s clothing.
(iii) Details of injury/injuries and apparent cause of death.
(iv) Condition of the body (lividity, rigor, etc.).
(v) Rectal temperature (at the scene of crime to determine time since death).
(vi) Colour of the blood (bright red or brown). Whether wet or dry?
(vii) Weapon, hair strands or any other evidence material in the fist.
(viii) Position of body in relation to objects of significance at the location.
(ix) Position and condition of clothes (buttons, tears, damages, cuts, holes, etc.).
(x) Position, direction and quantity or number of stains of blood, saliva, vomit, soil,
vegetation, semen, sputum, urine or feces, etc., on the clothes, body and surrounding.
(xi) Details of jewellery (rings, watches, bangles, anklets, chains, etc.), if any.
(xii) Details of immediate surroundings and condition of doors, windows, furniture, etc.
(xiii) Presence of drugs, medicines, bottles, or glasses (in suspected poisoning cases).
Observe the body from vertex (top of head) to toe for which position of the body may be
changed and observations are made as under:
Head: Eyes open or closed, mouth open or closed, position of the head in relation to
body, colour of the skin (lividity, etc.), description of blood if present, description of
wound if present, foreign material (soil, mud, paint, grease, etc.) on the head, condition
of the hair, saliva, vomit, sputum if present.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
42
Trunk: Position of trunk (twisted, on side, back or bent over), description of injury
if present, description of any stain (blood, semen, saliva, etc.) if present, foreign
material (grease, soil, paint, etc.), hair or fiber if present. Presence of any injury or
ligature mark on the neck.
Arms and legs: Position of each arm and leg, description of any injury, description
of any stain, foreign material, and presence of any type of defense/self-inflicted
wound.
Note:
(i) Hands of the deceased should be covered with paper bags to preserve any trace of
evidence under the finger nails to be collected later during autopsy. Do not use
plastic bag.
(ii) In case of unidentified body intact long bone (preferably femur) should be collected
during post-mortem and sent to forensic science laboratory for DNA profiling. Order
of preference for sending intact bones should be: femur, tibia, humerus, teeth (molar),
and ribs.
3.5.2 Evidence Material Likely to be Found at Crime Scene
(i) Footprints/shoe prints/tyre marks.
(ii) Finger/palm prints.
(iii) Bloodstains and bloodstain pattern.
(iv) Hair strands, bidi/cigarette butts, torn pieces of clothes, torn off buttons, broken
pieces of glass bangles, any other belongings of victim/suspect.
(v) Botanical evidences (fibers, leaves, flowers, diatoms, pollen grains, wood splinters,
seeds, and plant fragments).
(vi) Soil samples from place of occurrence and that present on the clothes of victim or
accused.
(vii) Weapon of offence (other than firearms).
(viii) Entomological evidences (insects, maggots, eggs).
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
43
(ix) Samples like blood, tissues, bones, teeth should also be collected in case of unidentified
bodies for the DNA profiling for the purpose of identification.
(x) CCTV camera footage.
3.5.3 Collection and Packaging of Evidence Material
(i) Liquid blood can be collected on cotton gauze cloth piece, air dried in shade
and packed in paper envelopes or a few drops of blood can be collected on FTA
card.
(ii) Bloodstains can be scraped/chipped off and placed in paper envelope or can be
collected on cotton gauze cloth by swabbing. Material from representative unstained
areas should be collected and sent as control.
(iii) Blood soaked soil, hair, grass, etc., should be thoroughly dried in air and kept in
paper envelopes. Similarly, unstained soil should also be collected and sent as control.
(iv) Bloodstained portion of the knife, axe, bullet, sticks, or any other weapon should be
wrapped with a clean paper and packed in cloth bag or paper envelope depending on
the size of the weapon.
(v) Bloodstained garment/clothing should be thoroughly dried in air (in shade) and each
garment should be wrapped in a clean paper sheet taking care that stained areas do
not contaminate unstained area of the garment and packed in thick paper envelope or
cotton cloth bag.
(vi) Post-mortem blood sample should be taken on cotton gauze pad, dried (in shade) and
packed in paper envelope or a few drops of blood can be collected on FTA card.
(vii) Soft organs or tissues if taken during post-mortem autopsy should be preserved in
Dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) or normal saline and not in formalin which affects
DNA profiling result.
(viii) Clean and wash the bones/teeth to remove any debris. Allow it to dry completely in
air. Roll/pack in brown paper envelope and seal in cotton cloth
(ix) Hair strands if recovered from the clothes of victim/suspect should be collected using
forceps with plastic covering on the tip and placed in paper fold and packed in paper
envelope.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
44
(x) Control samples of hair from victim/suspect should be collected by combing and
method of collection and site of collection should be mentioned in the forwarding
letter.
(xi) Fingerprints developed from the suspected places should be photographed, lifted and
preserved using adhesive tape.
(xii) If the latent prints cannot be developed due to any reason at the place of occurrence,
the article may be packed in strong cardboard or wooden boxes so that the prints are
not destroyed during transit to finger print laboratory.
(xiii) Foot/footwear prints or impression should be photographed placing scale along
with it and collected using appropriate method (electrostatic lifting, tracing, making
castes).
Note: All evidence material collected from crime scene should be properly sealed and labelled
including name and number of exhibits, FIR no., u/s, name of police station, case no., date and
place from where exhibits are collected, name and signature of the IO.
3.5.4 Forwarding of Evidence Material
(i) Forwarding memo should be filled up giving brief history of the case, details of the
parcels and their contents, nature of examination required (see Chapter 2 for details).
(ii) Certificate authorizing the Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, for examination of
the exhibits.
(iii) Specimen of the seal impression in wax on a piece of cloth duly attested by the
concerned official should also be sent along with forwarding memo.
(iv) Copy of inquest or panchnama should also be sent along with the forwarding memo.
3.5.5 Likely Queries to be Raised (may vary from case to case)
From Medico-legal examiner:
(i) Cause, manner and mode of death.
(ii) Nature and cause of injuries.
(iii) Time since death.
(iv) Age and other identifying features of the deceased.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
45
From Forensic expert:
(i) Whether blood is present on the exhibits. If yes, its species of origin and grouping.
(ii) Whether fingerprints lifted from scene match with the suspect’s fingerprints?
(iii) Whether foot/footwear marks lifted from scene match with suspect’s foot/footwear
marks?
(iv) Identification and comparison of hair, fibre and botanical evidence for connecting the
victim, suspect and crime scene or suspected vehicle with each other.
(v) Whether DNA profiling of the deceased matches with the reference samples for
establishing identity of the deceased.
(vi) Whether the torn button, piece of cloth match with the garments recovered from
suspect.
(vii) Whether the cut mark/hole present on the garment of the deceased can be caused by
the weapon recovered from the suspect or crime scene.
(viii) Whether stains of grease/paint/soil present on the clothing of the deceased match with
samples collected from crime scene.
(ix) Whether vegetable stains on the clothing of the deceased match with that of the plant
present at the scene.
(x) Whether pollen grains are present in nasal secretion and match with the pollen grain
in the surrounding area of crime scene.
3.6 Death Due to Fall from Height
Death due to fall from height are not uncommon. Such types of death may be suicidal/
homicidal/accidental. Observations made at the place of occurrence, position of the body,
bloodstain pattern, and circumstantial evidence help in ascertaining the facts.
The pattern of injuries depend on the height of fall, intervening objects in the trajectory of
fall, body weight, velocity, nature of surface impacted, orientation of body at the moment of
impact and the elasticity and viscosity of tissue of the contact body region. However, height
of fall is the major determining factor.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
46
The following guidelines are suggested in investigating such types of cases:
3.6.1 Observation at the Crime Scene
On reaching the crime scene, investigating officer should
(i) Check whether the victim is dead or alive.
(ii) If the victim shows any sign of life, provide necessary medical help and rush the
victim to the hospital.
(iii) If the victim had already been taken to the hospital by someone else, inquire whether
victim was conscious/unconscious/dead and, if conscious, contents of the statement if
any made by him.
(iv) Ask doctors and accompanying person(s) whether victim had narrated anything to
them.
(v) If regained consciousness, arrange to record dying declaration in consultation with the
doctor about his health and mental condition, obtain certificate about his mental
condition required for deposing dying declaration.
(vi) The place of occurrence should be protected to avoid any alteration at the scene.
(vii) If the victim is dead, take photographs of the victim and place of occurrence from
different angles and distances as per requirements to record the details of the scene
including the body.
(viii) Prepare crime scene sketch showing the dead body and other items depicting their
correlative positions, including distances between them.
(ix) Team of forensic experts or medico-legal experts should be called for scientific
evaluation of the scene.
(x) Position of the body, its distance from the base of the building or any other structure
from where the deceased was suspected to have fallen. Heights are helpful in
reconstructing the incident. Experimentation using a dummy similar to the height and
weight of the deceased facilitates in drawing the conclusion whether the fall was
accidental/homicidal.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
47
(xi) Projections (if present) within the path of fall should be examined for presence of
evidence showing any contact between projections and the body before landing on the
floor.
(xii) Check possible path taken by the victim to reach the point from where deceased was
suspected to have fallen and any other physical evidence to support or contradict the
statement given by witnesses, possible means to reach up to that place.
(xiii) Check presence of any signs of struggle at crime scene like broken buttons and glass
bangles, torn clothes, bloodstains, any mark of dragging, mark on parapet, any weapon
of offence like lathi, rod, etc.
(xiv) In case of married women, all aspects related to dowry and element of harassments
meted out to the victim, torture, marital relationship, history of marriage,
marriage negotiator, medical history, and number of children. etc., should be
enquired into.
(xv) Search of the room where the victim used to stay is very important to obtain further
clues indicating the reason/motive behind the death.
3.6.2 Observation on the Body of Deceased
(i) Record the position of the body, type of injuries, quantity and pattern of the bloodstains.
Blood splashes should be specifically looked for.
(ii) Detailed history of the person should be obtained including his mental condition,
economic status, job profile, financial condition, threat or fear, relationship with
family and friends, educational background, medical history, etc.
(iii) Body should be sent for post-mortem.
(iv) Obtain the injury report from the Doctor and assess the nature and type of injuries,
interact with Doctor to seek clarifications whether the injuries were caused due to fall
from height or otherwise.
(v) Examination of wounds is important to rule out or confirm the possibilities of hurt or
other causes of homicide. Estimation of age of wounds helps to prove whether victim
was assaulted immediately or much before the actual death.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
48
3.6.3 Evidence Material Likely to be Found
(i) Foot/shoe prints
(ii) Finger/palm prints
(iii) Bloodstains and bloodstain pattern
(iv) Hair strands, bidi/cigarette butts torn pieces of clothes, torn buttons, broken pieces of
glass bangles, any other belonging of victim/suspect.
(v) Botanical evidences (fibers, leaves, flowers, pollen grains and plant fragments).
(vi) Soil samples from place of occurrence and that present on the clothes of victim or
accused.
(vii) CCTV camera footage
3.6.4 Collection and Packaging of Evidence Materials
(i) Liquid blood can be collected on cotton gauze cloth piece, air dried and packed in
paper envelopes or a few drops of blood can be collected on FTA card.
(ii) Bloodstains can be scraped/chipped off and placed in paper envelope or can be
collected on cotton gauze cloth by swabbing. Material from representative unstained
areas should be collected and sent as control.
(iii) Blood soaked soil, hair, grass, etc. should be thoroughly dried in air and kept in paper
envelopes. Similarly, unstained soil should be collected and sent as control.
(iv) Bloodstained garments/clothings should be thoroughly dried in air and each garment
should be wrapped in clean paper sheet taking care that stained areas do not
contaminate unstained area of the garment and packed in thick paper envelope or
cotton cloth bag. Plastic envelopes/airtight envelopes should not be used.
(v) Hair strands if recovered from the clothes of victim/suspect should be collected using
forceps with plastic covering on the tip and placed in paper fold and packed in paper
envelope.
(vi) Control samples of hair from victim/suspect should be collected by combing and
method of collection and site of collection should be mentioned in the forwarding
letter.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
49
(vii) Fingerprints developed from the suspected places should be photographed, lifted and
preserved using adhesive tape.
(viii) If the latent prints cannot be developed due to any reason at the place of occurrence,
the article may be packed in a strong cardboard or a wooden box so that the prints
are not destroyed during transit to finger print laboratory.
(ix) Foot/footwear prints or impression should be photographed placing scale along with
it and collected using appropriate method (electrostatic lifting, tracing, making casts).
(x) Blood sample and viscera, if required, should be collected and preserved during postmortem
for chemical analysis.
Note: All evidence material collected from crime scene should be properly sealed and labelled
including- name and number of exhibits, FIR No., u/s, name of Police Station, Case No., date and
place from where exhibits are collected, name and signature of the IO.
3.6.5 Forwarding of Evidence Materials
(i) Forwarding memo should be filled up giving brief history of the case, details of the
parcels and their contents, nature of examination required (see Chapter 2 for details).
(ii) Certificate authorizing the Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, for examination of
the exhibits.
(iii) Specimen of the seal impression in wax on a piece of cloth duly attested by the
concerned official should also be sent along with forwarding memo.
(iv) Copy of inquest or panchnama should also be sent along with the forwarding
memo.
3.6.6 Likely Queries to be Raised (may vary from case to case)
From Medico-legal expert
(i) Cause, manner and mode of death.
(ii) Nature, cause and age of injuries.
(iii) Whether injuries are due to fall from height.
(iv) Time since death.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
50
From Forensic expert
(i) Whether blood is present on the exhibits. If yes, its species of origin and grouping.
(ii) Whether fingerprints lifted from scene match with the suspect’s fingerprints.
(iii) Whether foot/footwear marks lifted from scene match with suspect’s foot/footwear marks.
(iv) Identification and comparison of hair, fiber and botanical evidence for linking the
victim, suspect and crime scene.
(v) Whether the torn button, piece of cloth match with the garments recovered from
suspect.
(vi) Whether the blood sample/viscera contains any drug/alcohol/poison or any other
chemical substance.
3.7 Death Due To Burning
Many times, deaths caused by poisoning, drowning, hanging or strangulating are followed by
burning to simulate the crime as suicidal/accidental burning. While investigating burning
cases, it is imperative to carry out thorough search of the scene of occurrence and evaluate the
physical evidence to determine whether the death was due to homicidal or suicidal or accidental
burning. In case of ante-mortem burning, soot particle in trachea is an important indication to
prove the point. Due to inhalation of carbon monoxide, the blood would contain carboxyhemoglobin
and colour of blood changes from dark brown to cherry red.
Figure 3.2: Burnt body showing pugilistic position
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
51
3.7.1 Crime Scene Investigation
On reaching the crime scene, IO should
(i) Check whether the victim is dead or alive.
(ii) If the victim shows any sign of life, provide necessary medical help and rush the
victim to the hospital.
(iii) The place of occurrence should be protected to avoid any alteration at the scene.
(iv) If the victim is dead, take photographs of the victim and place of occurrence from
different angles and distances as per requirements to record the details of the scene,
including the body.
(v) Prepare crime scene sketch showing the dead body and other items depicting their
correlative positions, including distances between them.
(vi) Team of forensic experts or medico-legal experts should be called for scientific
evaluation of the scene.
3.7.2 Observations at the Scene of Death
(i) Ascertain the place of burning of the body by observing charring of floor and objects
around. Absence of charring may indicate shifting of body from another place.
(ii) Check presence of matchbox (burnt/un-burnt match sticks) or any source of ignition
and any container and smell of inflammable material like kerosene, petrol, diesel,
etc., at the place of occurrence. Absence of these indicates homicidal burning.
(iii) Check position of container and its lid in relation to the body and quantity of
inflammable liquid in container. In case of suicidal burning the container in shape or
fused/melted could be in vicinity of the victim with little or no liquid in that. The
victim would not try to close the lid of container while committing suicide.
(iv) Presence of water/sand indicate attempt made by rescuers to save the burning
victim.
(v) Check presence of foot/shoe prints at the place of occurrence and ascertain whether
they belong to the victim or any other person. Presence of victim’s footprint would
show that the victim was alive and in movement during burning.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
52
(vi) Presence of foot/shoe prints of any other person would show that someone else was
present during the incident.
(vii) If victim is female, check presence of any broken piece of glass bangles at the scene
and also record the presence of intact bangles on the wrist of the victim.
(viii) If scene of burning is indoor, check whether the room was bolted from inside or
outside or was open. Normally in suicide cases the room is found bolted from inside.
However, possibility of bolting the door/window of the room from inside while
standing outside should not be ruled out.
(ix) Look for any attempt made by the family members to break open the door to save the
victim/deceased.
(x) Check bolts of the door for deposition of smoke. If door was bolted, then the smoke
will be present on the lower portion of the bolt not on upper portion.
(xi) Check the deposition of the smoke on the crevices of the doors and windows through
which smoke gushes out if these are closed.
(xii) All the articles in scene of crime room will have soot deposition on their exposed
area. Any article removed later on from crime scene will leave its impression.
Similarly, any article added later on to the crime scene will not have any soot
deposition on the exposed area.
(xiii) Check presence of burning/charring on the household items (furniture and other fire
sensitive articles) in the room.
(xiv) Check presence of finger print/palm print impressions/smears of soot on the walls
and other places, suggesting movement of the body while burning, in an attempt to
save himself/herself.
(xv) If burning has taken place in the kitchen, check position of knobs of stove or gas
burner and knob of regulator (cylinder) to verify whether these were on or off.
(xvi) Check presence of cooked or partially cooked food items, tea, coffee, etc., to verify the
statements of witnesses that burning took place accidently while working in the kitchen.
(xvii) Check presence of any bloodstain at the scene.
(xviii) If deceased has been cremated to hide the real cause of death, skeletal remains are to
be recovered.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
53
3.7.3 Observations on the Body of Deceased
(i) Record position of the dead body and the place where it was found.
(ii) Record percentage of burns or the degree of burns on the body.
(iii) Record whether body was in pugilistic position (boxer posture- stiffening of muscles
due to heat) or otherwise.
(iv) Check presence of lines (creases/folds) without smoke around nose and eyes which
are created due to tightening of the face during live burning. These lines indicate ante
mortem burning.
(v) Check blisters, if present on the body were air filled or having liquid. Blisters formed
during ante-mortem burning are filled with liquid rich in albumin. Post-mortem
blisters do not have albumin rich liquid.
(vi) Sometimes blisters (on exposed area) also get burned, in such cases parts of the body
where fire cannot enter easily like- skin near genitals, inside the ear, area between
fingers, armpits, etc., should be checked for presence of blisters.
(vii) Check presence of any signs of violence on the body.
(viii) If inflammable liquid (kerosene, petrol, and diesel) was used for burning, the
inflammable liquid on the garments would burn first which results in burning of
exposed areas followed by burning of covered areas, resulting in more burning on
exposed area as compared to covered areas.
(ix) Presence of line of redness (demarcation of dead and live tissue around blisters)
which indicate live burning.
(x) Check presence of smell of inflammable material in the remnants of head hair and
garments of the victim which shows that burning was caused by pouring the
inflammable material over the body.
(xi) Burnt residues of synthetic garments found adhering to the sole of the victim, indicates
that person was alive during burning.
(xii) Presence of cherry red coloured blood (due to inhalation of carbon monoxide) oozing
out from nose or mouth indicates live burning.
(xiii) After making and documenting all the above observations the body should be sent for
post-mortem.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
54
Note: In case victim is female (within 7 years of marriage) and there is allegation of demand
for dowry, the following points should be taken into consideration, in addition to points listed
above:
(i) Check financial transactions made by the victim or her family member.
(ii) If marriage was arranged through mediators, details about the dowry demands should
be recorded from those mediators.
(iii) Check any letters, mails, messages sent by the victim to family members indicating
harassment and demand of dowry.
(iv) Details about the married life of the victim and her relations with her husband and
in-laws should be obtained from relatives, friends and neighbours and recorded.
(v) Body of the victim should be properly examined for any signs of violence.
(vi) Check presence of any sign of burning and inflammable material on the body or
clothing of the suspects/rescuer.
According to data compiled by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), a total of 8083 incidents
of dowry death (sec. 304B IPC) cases were reported during 2013 across the country.
3.7.4 Evidence Material Likely to be Found in Burning Cases
(i) Foot prints, finger/palm print smears.
(ii) Blood/bloodstains.
(iii) Containers of inflammable material like kerosene, petrol, and matchsticks/box, etc.
(iv) Pieces of partially burnt garments and ashes.
(v) Partially burnt hair.
(vi) Pieces of broken bangles (in case of female).
(vii) Condition of the doors, windows and the position of bolts/handles/latches whether in
closed or open position.
(viii) Pattern of smoke deposit on the walls, ceiling, handles, bolts, latches.
(ix) Soot deposited should also be collected for chemical analysis.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
55
(x) If body has been cremated, pieces of burnt bones are to be recovered along with
ashes.
(xi) Garments of the suspects should also be collected for detection of inflammable
material used in burning in case of suspected homicide.
(xii) Hair and clothes of the victims should also be collected during post-mortem.
(xiii) During post-mortem, blood sample should be obtained for detection of carboxyhaemoglobin
in the blood and trachea should also be collected to check the presence
of soot particles and carbon monoxide.
(xiv) Samples (blood, bones, teeth, tissues) should be collected for DNA profiling for
identification of victim.
3.7.5 Collection and Packaging of Evidence Material
(i) Liquid blood can be collected on cotton gauze cloth piece, air dried and packed in
paper envelopes or a few drops of blood can be collected on FTA card.
(ii) Bloodstains can be scraped/chipped off and placed in paper envelope or can be
collected on cotton gauze cloth by swabbing.
(iii) Fragments of partially burnt garments and hair should be collected and packed
separately in air tight glass containers.
(iv) Pieces of broken bangles should be collected and kept in paper envelope and packed
in glass containers or hard cardboard box.
(v) Containers having traces of inflammable material should be collected and packed
separately in air tight polythene bags taking care that fingerprints on the container are
not destroyed.
(vi) Soot deposits should be collected by scraping and packed in air tight glass
container.
(vii) The garments of the suspects should be collected and packed in air tight glass
containers.
(viii) Shoe/foot impression (if required) of the suspect should also be collected.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
56
(ix) Remnants of burnt bones are very fragile, hence should be handled carefully. They
should be collected and placed in a wooden or tough cardboard box in between the
cotton wool layers. The parcel should be labelled fragile.
(x) Ashes from the cremation site should also be collected and packed in a wooden/
cardboard box.
Note: All evidence material collected from crime scene should be properly sealed and labelled
including- name and number of exhibits, FIR No., u/s, name of Police Station, Case No., date
and place from where exhibits are collected, name and signature of the investigating officer.
3.7.6 Forwarding of Evidence Materials
(i) Forwarding memo should be filled up giving brief history of the case, details of the
parcels and their contents, nature of examination required (see Chapter 2).
(ii) Certificate authorizing the Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, for examination of
the exhibits.
(iii) Specimen of the seal impression in wax on a piece of cloth duly attested by the
concerned official should also be sent along with forwarding memo.
(iv) Copy of inquest or panchnama should also be sent along with the forwarding
memo.
3.7.7 Likely Queries to be Raised (may vary from case to case)
From Medico-legal expert:
(i) Whether burns are ante-mortem or post-mortem. If ante-mortem, whether cause of
death is burning.
(ii) If burning is post-mortem, then, what is the cause of death?
(iii) Is there any other finding over the body to suggest any other cause of death?
(iv) Nature and cause of injuries/fractures, if present, other than burns.
(v) Whether trachea contains any soot deposit.
(vi) Whether burning is accidental/suicidal/homicidal.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
57
From Forensic expert:
(i) Whether the smoke pattern inside the room, crevices of the doors and windows, bolts
and handles of the door corroborates with the statements made by family members
regarding burning of the victim.
(ii) Whether the finger/palm prints smear (if present) match with that of the victim/
suspect or otherwise.
(iii) Whether foot/shoe prints collected from scene match with the given samples of
suspect/victim.
(iv) Whether the containers, partially burnt hair and garments of the deceased contains
any traces of inflammable material.
(v) Whether pieces of broken bangles match with that of the victim.
(vi) Whether blood stains collected from scene match with that of victim.
(vii) Whether the pieces of burnt bones are of human origin and if so what is the sex and age.
(viii) Whether the given sample of blood contains carboxy-hemoglobin.
(ix) Examination of charred deposits from walls/doors, if collected, to know whether it is
of skin or otherwise.
Table 3.1: Difference between ante-mortem and post-mortem burns
S.No. Features Ante-mortem Post-mortem
1. Appearance Red wet base Pale yellow dry appearance
2. Line of redness Present Absent
3. Pattern of Burns Usually soles are not burnt Parts of body and clothing in
contact with the ground are
not burnt
4. Smoke particles in Present Absent
lower respiratory
tract.
5. Colour of blood Cherry red Normal
6. Struggle marks May be Present Absent
7. Smokeless creases May be Present Absent
on the face.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
58
Based on the soot pattern deposits on the
walls, on the bolts, hinges of the doors and
windows, it was clear that a dense smoke
was emitted during burning of the deceased
and the bolt of the entrance door was in
closed position during burning. On one wall
of the drawing room, there were black palm
impressions/smears indicating the movement
of the victim while burning. Burnt patches
of her clothing (upper-front) were found
sticking on the back of the sofa and broken
pieces of glass bangles were also found at
several places. A match box with partially
burnt match sticks and a container having
traces of liquid smelling of kerosene were
also found on the floor of kitchen. All these
findings showed that the lady had committed
suicide by burning herself using kerosene and
the entrance door was bolted from inside
during incident. The parents of the deceased
were convinced about the findings at the
place of occurrence and withdrew the case
against their son-in-law.
Case Study 1
A young couple was living in a rented house
at Ambala (Haryana). The husband was
working as a lecturer in a government college
and the wife was a home maker. One day
the neighbour saw dense smoke coming out
from their house. The entrance door of the
house was closed and bolted from inside.
The neighbours forced open the door and
saw the burnt body of the wife. Police was
informed and the husband of the deceased
was called from his college. The dead body
was sent for autopsy and the house was sealed
by the police. The parents of the deceased
lodged FIR against the husband of the
deceased alleging that their daughter has been
burnt by her husband after tying her to a
chair placed near the wall of the kitchen.
The police called the forensic experts to
examine the place of occurrence. The house
was examined by FSL team in the presence
of the parents of the deceased and the
investigating officer. Bolting of the door from
inside while standing outside the room had
to be ruled out.
Source: Dr K.P.S. Kushwaha, FSL Haryana.
3.8 Sexual Offences
Sexual offence is defined as assault by a person(s), involving sexual intercourse and related
acts, with another person without consent of that person. In these kinds of offences, the victim
may survive (rape), or victim can also be killed (sex-related homicide).
According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, 33707 incidents of
rape (u/s 376, IPC) were reported during the year 2013 in India.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
59
3.8.1 Crime Scene Investigation
In sexual assault cases, the investigator should first secure the scene of crime - whether
indoor, outdoor or mobile.
I. If the victim is alive (rape)— the following points should be taken into
consideration while handling the victim:
(i) Victim should be handled with utmost sympathy and sensitivity.
(ii) For providing immediate medical help, rush the victim to the hospital.
(iii) Doctor should examine the victim (victim’s consent is necessary). In case of court
order, examination can be done without victim’s consent. Consent of the guardian is
to be taken in case of a minor victim.
(iv) A female police officer must ordinarily be present during interaction with the victim.
(v) Complete information about the victim should be obtained like- name, age, address
occupation, height, marital status, etc.
(vi) During medical examination
(a) Clothes and belongings worn by the victim at the time of offence should be
preserved as it is for forensic examination.
(b) Body especially forearm, wrist, face, breast, chest, lower parts of abdomen,
inner aspects of thighs and back, should be checked for marks of violence, such
as scratches, abrasions, and bruises caused as a result of struggle.
(c) Genitals should be properly examined and swabs should be prepared for forensic
examination.
(d) Pubic hair should be collected and preserved for forensic examination.
(vii) Victim should not be called to the Police Station. IO should visit (in plain clothes)
the victim’s house to ascertain the facts in presence of her relatives/family members.
(viii) Efforts should be made to get the statement of the victim recorded u/s 164 CrPC at
the earliest.
(ix) Details of the incident should be recorded as early as possible from the victim
verbatim (in the same words used by the victim) and effort should be made for
immediate arrest of the accused.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
60
(x) No embarrassing or indecent questions should be put to victim who is already under
shock or trauma.
(xi) If the victim alleges against a particular person, the ground on which her suspicion is
based should be ascertained.
(xii) The accused should be sent for medical examination at the earliest after preparing
injury sheet giving details of injuries/scratches, bruises or nail marks on his body. No
consent is required for medical examination of the accused person.
(xiii) Forensic expert should be called to examine the place of occurrence.
(xiv) In order to bring out the victim from trauma and preparing her to cooperate in the
investigation, help from NGOs may be taken.
1. Handling Child Victims of Sexual Abuse
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act), 2012: It defines
different forms of sexual abuse with a child below 18 years of age.
Child victim because of his / her physical and mental status, needs special
safeguards and care and is to be treated with compassion and dignity for which IO is
required to follow the following guidelines:
(i) The complaint should be recorded promptly and accurately without any loss of
time.
(ii) Case should be handled by designated lady police officer, well trained in
investigation of female child abuse cases.
(iii) The statement of the victim should be recorded verbatim (in the same words
used by the victim). The officer recording the statement should not be in police
uniform.
(iv) The statement of child victim should be recorded at the residence of the
victim or at any other place where victim can make statement freely without
any fear.
(v) While recording the statement, parents of the child victim or any other
person in whom the victim has trust and confidence may be allowed to
remain present.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
61
(vi) While recording the statement IO should ensure that child victim is made
comfortable and the statement carries accurate narration of the incident including
all relevant aspects of the case.
(vii) If required, IO may take the assistance of a psychiatrist.
(viii) IO should ensure that at no stage child victim should come in contact with the
accused.
(ix) The child victim should not be kept in police station overnight for any purpose
including medical examination.
(x) The IO should ensure that the child victim is medically examined at the earliest
(within 24 hours, in accordance with Section 164-A Cr.P.C.) at the nearest
government hospital or a hospital recognized by the government.
(xi) In case child is under 12 years of age, consent for examination needs to be
sought from his/her parent or guardian.
(xii) The IO should ensure that the identity of child victim is protected from publicity.
(xiii) The place of occurrence should be examined at the earliest to secure and collect
all incriminating evidence available. Assistance of forensic team may be taken
for scientific examination of the site.
(xiv) The evidence material collected from the place of occurrence, victim and the
suspect, if apprehended should be sent for forensic examination and report
should be obtained on priority basis.
(xv) The cases involving sexually abused children should be investigated on priority
basis and investigation should be completed preferably within 90 days of
registration of case and should be periodically supervised by the senior officer(s).
2. Handling Differently Abled Persons
Differently abled women and children (long term physical, mental, intellectual or
sensory impairments) are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence and they may be
repeatedly victimized especially by caretakers. Women and girls with disabilities who
are institutionalized are at risk of abuse at shelters and hospitals. As per amendments
made in Indian Penal Code, Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2013, this has been
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
62
recognized as ‘custodial rape’. While dealing with the victims (with disability) of
sexual abuse the following guidelines should be taken into consideration:
(i) The IO should make necessary arrangements to make the victim comfortable by
providing proper place for examination and establish trust for conducting thorough
examination.
(ii) Examination of a disabled victim may take a long time and therefore, the IO
should not rush through the things as it may cause trouble to the victim.
(iii) The IO should not presume that a victim who is differently abled cannot give
history of sexual violence himself/herself. As abuse by caretakers and near and
dear ones is common, therefore, history should not be taken from them.
(iv) History should be taken independently and directly from the victim.
(v) If the victim has speech, hearing or mental disability, assistance of interpreters,
translators or special educator may be taken. Even so, IO should communicate
with the victim directly as much as possible and should be present during the
presence of interpreter or special educator.
(vi) The IO should ensure that the victim is medically examined at the earliest
(within 24 hours, in accordance with Section 164-A Cr.P.C.) at the nearest
government hospital or a hospital recognized by the government.
(vii) All such victims are ordinarily able to give or refuse to give informed consent.
However the victim should be:
(a) Provided with necessary information (what the procedure involves, the
reason for doing the procedure, the potential risks and discomforts) in a
simple language and in a form that makes it easy for him / her to
understand the information.
(b) Given adequate time to arrive at a decision.
(c) Provided the assistance of a friend/colleague/care-giver in making the
informed consent decision and in conveying his/her decision to medical
personnel.
(viii) The decision of the person to either give/refuse consent with above support, to
the medical examination, should be respected.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
63
(ix) The IO should ensure that the identity of victim is protected from publicity.
(x) The evidence material collected from the place of occurrence, victim and the
suspect, if apprehended, should be sent for forensic examination and report
should be obtained on priority basis.
3. Inspection of the Scene of Crime
(i) IO should safeguard the crime scene so that clues available at the crime scene
may not be disturbed.
(ii) The crime scene should be photographed from all angles including close-ups
with scale in the frame for reference.
(iii) Crime scene sketch should be prepared indicating the distances among evidence
items found at the spot.
(iv) The crime scene should be thoroughly inspected using appropriate method of
crime scene search and all out efforts should be made to collect maximum
evidence from the spot.
(v) Forensic team may be summoned to help in identification and collection of
evidence.
Figure 3.3: Putrefied body in rape and murder case
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
64
II. If the victim is dead (sex-related homicide)
(i) Do not alter anything at the crime scene; everything should be preserved as such.
(ii) Complete description of the dead body should be recorded including- sex, appearance,
age, build, colour of hair of the deceased.
(iii) Check positioning of the body.
(iv) Check condition of garments on the body.
(v) Check injuries and signs of struggle on the body and place of occurrence.
(vi) Check any evidence of seminal fluid on, near or in the body.
(vii) Check evidence of other sexual activity, i.e. fantasy, ritualism, symbolism, and/or
masturbation.
(viii) Check multiple stabbing or cutting on the body. This includes slicing wounds across
the abdomen of the victim, throat slashing, and over-kill type injuries which are
considered highly suggestive of a sexual motivation.
(ix) Examine the scene of occurrence especially bed, sofa, etc., for any disturbances from
its normal position.
(x) If body is not identified record full description of the body and garments for the
purpose of identification and samples should be collected for DNA profiling for
identification purpose.
3.8.2 Evidence Materials Likely to be found at Crime Scene
(i) Seminal stains
(ii) Used condoms/clothes
(iii) Footprints/shoe prints/tyre marks
(iv) Bloodstains and bloodstain pattern
(v) Bite marks and saliva
(vi) Hair strands/pubic hair
(vii) Fingerprints
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
65
(viii) Botanical evidences, (fibre, leaves, flowers, diatoms, pollen grains and plant fragments).
(ix) Weapon of offence (firearms and other than firearms).
(x) Entomological evidences (insects, maggots)
(xi) Sometimes drugs like date rape drugs, diazepam and other related drugs, alcohol,
ketamine, flu nitrazipam, gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), etc., are used so that
victim gets unconscious. In such cases, blood sample of the victim should be sent for
chemical examination.
3.8.3 Collection and Packaging of Evidence Materials
(i) All bloodstained exhibits, including clothing should be thoroughly air dried in shade
and packed carefully in paper envelopes. Exhibits should not be dried in sunlight or
in front of heater.
(ii) Each item of the dried stained exhibit should be packed separately taking care that
stained areas do not contaminate unstained areas. This can be done by covering the
stained areas with clean paper.
(iii) Blood soaked/seminal stains over any surface like soil, hair, grass, etc., should be
thoroughly air dried in shade and kept in paper envelopes. Similarly, unstained soil
should be collected and sent as control.
(iv) Dried blood from absorbent surfaces should be removed by scraping or by chipping
off the stained areas and kept in separate paper envelopes. Material from representative
unstained areas should be sent as control.
(v) If a pool of blood is present at the scene of crime, clean cotton cloth should be
soaked in it, air dried in shade thoroughly and packed in paper envelopes.
(vi) Bloodstained portion of the knife, axe, bullet, sticks, etc., should be wrapped with a
clean paper and packed in cloth bag or paper envelopes.
(vii) Blood can also be preserved on FTA card.
(viii) Post-mortem blood sample should be taken on cotton gauze pad, dried and packed in
paper envelope.
(ix) Semen stained clothes should be dried and packed in the same manner as blood
stained clothes.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
66
(x) Semen stained areas should be marked, if possible, by pencil.
(xi) Vaginal and cervical swabs collected by medico legal expert should be air dried and
packed in a paper envelope. Vaginal smear on the microscopic slide should also be
prepared.
(xii) In murder, assault and rape cases, hair on clothes of both the victim and the suspect
should be collected.
(xiii) Control samples of hair from victim/suspect should be collected by combing and
method of collection and site of collection should be mentioned in the forwarding
letter.
(xiv) Saliva can be swabbed from bite marks on the victim.
(xv) Crime scene should be checked for presence of any pornographic material (magazines,
CDs, laptops, mobiles, etc.).
(xvi) Search the vulnerable places for fingerprint evidence in bright light by means of a
magnifying lens. If the prints are clear, take photographs with a scale in the frame.
Then lift the same by means of transparent tape for comparison.
(xvii) If the print is not clear, or if it is partial, it should be developed using appropriate
finger print powder.
(xviii) If the latent prints cannot be developed due to any reason at the place of occurrence,
the article may be packed in strong cardboard or wooden box so that the prints are
not destroyed during transit to finger print laboratory.
(xix) Foot/footwear prints should be collected using appropriate method (electrostatic lifting,
tracing, making castes).
(xx) Soft organs or tissues if taken during post-mortem autopsy should be preserved
in Dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and not in formalin which affects DNA profiling
result.
3.8.4 Forwarding of Evidence Materials
(i) Forwarding memo should be filled up giving brief history of the case, details of
the parcels and their contents, nature of examination required (see Chapter 2 for
details).
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
67
(ii) Certificate authorizing the Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, for examination of
the exhibits.
(iii) Specimen of the seal impression in wax on a piece of cloth duly attested by the
concerned official should also be sent along with forwarding memo.
3.8.5 Likely Queries to be Raised (may vary from case to case):
From Medico-legal expert
(i) Cause, manner and mode of death.
(ii) Nature and cause of injuries.
(iii) Time since death.
(iv) Age and other identifying characters in case of the unknown deceased.
From Forensic expert
(i) Whether the given stain is of semen. If yes, its species origin and grouping.
(ii) Whether the given stain is of blood. If yes, its species origin and grouping.
(iii) Whether sample fingerprints match with the suspect’s fingerprints.
(iv) Whether sample foot/footwear marks match with the suspect’s foot/footwear marks.
(v) Whether the DNA profiling result of the crime samples matches with specimen
sample.
(vi) Identification and comparison of hair, fiber and botanical evidence for linking the
victim and suspect with the crime scene.
(vii) Whether saliva stains from bite marks match with that of accused/suspect and its
grouping.
(viii) Comparison of bite marks with teeth of accused/suspect (taking help of dental surgeon
for making cast of the bite mark and suspect’s denture).
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
68
Do’s and Don’ts for the IOs while investigating cases of sexual offence
Utilize services of FSL experts on the spot as well as during post-mortem for checking the
blood, semen/seminal stains, saliva stains and bite marks.
Suspects if apprehended should be examined for the presence of blood on their pubic region
in cases where there is bleeding from genitalia of deceased/victim.
The place of occurrence and body of the deceased/ victim should be thoroughly examined for
the presence of any hair/fiber which could have been left by the accused using forensic lights
(if required) and utilizing the services of the forensic experts or medico-legal experts.
Even a single hair with root, if left by the accused on the crime scene or on the garments or
body of deceased/ victim, can link the accused with the crime through DNA profiling.
For DNA profiling match, reference sample should be either blood or saliva of the accused
preferably on FTA card generally available with Forensic Science Laboratory. This would
facilitate quicker and scientific DNA profiling and avoid sample contamination.
Never take semen sample of the accused for DNA profiling because DNA is same in all the
body fluids and tissues.
Case Study 2
Dead body of a lady, aged around 55yr, was
found in her house. There were several injuries
on the abdominal region and abrasions over
the face and neck. Bite marks were seen on
the face. The garments were torn exposing
thighs and breast. Few small strands of hair
were recovered from the floor adjacent to the
body of the deceased. The pubic hair of
deceased was found matted.
There were blood smeared drag marks
showing that the body was dragged from
drawing hall to the place where dead body
was found. Along the drag marks several faint
blood smudged footwear impressions were
detected which were photographed and traced.
Latent fingerprints were developed and lifted
from the tumblers lying on the table in the
drawing hall. Two strands of hair (approx. 4
cm.) were found on the floor near the table.
Evidence collected from the crime scene and
Source: Dr K.P.S. Kushwaha, FSL Haryana.
the body: Shoeprints, fingerprints, blood
stains, strands of hair, and saliva from bite
marks, garments, pubic hair and vaginal swab.
These were sent to Forensic Science
Laboratory.
A few days later, two suspects were
apprehended by the police. Their shoes,
garments, fingerprints and buccal swabs were
taken and sent for forensic examination and
comparison with the crime exhibits sent earlier.
Results: The pattern of the tread surface of
the shoes belonging to the suspects tallied with
the shoeprints found at the scene. Traces of
blood were also detected on the tread surface
of the shoes. DNA profile generated from the
seminal stains found on the garments of the
deceased, vaginal swab, saliva from the bite
marks and hair collected from scene and from
the buccal samples of the suspects linked the
suspects with the crime.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
69
Significance of Scientific Aids at the Spot in Sexual Offence Cases- Illustrative case studies
from FSL Haryana (Source- FSL Calling, XV All India Forensic Science Conference, 18-20
January, 2004, held at Karnal, Haryana)
Case Study 3
Dead body of a minor girl was found in the
wheat field near her village. Police called
FSL experts for lifting shoe impressions from
the spot. Expert found the shoe impression
belonging to that of the family member of
the deceased girl. The PM report was
available on the spot in which it was
mentioned that vaginal canal is badly torn
and profusely bleeding. Accordingly it was
suspected to be the case of rape and murder.
In order to trace the criminal, FSL expert
advised the IO to get the youngsters of the
Case Study 4
Dead body of a minor girl was found in a
field near her village. FSL team visited the
spot in the late evening to ascertain sexual
assault. The spot was screened using portable
U.V. light and chemical tests for detection of
seminal and blood stains. A dry vegetable
twig stained with blood was found at the
spot. Next morning FSL experts visited
mortuary during autopsy of the deceased girl
for ascertaining the presence of semen on
the deceased. The swabs taken by the doctor
in a routine way from outer surface of the
village examined for the presence of blood
on their pubic region. In all, 35 youngsters
were examined using benzidine test. On the
pubic region of two boys’ benzidine test was
found to be intensively positive. On
interrogation by the IO they admitted the
crime. Giving due weightage to the expert
report Honourable Session Court convicted
the accused. Subsequently scientific aid was
rendered on the spot by FSL experts on
similar lines and several such type of cases
were solved.
pubic region and from the vaginal canal were
found to be negative for semen. However,
taking cue from the above mentioned case in
which vaginal canal was found to be badly
torn, the expert suggested the medico-legal
expert to take the swab from the peritoneal
cavity to explore the possibility of detecting
seminal fluid discharged and lodged in the
peritoneal cavity due to rupture of the vaginal
canal during sexual assault. Interestingly, the
swab taken from the peritoneal cavity gave
intense positive test for semen.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
70
3.9 Hanging
It is a violent form of death due to asphyxia, caused by either complete or partial suspension
of the body with a ligature mark partially or completely encircling the neck in the form of a
noose. Constriction force is the weight of the body or weight of the head. In such cases, body
is hung by rope, turban, cord, dhoti, saree, chain, scarf, wire, belt, etc. Place of occurrence
can be indoor or outdoor.
Figure 3.4: Cases of hanging
3.9.1 Types of Hanging
(i) Based on position of knot:
(a) Typical hanging: Knot is present at the back of the head (occiput).
(b) Atypical hanging: Knot is present anywhere other than occiput.
(ii) Based on degree of suspension:
(a) Complete hanging: In this type of hanging, no part of the body touches
the ground. Body is completely suspended.
(b) Incomplete hanging: Body is suspended but a part of the body touches
the ground or some other object.
(iii) Manner of hanging
(a) Suicidal hanging
● Common method of committing suicide.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
71
● Upper end of rope is attached to a high point (beam, branch, ceiling fan
etc.).
● Chair, bench, bucket, stool, box, or any other support, etc., should be
present below the hanging body to enable the victim to tie the rope to the
anchor point.
● Occasionally, victim may tie his/her hands at the back to prevent any
change of mind and possibility of retrieval or to mislead investigator.
● Common amongst people with disability, disease, etc.
● For paralyzed persons, it is impossible to suspend themselves.
(b) Accidental hanging is less common and can be found in cases like:
● Children climbing tree, wall, railing, etc., fall and their clothing or garments
gets entangled in a branch, nail or other projecting objects.
● Stuntmen during performance of stunts.
● Chin gets suspended against edge of a sofa or arm of chair.
● If victim slips from staircase and neck gets caught in one of the vertical
bars.
● During vehicular accidents, neck gets caught in steering wheel.
● In industrial areas/factories, neck may get caught in some machinery.
(c) Homicidal hanging
● Extremely rare, because it is difficult for a single person to overpower
another adult person.
● Homicidal hanging is possible if person is unconscious, child, old, infirm,
physically challenged or very weak person.
● Homicidal hanging is suspected when clothing of the deceased is
disarranged or torn, injuries are present on the body, or there are any
signs of struggle.
● Dead bodies are sometimes hanged to simulate suicide. In these cases,
ligature mark may be present but signs of asphyxia are absent.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
72
3.9.2 Crime Scene Investigation
On reaching the crime scene, IO should:
(i) Check whether the victim is dead or alive.
(ii) If the person shows any signs of life, provide him support, cut the ligature much
above the knot and bring the victim down.
(iii) Provide necessary medical help and rush the victim to the hospital.
(iv) If the victim is dead, first photography of the victim and crime scene should be done,
then only bring the body down by cutting the ligature much above the knot.
(v) Note the type of knot like slip knot, simple loop, non-slipping knot.
(vi) It is important to photograph the ligature and ligature mark properly with different
angles including close-ups.
(vii) Safeguard the crime scene as soon as possible so that nothing is altered and crime
scene is preserved as such.
(viii) Prepare crime scene sketch showing the dead body and other items depicting their
correlative positions including distances between them.
(ix) Team of forensic experts or medico-legal experts should be called for scientific
evaluation of the scene.
(x) Write down complete description of the body: sex, appearance, age, build, and colour
of hair of the deceased for purpose of identification.
(xi) Search for any support like chair, bench, bucket, etc., used to get access for tying the
ligature near the site of hanging.
(xii) Note the height of the support used for hanging, height of the anchor point and height
of the victim.
(xiii) Support (table, chair, etc.) used for hanging should be checked for the presence of
foot/shoe prints.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
73
(xiv) Check whether door was closed from inside or outside. Rule out the possibility of
bolting the door from inside while standing outside.
(xv) Entry and exit points and the support taken during commitment of crime should
always be checked for the presence of fingerprints/footprints.
(xvi) Check for the presence of any suicide note at the crime scene.
(xvii) Crime scene should be thoroughly checked for the presence of any circumstantial
evidence.
(xviii) Send the body of deceased for post-mortem.
3.9.3 Observations of the Body
(i) Face may be pale or may show signs of congestion.
(ii) Eyes open/closed/partially open/open on one side, eyes protruded/ normal
with conjunctival congestion and hemorrhage.
(iii) Tongue may be swollen, slightly protruded out and bitten in between teeth.
(iv) Saliva trickles down from mouth along with the streaks of blood (seen on side
opposite to the knot).
(v) Petechial hemorrhages can be seen on the face especially in eyes.
(vi) Neck may be stretched or elongated (in prolonged hanging and long drop).
(vii) Victim may expel urine and feces.
(viii) Seminal secretion can be seen in case of males and blood tinged fluid from vagina in
females (which can be mistaken for sexual activity before death).
(ix) Post-mortem staining will be seen on hands, forearms, genitals, legs and feet if body
suspension is in upright position.
(x) If body remains suspended for prolong duration (about 6–8 hours), petechial hemorrhage
and ecchymosis can be seen in areas of post-mortem staining due to rupture of blood
vessels.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
74
Figure 3.5: Partial hanging
3.9.4 Local External Findings
Ligature: Complete description of the ligature used should be noted including:
(a) Nature of ligature-rope, bed sheet, belt, dhoti, saree, etc.
(b) Texture-any particular pattern (like weaving pattern in ropes) present on the ligature.
(c) Circumference of the loop of ligature.
(d) Strength- is the ligature strong enough to support the weight and jerk of the body?
Cases have been reported where ligature material gets broken if it is not able to bear
the weight of the body.
(e) Tightness- how tight ligature is wrapped? Tight ligature produces deeper groove and
impression of knot can also be seen.
(f) Any material on ligature- blood, vomit, saliva, hair, fiber, etc.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
75
(g) Location of knot- at occiput, below chin, below ear or any other specific location.
(h) Type of knot-fixed or running.
(i) Check for the source of the ligature taken for hanging.
Figure 3.6: Body of the victim that has fallen down due to breakage of ligature
Ligature mark: It appears as parchmentized pressure abrasion which may be completely/
partially encircling the neck. It should be noted that this is not a fixed rule and variations can
occur.
Figure 3.7: Deep groove ligature mark Figure 3.8: Broad ligature mark
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
76
(a) Ligature mark may show impression of material used.
(b) Nature of ligature mark may vary with nature of ligature material, duration of
suspension, manner of tying the ligature and weight of the body.
(c) Position of ligature mark is usually in front of the neck but sometimes at the back of
neck also.
(d) In fixed noose, inverted ‘V’ shape pattern is seen at knot area.
(e) In running noose, mark may not completely encircle the area and may be deficient at
nape of neck or any other site (due to intervening hairs or clothes).
(f) Mark is always located above the thyroid cartilage.
(g) Ligature slippage can produce broader mark with narrow ligature material.
(h) Mark is most prominent at area of maximum pressure.
3.10 Periligature Injuries
(i) Tough ligature may produce rope burns (blisters) around ligature mark due to friction
of ligature material.
(ii) Some scratch marks may be seen around the ligature mark occasionally. These may
be produced by victim himself /herself in action to preserve life in terminal stages.
These should not be mistaken for assault.
3.10.1 Evidence Material Likely to be Found at Crime Scene
(i) Points of entry and exit should be checked for the presence of finger prints/
footprints.
(ii) Presence of table, stool, bucket, box, etc., used for tying the rope to a fixed object.
(iii) Foot/shoe prints on the table, chair, stool, etc., used by the victim for hanging.
(iv) Streaks of saliva on the garments or on the floor.
(v) Any other stain present at crime scene or on the garments of victim.
(vi) Signs of struggle at the scene.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
77
(vii) Surface of the anchor point (fan, beam, etc.) to which ligature is tied should be
examined for any marks.
(viii) Any suicidal note.
(ix) Viscera should be sent for chemical analysis for presence of any drug, poison or
chemical substance.
3.10.2 Collection and Packaging of Evidence Material
(i) Ligature from the site should be collected and packed in paper envelope.
(ii) Any stain (blood, semen, saliva vomit, etc.) present on the body of the victim or at
the crime scene should be collected separately using cotton gauze swabs, air dried
and packed in paper envelopes.
(iii) Small fibers may be found sticking to the ligature mark which is collected using an
adhesive tape and secure those on glass slide and pack in paper envelope.
(iv) Each garment of the victim should be collected and packed separately in paper
envelope.
(v) Foot/shoe prints should be traced and lifted using adhesive footprint lifter/electrostatic
lifting device.
(vi) Fingerprints should be developed and lifted using appropriate methods.
(vii) Collect shoe/foot prints of the deceased as per requirements.
(viii) Suicide note if found should be packed in paper envelope.
Note: All evidence materials collected from crime scene should be properly sealed and
labelled including- name and number of exhibits, FIR No., u/s, name of Police Station, Case
No., date and place from where exhibits are collected, name and signature of the investigating
officer.
3.10.3 Forwarding of Evidence Material
(i) Forwarding memo should be filled up giving brief history of the case, details of
the parcels and their contents, nature of examination required (see Chapter 2 for
details).
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
78
(ii) Certificate authorizing the Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, for examination of
the exhibits.
(iii) Specimen of the seal impression in wax on a piece of cloth duly attested by the
concerned official should also be sent along with forwarding memo.
3.10.4 Likely Queries to be Raised (may vary from case to case):
From Medico-legal expert
(i) Cause of death.
(ii) Whether hanging was suicidal or homicidal.
(iii) Whether hanging was ante-mortem or post-mortem.
(iv) Nature of other injuries, if present.
From Forensic expert
(i) Whether saliva stains/streaks are present on the garments of the deceased. If present,
whether they belong to the victim.
(ii) Whether given sample stains are of blood/semen.
(iii) Species origin of the given sample stain and its grouping.
(iv) Whether fibers recovered from ligature mark matches with the ligature collected from
the site.
(v) Whether remnants of fibers recovered from cutting tool matches with the fibers of the
ligature material.
(vi) Whether the cut ends of the ligature and the ligature material matches with that of the
ligature (rope, cord, etc., recovered from the place of occurrence or from the possession
of suspect).
(vii) The writing on the suicide note tallies with the standard samples.
(viii) Whether foot/shoe prints collected from the scene match with that of the deceased.
(ix) Any drug, poison present in the viscera.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
79
Table 3.2: Differences between hanging and strangulation
S. No. Features Hanging Strangulation
1 Manner Generally suicidal Generally homicidal
2 Ligature mark 'V' shaped, oblique and Circular, horizontal,
fragmented, above thyroid continuous around the neck,
cartilage (between lower below thyroid cartilage in the
jaw and larynx). centre of the neck.
3 Face Usually pale and petechiae Congested, livid and marked
rare with petechiae.
4 Struggle marks Absent Generally present
(neck and face)
5 Blood oozing out Rarely present Frequently Present
from nose, mouth
and ear
6 Trickling of saliva Usually Present Absent
7 Injuries to the Rare Common
muscles of neck
8 Fracture of the Very rare and that, too, Often found; also hyoid bone
larynx and trachea in judicial hanging
Table 3.3: Differences between ante-mortem and post-mortem hanging.
S. No. Features Ante-Mortem Hanging Post-Mortem Hanging
1 Ligature mark Show vital reaction. No such reaction and
Tissues under mark are appreciable change.
dry, hard and parchment
like.
2 Salivary dribbling May be present Absent
mark
3 Cyanosis Seen, particularly in nails, Not seen
face, ears, lips etc.
4 Petechial May be present Absent
haemorrhages on
face, eyes, ears
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
80
S. No. Features Ante-Mortem Hanging Post-Mortem Hanging
5 Tongue position Protruded (may be in Not protruded
between teeth)
6 Faecal and urinary Present Absent
expulsion
7 Post-mortem lividity On legs, soles, hands If body hanged soon after
(if hanged for sufficient death post-mortem lividity is
time and not removed same as in ante mortem. And
immediately after hanging) if body is suspended 8hrs
after death then it is fixed in
respective position
8 Struggle marks No May be present
9 Cause of death Hanging Other than hanging
10 Suicide note Present/Absent Present/Absent
11 Doors close from Generally yes Never
inside
12 Overturned stool Generally present Generally absent
or chair, etc.,
below feet
Inference: The manner in which the rope
was tied clearly showed that the husband
had tied his wife first and then hanged
himself with the same rope. The posture and
position of feet of wife and posture of
husband were suggesting that the husband
tied rope around her neck first and then
around his own neck while standing on the
bed and pushed her for the jerk. The order
of rounds of the rope also indicated the same.
There were no signs of any injuries on both
the bodies. The post-mortem report suggested
the cause of death as asphyxia due to
hanging.
Case Study 5
Husband and wife (as shown in the Figure 3.9),
were found hanging from the ceiling fan with a
single piece of a rope. Head of the wife was
on the right shoulder of husband. The neck of
the wife had two rounds of rope whereas
husband had four rounds of rope around his
neck. A sliding knot was tied on the ceiling fan
and the rope was double folded. Both the bodies
were in partially hanging position near the
double bed. The distance between the knot tied
over the fan and the knots around the neck was
approx. 63 inches. Tongue of wife was
protruding out and in between the teeth. Urine
was passed out and dribbling of saliva present
in both the cases.
Source: Dr. Neelam Arya, FSL, Haryana
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
81
Figure 3.9: Case of double hanging
3.11 Strangulation
Strangulation is a type of mechanical asphyxia due to constriction of neck, when the constricting
force is other than the weight of body. In ligature type homicide/strangulation, ropes, wires,
pieces of clothing are used; these ligatures would leave an obvious groove on the victim’s
throat resembling the mark on the neck found in hanging cases. Medico legal expert may tell
the investigator whether the mark left on the throat by the hands of assailant was created from
rear or from the front of the victim. In homicidal strangulation damage to the internal
structure of the neck, throat and larynx will be evident during autopsy. Strangulation is mostly
homicidal, sometimes accidental and rarely suicidal.
Figure 3.10: Strangulation using multiple ligatures
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
82
3.11.1 Crime Scene Investigation
On reaching the crime scene, IO should:
(i) Check whether the victim is dead or alive.
(ii) If the victim shows any sign of life, provide necessary medical help and rush the
victim to the hospital.
(iii) If the victim is dead, take photographs of the victim and place of occurrence from
different angles and distances as per requirements to record the details of the scene
including the body with scale in frame for reference.
(iv) Prepare crime scene sketch showing the dead body and other items depicting their
correlative positions including distances between them.
3.11.2 Observations on the Body
(i) Presence of fresh abrasions, bruises, finger nail marks on the throat of the victim
indicating homicidal strangulation.
(ii) Signs of struggle and violence found on different parts of the body.
(iii) Presence of petechial hemorrhages (minute blood clots which appear as small
red dots) in the inner surface of the eye lids. This is presumptive evidence for
strangulation.
(iv) Evidence of any trauma or damage to the tongue. Many times persons who are
strangulated will bite their tongue.
(v) If strangulation is due to rope, circular and complete ligature mark could be seen in
the lower part of neck.
(vi) Appearance of the victim: blue swollen face, eyes open, dilated pupils, blood-stained
froth from nose and mouth, swollen tongue between teeth, clenched hands are common
symptoms.
(vii) Discharge of urine and fecal matter due to relaxation of muscles.
(viii) If fingers are used (throttling), marks of pressure by thumb (higher and wider on one
side of the neck) and fingertips (on other side obliquely downwards and outwards)
are found on either side of neck.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
83
(ix) Ligature mark- well defined, slightly depressed corresponding roughly to the breadth
of the ligature used. Though marks disproportionate to the width of the ligature can
be found in case of slippage of ligature during struggle by victim.
(a) Usually situated low in the neck below the thyroid cartilage, encircling the neck
horizontally.
(b) Marks are multiple if ligature is twisted several times around the neck.
(c) Mark can be oblique as in case of hanging if the victim was strangulated from
behind and backward and upward force was applied.
(d) Pattern of ligature may also be seen.
(e) Abrasion and ecchymosis are very often present in the skin near the mark.
(f) If very soft materials like stockings, scarf is used as ligature, then mark may
not be present or may be very faint.
(g) Careful search of neck may reveal minute fibers or any other material from
ligature which can be lifted using adhesive tape.
3.11.3 Evidence Materials Likely to be found at Crime Scene
(i) Strands of hair/fiber in the hands of deceased.
(ii) Minute fibers from the ligature mark.
(iii) Any tears, holes, stab, stains on the clothes of the victim.
(iv) Finger prints, foot/shoe prints at the crime scene.
(v) Buttons, broken pieces of glass bangles, or any other belonging to victim/suspect.
(vi) Any gagging material.
(vii) Ligature material.
3.11.4 Collection and Packaging of Evidence Materials
(i) Hair/fiber strands should be collected using forceps or adhesive tape and packed in
paper envelope.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
84
(ii) Blood stain, if present, should be collected on cotton gauze cloth, air dried and
packed in paper envelope.
(iii) Although ligature mark may look clean, there are always small fibers sticking to the
ligature mark. Collect them using an adhesive tape, secure them on glass slide and
pack in paper envelope.
(iv) Each garment of the deceased should be collected and packed separately in paper
envelope.
(v) Fingerprints developed from the suspected places should be photographed, lifted
using adhesive tape and preserved by mounting the tape on a fingerprint card to
avoid its damage.
(vi) If the latent prints cannot be developed due to any reason at the place of occurrence,
the article may be packed in strong cardboard or wooden boxes so that the prints are
not destroyed during transit to finger print laboratory.
(vii) Foot/footwear prints or impression should be photographed placing scale along with
it and collected using appropriate method (electrostatic lifting, tracing, making castes).
(viii) Gagging material (if present), torn buttons, broken bangles, etc., should be collected
and packed separately in paper envelopes.
3.11.5 Forwarding of Evidence Materials
(i) Forwarding memo should be filled up giving brief history of the case, details of the
parcels and their contents, nature of examination required (see Chapter 2 for details)
(ii) Certificate authorizing the Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, for examination of
the exhibits.
(iii) Specimen of the seal impression duly attested by the concerned official should also
be sent along with forwarding memo.
3.11.6 Likely Queries to be Raised (may vary from case to case):
From Medico-legal examiner
(i) Cause of death.
(ii) Whether strangulation was suicidal or homicidal.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
85
(iii) Whether hanging was ante-mortem or post-mortem.
(iv) Nature of injuries if present.
(v) Whether the mark left on the throat by the hands of assailant was created from rear
or from the front of the victim.
From Forensic expert
(i) Whether footprint/finger print lifted from the scene matches with the specimen samples.
(ii) Whether hair/fiber collected from the scene matches with the specimen samples.
(iii) Whether blood collected from the scene matches with the suspect’s/victim’s sample.
Table 3.4: Differences between hanging and strangulation
S. No. Features Hanging Strangulation
1 Manner Generally suicidal Generally homicidal
2 Ligature mark ‘V’ shaped, oblique and Circular, horizontal,
fragmented, above thyroid continuous around the neck,
cartilage (between lower below thyroid cartilage in the
jaw and larynx) centre of the neck.
3 Face Usually pale and petechiae Congested, livid and marked
rare with petechiae.
4 Struggle marks Absent Generally present
(neck and face)
5 Blood oozing out Rarely present Frequently Present
from nose, mouth
and ear
6 Trickling of saliva Usually Present Absent
7 Injuries to the Rare Common
muscles of neck
8 Fracture of the Very rare that too in Often found also in hyoid bone
larynx and trachea judicial hanging
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
86
Case Study 6
Dead body of a property dealer aged around
50 years was found lying in sofa in his office
room. There were multiple rounds of a
telephone wire encircling the neck of the
deceased horizontally and one round between
the jaws. There were abrasions below the
neck and on the wrist of the deceased. Few
strands of hair were found entrapped on the
ring of the deceased. Two glass tumblers, a
water bottle having about 200 ml. water and
an empty liquor bottle were found on the
table. On the floor of the room several faintdusty
footwear impressions were seen. During
the post-mortem, viscera sample was
preserved for chemical analysis and ligature
material, garments of the deceased and strands
of hair entrapped in the ring of deceased
were taken. All the evidence material (glass
tumblers, bottles, and shoeprints) collected
from crime scene and taken from the body
Source: Dr. M.K. Goyal and Dr. K.P.S. Kushwaha, FSL, Haryana
were sent to Forensic Science Laboratory.
During investigation, one suspect was
apprehended and a cut piece of telephone
wire was recovered from his house. His
shoes and garments were seized; fingerprints
and saliva sample (for DNA matching) were
taken and sent to FSL.
RESULT: The shoe print found at the place
of occurrence tallied with the prints of the
shoes of the accused. Fingerprints found on
the bottles and one of the tumbler matched
with that of the accused. Cut ends of the
telephone wire were found matching,
showing that the accused had brought the
telephone wire along with him from his
house. DNA profile generated from the
tissues of hair roots matched with the DNA
profile generated from the saliva cells of the
accused.
3.12 Drowning
Drowning is a form of asphyxia caused by entering of fluid into air-passage, caused by
complete or partial submersion in water or any other liquid. In drowning, respiratory passages
are filled with fluid medium, thus, interfering with the person’s capacity to breathe.
3.12.1 Types of Drowning
(i) Wet drowning—-Water is inhaled which results in respiratory blockage and death
can occur within minutes of submersion. It can be fresh water drowning or salt (sea)
water drowning.
(ii) Dry drowning— In this, minimal or no water is inhaled into respiratory passage.
Death may occur due to cardiac arrest, laryngeal spasm preventing further entry of
water as well as air into the lungs. Commonly seen in children and adults under
influence of alcohol, sedatives or hypnotics.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
87
When the victim shows an apparent initial recovery from drowning and dies hours or days
after the incidence owing to complications of drowning episode, it is termed as secondary
drowning. When the victim survives at least 24 hours after the event, it is referred to as near
drowning.
3.12.2 Crime Scene Investigation
The IO should:
(i) Check whether the victim is dead or alive.
(ii) If the victim shows any sign of life, provide necessary medical help and rush the
victim to the hospital.
(iii) The place of occurrence should be protected to avoid any alteration at the scene.
(iv) If the victim is dead, take photographs of the victim and place of occurrence from
different angles and distances as per requirements to record the details of the scene
including the body.
(v) Prepare crime scene sketch showing the dead body and other items depicting their
correlative positions including distances between them.
(vi) Team of forensic experts or medico-legal experts should be called for scientific
evaluation of the scene.
3.12.3 Observations on the Body
The following observations should be made which depends upon duration of submersion,
environmental factors and condition of the individual:
(i) Condition of the clothes may be wet or dry, small aquatic animals may be found
adhering/trapped into the clothes.
(ii) Body may appear pale and cold due to contraction of cutaneous blood vessels.
(iii) Face may show cyanosis, congestion, show petechial hemorrhage especially in lower
eyelids, pupil dilated, foam or froth (fine, white, leathery, tenacious, copious) coming
out of the mouth and nostrils. After mopping, the froth appears again.
(iv) Tongue may be swollen and protruded.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
88
(v) Goose skin (granular surface of skin) is characteristic feature of ante-mortem drowning
or when body is thrown into water within 2–3 hours of death.
(vi) Head, neck, front of upper chest, distal parts of limbs may show post-mortem lividity
which may be pink in colour. It may not appear if water is running.
(vii) Skin at the areas like feet and hands becomes whitened, swollen, wrinkled and
corrugated (washer women’s effect). These changes signify only the submersion in
water.
(viii) Grass, weeds or any other material firmly gripped in hands due to cadaveric spasm.
(ix) Ante-mortem and post-mortem injuries may be found on the body due to predatory
animals and birds or striking with other objects.
3.12.4 Evidence Material Likely to be found at Crime Scene
(i) Water sample from site of drowning.
(ii) Any material present in the clenched hands of the victim.
(iii) Clothes and other belongings of the victim.
(iv) Blood sample from the left side of the heart should be collected during post-mortem
by the doctor for diatom analysis. If left side is empty, then blood laden tissues from
left side of heart should be collected.
(v) For detection of poison, blood from right side of the heart should be collected
separately. Both the samples should be marked properly indicating right and left side
of heart.
3.12.5 Collection and Packaging of Evidence Materials
(i) About 2 liters of water sample should be collected from the crime scene and packed
in air tight container.
(ii) Material collected from the hands of the deceased should be air dried in shade and
packed in paper envelope.
(iii) Clothes of the victim should be collected, air dried and packed in paper envelope.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
89
(iv) Blood during post-mortem should be collected in airtight container and EDTA should
be added as preservative.
(v) Viscera should be sent for the chemical analysis for presence of any drug.
Note: All evidence material collected from crime scene should be properly sealed and
labelled including- name and number of exhibits, FIR No., u/s, name of Police Station,
Case No., date and place from where exhibits are collected, name and signature of
the investigating officer.
3.12.6 Forwarding of Evidence Materials
(i) Forwarding memo should be filled up giving brief history of the case, details of
the parcels and their contents, nature of examination required (see Chapter 2 for
details)
(ii) Certificate authorizing the Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, for examination of
the exhibits.
(iii) Specimen of the seal impression duly attested by the concerned official should also
be sent along with forwarding memo.
3.12.7 Likely Queries to be Raised (may vary from case to case):
From Medico-legal expert
(i) Cause of death.
(ii) Whether the drowning was ante-mortem or post-mortem.
From Forensic expert
(i) Whether diatom profile generated from crime scene sample (water) matches with
the diatom profile of the sample (blood, bone) collected form deceased during
autopsy.
(ii) Whether viscera sample contains any kind of drug/poison.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
90
Case Study 7
A male body was seen stuck under the bridge
of a river by the villagers and the police was
informed. The IO, with the help of local
people, took out the body. The body was
decomposed to the extent that it could not be
identified. Few fragments of water plants were
found clenched in the fist of the body.
Photographs were taken. Two litres of water
sample was collected from the site. Body was
sent for post-mortem. During post-mortem, one
femur bone was taken. The water sample and
femur bone were sent to FSL for diatom
examination and DNA profiling.
Result: Fifteen different types of diatoms
were detected in the bone marrow of femur
Source: Dr. K.P.S. Kushwaha, FSL Haryana.
indicating ante-mortem drowning. However,
the diatom profile of the bone marrow and
that of the water sample did not match
indicating that the drowning took place at
some other site upstream. FSL findings
helped in ascertaining that it was antemortem
drowning. DNA profile helped in
the identification of deceased. During
investigation of the case, the IO gathered
information about two missing persons from
the area about 100 km. upstream. Reference
blood samples were taken from the blood
relations of the missing persons and body
was identified, based on DNA profiling
match.
References
1. Anil Aggarwal, Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, New Delhi, 2014.
2. A.K. Bapuly, Forensic Science: Its Application in Crime Investigation, Hyderabad,
2006.
3. A.S. Deoskar, Medical Jurisprudence, Toxicology and Forensic Science For Class
Room, Investigation and Court Room With Case Laws, Nagpur, 2014.
4. B.V. Subhrahmanyam, Modi’s Medical Jurisprudence and Toxicology, India, 2004.
5. Crime in India 2013 Statistics, National Crime Records Bureau, Ministry of Home
Affairs, New Delhi.
6. Kumar J.V. Kiran, A.K. Srivastava, ‘Pattern of Injuries in Fall from Height’, Original
Research Paper, Indian Academic Forensic Med. vol. 35.
7. M.B. Rao, Hand Book on Forensic Science for Police Officers, Hyderabad, 2008.
8. Vernon J. Geberth, Practical Homicide Investigation- Tactics, Procedure, And Forensic
Techniques, Washington. D.C.,1996.
NICFS
CHAPTER 3
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
91
9. http://uphealth.up.nic.in/med-order-14-15/med2/sexual-vil.pdf
10. http://delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/2b456f804de381eb9840d96c28b72f2a/scannew_opt.
pdf?MOD=AJPERES&lmod=1136310469&CACHEID=2b456f804de381eb9840d
96c28b72f2a
11. Photographs courtesy: Dr. Neelam Arya FSL Haryana; Dr. V. Dhankar Professor and
Head Dept. of Forensic Medicine Dr. BRA Hospital, Delhi; A.K. Bapuly FSL
Odisha; Dr. Bharat Singh former Additional Director (General) of Health Services
Government of India; Dr. Parshuram FSL NCT Delhi; Superintendent of Police,
Kancheepuram Dist. (Tamil Nadu); Superintendent of Police, Gangtok.
NICFS
CHAPTER 4
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
92
DNA PROFILING
DNA profiling (earlier called ‘DNA fingerprinting’) was introduced in 1984 by British geneticist
Alec Jeffrey. It was first used in catching and convicting Colin Pitchfork who raped and
murdered two girls, one in 1983 and another in 1987. Since then, the science of DNA
profiling has undergone developments and it will continue to do so in the future. It has now
become a routine test in any forensic setting, and is in great demand in the process of
criminal investigation and administering justice in criminal cases and civil disputes. Due to
the extensive validation studies and challenges in courts, DNA is now considered a gold
standard in forensic science.
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the hereditary material in humans, animals, other organisms,
bacteria, viruses and plants. DNA located in the cell nucleus is called nuclear DNA, and DNA
present outside the cell nucleus in the mitochondria is called mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).
Both these DNAs are used in criminal investigations. The cell nucleus in our body contains
approx. 6 ft. DNA strand in the form of double stranded twisted ladder. The arm of this
genetic ladder is made of only two molecules sugar and phosphate alternatively arranged. The
sugar on both sides of the ladder is connected by four chemical units namely A (adenosine),
T (thymine), G (guanine), C (cytonine), where A pairs with T and G pairs with C only.
4
NICFS
CHAPTER 4
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
93
Legend to Figure 4.1
Figure 4.1: Schematic arrangement of chemical units in the DNA strands
Courtesy: Prashant Kalikotay (student, LNJN NICFS, Delhi)
Extensive research on human population groups have revealed that assembly of 3/4/5/6 or 7
chemical units of AGCT (in any sequence) are repeated a number of times at thousands of
sites on our DNA strand. These numbers of repetition of small fragments of DNA are called
Short Tandem Repeats (STRs). Initially 13 loci (sites) were selected and validated for use in
forensic science and presently the number of these has increased up to 23 STRs sites.
However, most of the forensic laboratories are using 16 marker multiplex kits. The power of
discrimination of DNA profile using even 13 markers is so high that the probability of another
person having the same DNA profile is negligible. The forensic DNA profiling has been
standardized to ensure that the same core set of DNA loci are examined between jurisdictions,
states and countries. This allows national and international sharing of the DNA profiling
database.
The latest innovation in the technology is the launching of a machine, Rapid 200 which is
capable of generating DNA profile from samples in 90 minutes. This equipment runs with two
cartridges, one of which is for DNA isolation and the other one is for genotyping.
Phosphate Sugar Adenine Thymine Cytosine Guanine
NICFS
CHAPTER 4
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
94
4.1 Overview of the DNA Testing Process
As shown in Figure 4.2, on receipt of the biological samples for DNA profiling in the
laboratory, first the samples are tested for their identification i.e. whether blood, semen, saliva,
etc. are present on the evidence material received. The second step is to extract DNA from the
evidence material. The DNA extracted is then quantified and the target loci (sites) are
amplified (molecular Xeroxing) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which is carried out in
a small machine called thermal cycler. The amplified products are loaded in to the capillaries
of DNA sequencing machine which separates and identifies the STR fragments. The results
are reviewed, calculated and finally report is prepared.
DNA can be extracted from:
• Blood/semen/saliva and their stains on any surface.
• Organs and tissues including soft tissues like liver, kidney, spleen, gonad, etc.
Figure 4.2: Steps involved in DNA profiling
NICFS
CHAPTER 4
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
95
• Bones and teeth
• Hair (with root)
• Nail clippings
• Hair shaft contain mt DNA
• Urine and fecal matter
• Sweat, tears, ear wax, finger print (touch DNA)
• Skin and muscle tissues
• Dandruff
• Samples of plant origin
• Microorganisms
• Vaginal cells transferred to the outside of a condom during sexual intercourse
• Tobacco spits
• Cigarette/bidi stub
• Chewing gum
• Successful STR typing has been reported from dental pulp exposed to 300°C. and for
mtDNA typing up to 500°C.
• Long bone fragment burnt at 800°C and thigh skeletal muscle at 900°C.
Table 4.1: DNA content of different types of tissues
Source: Gene Detection Systems & Reagents, 2005
NICFS
CHAPTER 4
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
96
Note: Optimum quantity required for STR analysis is 1 nano gram; however, 0.5 nano grams
can serve the purpose with improved techniques.
4.2 Application of DNA in Forensics
(a) Criminal cases
● Blood, semen, saliva, bone, hair, and other body tissues encountered in physical and
sexual assaults, murder, accident, concealment of birth.
● Identification/restoration of kidnapped/exchanged babies.
● Identification of babies born out of wedlock or sexual assault.
● Identification of mutilated bodies in mass disaster cases, when conventional method
of identification fails.
● Identification of plant materials and microbes.
● Identification of species of biological evidence material in poaching cases.
● In linking cases e.g. different rape cases–serial rapist.
● Soil microbial DNA profile represent the site of collection-proves a link between
suspects and crime scene.
(b) Civil cases
● Determination of paternity/maternity
● Inheritance cases
● Immigration cases
4.3 Documentation, Collection, Preservation, Packaging and
Forwarding of Evidence Materials for DNA Profiling:
Any DNA evidence material recovered from a scene of crime or taken from relevant donor
should be properly documented observing all legal formalities prior to collection. Improper
documentation may raise questions on the origin and authenticity of the evidence.
NICFS
CHAPTER 4
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
97
DNA profiling result obtained from evidence material depends on proper collection, preservation
and packaging, as there are chances of cross contamination and deterioration of the evidence
material. Therefore, following guidelines should be adopted for proper collection, preservation
and packaging of evidence materials.
Table 4.2: Guidelines for proper collection, preservation and packaging of evidence
materials
NICFS
CHAPTER 4
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
98
NICFS
CHAPTER 4
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
99
Source: FSL Bulletin Forensic Science Laboratory, vol. ii, no. iv, June 2008.
NICFS
CHAPTER 4
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
100
Notes:
➢ Maternity/paternity dispute cases: Blood samples of mother, child, and suspected
biological father are required.
➢ Identification of deceased/unidentified body, human remains: If available blood samples
of nearest relations such as mother, father, brother, sister, children are required along
with the unidentified remains.
➢ When collecting samples from dead body, the samples should be collected in order of
preference mentioned as under. At least two different types of samples should be
collected. Always collect samples from dead body in duplicate.
➢ Two vials of 2–5 ml. blood collected directly from heart (cardiac puncture) in EDTA
vials.
➢ In cases where no liquid blood is available, section of liver or deep skeletal red
muscles (50–100 g.) should be collected in two separate containers having normal
saline solution.
➢ Intact long bones and teeth in the following order of preference:
i. Femur
ii. Tibia
iii. Humerus
iv. Teeth (preferable molar)
v. Ribs
➢ Identification of rapist in sexual assault cases: Exhibits collected from the victim
during medical examination (garments, vaginal/anal/oral swabs, slides, etc.) along
with blood sample of the victim and suspects are required.
NICFS
CHAPTER 4
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
101
Table 4.3: Do’s and Don’ts for collection, preservation and packaging of evidence materials
for DNA profiling
References
1. FSL Bulletin Forensic Science Laboratory, Haryana, vol. II, no. IV, June 2008.
2. John M.Butler, Forensic DNA Typing Biology, Technology and Genetics of STR
Markers, London, 2005.
NICFS
CHAPTER 5
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
102
BLOODSTAIN PATTERN
Bloodstain pattern analysis is an useful forensic tool used in crime scene investigations and
has been used informally for centuries. However, the first modern study of bloodstains was
done in 1895 by Eduard Piotrowski. The study described the formation, form, direction and
spreading of bloodstains resulting in blunt trauma at the head. In 1954, Samuel Sheppard was
convicted for the brutal murder of his pregnant wife, Marilyn Reese Sheppard, at their home
in a village in Ohio. He spent almost a decade in prison. Then a retrial was ordered and he
was acquitted in 1966 based on blood spatter evidence report of Dr. Paul Kirk who was able
to establish the relative positions of the attacker and the victim when the assailant struck the
victim. The report also pointed that the assailant struck the victim with his left hand. This
case on which the movie ‘The Fugitive’s’ based is one of the earliest instances of the legal
system recognizing the importance of blood spatter analysis. Different kinds of analysis are
used on the blood at a crime scene, but care must be taken to handle it properly and to
prevent putrefaction. Photos and notes should be taken before any blood is lifted. Samples
should not be exposed to heat, moisture or bacterial contamination, because this shortens the
survival time of proteins, enzymes, antigens and DNA markers.
5.1 Bloodstain Pattern Analysis:
It is the examination of the shapes, locations and distribution patterns of bloodstains. This is
done in order to provide an interpretation of the physical events which gave rise to their
origin.
The study of bloodstain pattern to reconstruct details of activities at the scene of violent crime
has recently emerged as a recognized forensic skill.
Some of the terms used for describing and interpreting the bloodstain pattern are given below:
Angle of impact: It is the angle at which a blood droplet strikes a surface.
5
NICFS
CHAPTER 5
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
103
Arterial spurts: These are large patterns created under pressure, but with less volume and
usually more distinctive evidence of blood pressure rising and falling.
Arterial gushing: The large pattern of blood that is created when blood escapes an artery
under pressure is arterial gushing. In this the increase and decrease in blood pressure is
apparent as shown in Figure 5.1.
Figure 5.1: Bloodstain resulting from arterial gushing
Clot: A mass of blood and other contaminants caused through clotting mechanisms.
Cast-off stains: Blood that has been thrown from a secondary object (weapon or hand) onto
a target other than the impact site.
Drop Patterns: Characteristic patterns present when blood drips into standing wet blood.
Figure 5.2: Dripping pattern of blood
Expiratory blood: Blood which is spattered onto a target, as a result of breathing. This
occurs when an injury is sustained to the throat, mouth or airway.
NICFS
CHAPTER 5
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
104
Impact site: It is usually the point on the body that received the blow or applied force, from
which the blood was shed.
Origin: The point in space where the blood spatter came from.
Parent drop: The droplet from which satellite spatter originated.
Projected blood: Blood under pressure that strikes a target.
Satellite spatters: Small drops of blood that break off from the parent spatter when the parent
droplet strikes a target surface.
Shadow or Void: When some object comes in the path of blood flow/spatter and target object
remains unstained due to the presence of the object, the area which remains unstained is
called void or shadow. If the object has been removed after the incident of blood spattering/
flow, the shape of void indicates the shape of the object which obstructed the staining of
target surface.
Skeletonized stain: The pattern left when an object moves through a partially dried stain,
removing part of the blood, but leaving the outline of the stain intact.
Spatter: Bloodstains created from the application of force or energy to the area where the
blood is present.
Spines: The pointed edges of a stain that radiate out to form the spatter.
Splash: Pattern created when a volume of blood in excess of 1 ml. strikes a surface at a low
to medium velocity.
Swipe: The transfer of blood onto a target surface by a bloody object that is usually moving
laterally.
Transfer pattern: The pattern created when a wet, bloody object comes in contact with a
target surface, leaving a pattern that has the features of the object making it useful for
identifying the object.
Target: The surface where the blood ends up.
Wipe: Pattern created when a secondary target moves through an existing wet bloodstain on
some other object.
NICFS
CHAPTER 5
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
105
5.2 Basics of Formation of Bloodstain Pattern
(i) When blood leaves the body as a liquid, it follows the laws of motion and gravity.
The blood drops behave in predictable ways when they strike a surface or a force
acts upon them.
(ii) Blood begins to clot after it leaves the body (clotting can occur within 15 minutes).
Hence, if some blood spatters are found more clotted than others, it can indicate
that multiple blows or gunshots occurred over a period of time. This can help in the
reconstruction of a crime.
(iii) Blood spatters can also contain bits of tissue and bone. The type of tissue can help
to determine the location and severity of the injuries sustained.
(iv) Blood may be dripped out, sprayed from an artery, oozed out through a large
wound, or flung off a weapon raised to strike another blow. Blood trails are created,
either in the form of smears when a bleeding body is dragged (as shown in
Figure 5.3) or in droplets when it is carried. Trails are also formed when a person
is wounded and walks away leaving bloodstains along the way.
(v) The shape of the stain can illustrate the direction in which it was travelling and the
angle at which it struck the surface.
(vi) The site of origin from which a bloodshed event occurred can be determined.
Figure 5.3: Bloodstained drag marks
(vii) Breaking of a blood drop on impact with a surface is directly related to the texture
of the surface. On a smooth surface, such as glass, stain with clean edges and shapes
NICFS
CHAPTER 5
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
106
of proper proportion will be formed (as shown in Figure 5.4). A rough surface, like
concrete, will break the drop irregularly and generate a stain with irregular margin (as
in Figure 5.5).
Figure 5.4: Blood drop on smooth surface Figure 5.5: Blood drop on rough surface
(viii) Blood spurting from arteries may provide information about the location and severity
of the injury, position of the victim when the injury was inflicted and any subsequent
movement by the injured person. If the person was in motion when the blood leaked
or spurted, or if the drops flew through the air and hit an angled surface, the drops
generally look like stretched-out exclamation marks. The end of the stain that has the
smallest size blob indicates the direction in which the source was moving.
(ix) The absence of blood (void) where one would expect to find it, suggests movement
or removal of objects and changes to the scene. Cast off patterns, or drops that are
thrown off from a swinging instrument in the arc of the swing, can illustrate the
position of the assailant when swinging a knife, or a club.
(x) When a drop of blood falls vertically at a 90-degree angle, a round stain is formed.
As the angle of impact increases, the drop of blood becomes elongated and develops
a tail pointing towards the direction of travel of the drop. However, if blood falls
from a short distance (around 12 inches) the stain tends to be circular up to an angle
of 45 degree.
(xi) By measuring the length and width of the stain and dividing the width by length, the
angle at which the drop fell on the surface can be calculated.
(xii) If blood drops fall several feet straight down, the edges may become serrated, and the
farther the distance from the source to the surface, the more prominent the serrations.
NICFS
CHAPTER 5
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
107
(xiii) A height of 6 ft. or more can produce small spurts that radiate out from the main
drop. If there are many drops less than an eighth of an inch across, with no larger
drop, then it may be concluded that the blood spatter probably resulted from an
impact.
(xiv) Based on the aforesaid characteristics exhibited by the bloodshed during the commission
of crime or in accidents, the bloodstain pattern formed at the scene, on the vehicles
and on the clothing of the victims or assailants can corroborate other evidence on the
basis of which investigators can seek additional clues.
(xv) Bloodstain patterns help the investigators to understand the positions and the
means by which the victim and suspect moved, interacted, and struggled through
the crime scene. With an understanding of what and how things occurred, investigators
can focus on finding fingerprints, footprints, hair, fibers and other forms of trace
evidence. Hence, gaining insight from bloodstain patterns can strengthen interrogation
strategies and provide a clear visual impression of the crime events during court
proceedings.
1" 2" 3" 4"
5" 6" 7"
Figure 5.6: Blood drops falling perpendicularly on the surface. Size of the drop increases with
the increasing height. Secondary spatters originating from the primary one with the increasing
height.
NICFS
CHAPTER 5
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
108
5.2.1 Information Revealed by Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
The bloodstain pattern interpretation is a discipline which utilizes the sciences of biology,
physics, and mathematics. The interpretation of bloodstain pattern can be done by direct
evaluation of scene and/or careful study of crime scene photographs in conjunction with
detailed examination of clothing, weapon, and other physical evidence. The proper interpretation
of bloodstain evidence is crucial where the manner of death is questioned and the issue of
homicide, suicide, accident, or natural death is to be resolved in a criminal investigation.
Relative to the reconstruction of a crime scene, bloodstain interpretation may provide information
to the investigator in many areas:
(i) Origin(s) of the bloodstains.
(ii) Distances between impact areas of blood spatter and origin at time of bloodshed.
(iii) Type and direction of impact that produced bloodstain or spatter.
(iv) Type of injuries or wounds.
(v) Which injuries or wounds were inflicted first?
(vi) Object(s) that produced particular bloodstain pattern.
(vii) Number of blows, shots, etc., that occurred.
(viii) Handedness of assailant (right handed/left handed).
(ix) Position of victim, assailant, or objects at the scene during bloodshed.
(x) Evidence of struggle at crime scene.
(xi) Movement and direction of victim, assailant or objects at scene after bloodshed.
(xii) Whether the victim was in motion or lying still when the injury was inflicted.
(xiii) Whether the victim was moved after the injury was inflicted.
(xiv) How long ago the crime was committed?
(xv) Whether death was immediate or delayed.
(xvi) Support or contradiction of statements given by suspects or witnesses.
NICFS
CHAPTER 5
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
109
5.2.2 Types of Bloodstain Patterns:
(i) Passive bloodstains: Drops created or formed by the force of gravity acting alone.
(ii) Transfer bloodstain: This is created when a wet, bloody surface comes in contact
with a secondary surface. A recognizable image of all or a portion of the original
surface may be observed in the pattern, as in the case of a bloody hand or footwear.
(iii) Projected bloodstains: These are created when an exposed blood source is subjected
to an action or force, greater than the force of gravity. The size, shape, and number
of resulting stains will depend, primarily, on the amount of force utilized to strike the
blood source.
Passive bloodstain Transferred bloodstain Projected bloodstain
Figure 5.7: Types of bloodstain patterns
5.2.3 Classification of Bloodstain Spatter by Velocity
There are three basic categories of stain groups based on the idea of the size of the bloodstain
compared with the amount of force propelling that bloodstain.
(i) Low-Velocity Impact Blood Spatter: Low-velocity is considered to be a force or
energy equivalent to normal gravitational pull up to a force or energy of 5 ft. /s
(5 ft. per second). The resulting stain is relatively large, usually 4 mm. in diameter or
greater. Free-falling drops of blood affected only by gravity.
(ii) Medium-Velocity Impact Spatter: Medium-velocity is considered when a source of
blood is subjected to a force from 5 to 25 ft. per second. The resulting stains range
from 1 to 4 mm. in diameter. These type of stains are usually associated with beating
or stabbing.
NICFS
CHAPTER 5
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
110
(iii) High-Velocity Impact Spatter: High-velocity bloodstains are created when the source
of blood is subjected to a force with a velocity greater than 100 ft. per second. The
resulting stain is predominantly less than 1 mm. in diameter although smaller and
larger stains may be observed. These types of stains are usually associated with
gunshot injuries.
5.2.4 Determination of the Direction
(i) When a droplet of blood strikes a surface perpendicularly (90 degrees), the resulting
bloodstain will be circular and thus, the length and width of the stain will be equal.
(ii) Experimentally, it is easily demonstrated that freely-falling drops of blood with typical
volume of 0.5 ml. will produce bloodstains of increasing diameters when allowed to
drop from increasing increments of height up to 6 inches onto smooth, hard cardboard.
After 6 inches there is no appreciable increase in diameter.
(iii) However, when blood strikes a surface at an angle less than 90 degrees the stain will
be elongated or have a teardrop shape. For instance, the teardrop shaped stains with
pointed end always points in the direction of travel.
Figure 5.8: Blood drops determining the direction
5.2.5 Determination of the Point or Area of Convergence or the Point or Area
of Origin
(i) Once the direction of a group of stains has been determined, it is possible to
determine a two dimensional point or area for the group of stains.
NICFS
CHAPTER 5
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
111
(ii) By drawing a line through the long axis of a group of bloodstains the point of
convergence can be determined. Where the lines of the group of stains intersect one
another, the convergence point can be established.
Figure 5.9: Point of convergence
Courtesy: Prashant Kalikotay (student, LNJN NICFS), Delhi
Point of
Convergence
Since bloodstain pattern cannot be carried to the laboratory, so care in documenting the scene is of
utmost importance. Photographs and detailed sketches drawn to scale are invaluable part of the
forensic report. Services of forensic expert, well trained in bloodstain pattern analysis may be utilized
for scientific interpretation of stains in the context of the crime.
References
1. A.K. Bapuly, Forensic Science: Its Application in Crime Investigation, Hyderabad, 2006.
2. Anita Y. Wonder, Bloodstain Pattern Evidence: Objective Approaches and Case
Applications, U.K., 2007.
3. Jay A. Seigel, Max M. Houck, Fundamentals of Forensic Science, U.K., 2010.
4. Stuart H. James, William G Eckert, Interpretation of Bloodstain Evidence at Crime
Scene, Washington D.C., 1999.
5. Photographs Courtsey: A.K. Bapuly, FSL, Odisha.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
112
POISONING
Poisons are frequently involved in homicidal, accidental or suicidal deaths. They are sometimes
used to destroy animals and plants. The detection of poisons and their identification is an
important aspect of forensic science. The investigation of cases of poisoning is one of the
most difficult tasks. The quantity of a poison required to kill victim is extremely small in
some cases. The problem aggravates when most of the poisons are easily available. They are
given in secrecy after winning the confidence of the victim and easily administered through
food and drinks. Their symptoms may correspond to some illness.
The common poisons are generally categorised as follows:
1. Animal poison
2. Plant poison
3. Volatile poison
4. Non-volatile poison
5. Pesticides
6. Drugs/Medicines
6.1 Sections of Law
Section 302 IPC:
Punishment for murder-whoever commits murder shall be punished with death, or imprisonment
for life, and shall also be liable to fine.
Section 304B IPC:
Where the death of a woman is caused by any burns or bodily injury or occurs otherwise than
under normal circumstances within seven years of her marriage and it is shown that soon
6
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
113
before her death she was subjected to cruelty or harassment by her husband or any relative of
her husband for, or in connection with, any demand for dowry, such death shall be called
‘dowry death’, and such husband or relative shall be deemed to have caused her death.
Section 174 CrPC:
Police to enquire and report on suicide, etc.
1. the report shall be signed by such police officer and other persons, or by so many
of them as concur therein, and shall be forthwith forwarded to the District Magistrate
or the Sub-divisional Magistrate.
2. When
(i) the case involves suicide by a woman within seven years of her marriage; or
(ii) the case relates to the death of a woman within seven years of her marriage in any
circumstances raising a reasonable suspicion that some other person committed an
offence in relation to such woman; or
(iii) the case relates to the death of a woman within seven years of her marriage and any
relative of the woman has made a request in this behalf; or
(iv) there is any doubt regarding the cause of death; or
(v) the police officer for any other reason considers it expedient so to do, he shall,
subject to such rules as the State Government may prescribe on this behalf, forward
the body, with a view to its being examined, to the nearest civil surgeon, or other
qualified medical man appointed on this behalf by the State Government, if the state
of the weather and the distance admit of its being so forwarded without risk of such
putrefaction on the road as would render such examination useless.
3. The following magistrates are empowered to hold inquests, namely, any District
Magistrate or Sub-Divisional Magistrate and any other Executive Magistrate specially
empowered on this behalf by the State Government or the District Magistrate.
Section 176 CrPC:
Inquiry by Magistrate into cause of death.
1. The Magistrate holding such an inquiry shall record the evidence taken by him in
connection therewith in any manner hereinafter prescribed according to the
circumstances of the case.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
114
2. Whenever such Magistrate considers it expedient to make an examination of the dead
body of any person who has been already interred, in order to discover the cause of
his death, the Magistrate may cause the body to be disinterred and examined.
3. Where an inquiry is to be held under this section, the Magistrate shall, wherever
practicable, inform the relatives of the deceased whose names and addresses are
known, and shall allow them to remain present at the inquiry. Explanation: In this
section, expression ‘relative’ means parents, children, brothers, sisters and spouse.
Section 327 IPC:
Voluntarily causing hurt to extort property, or to constrain to an illegal act. Whoever voluntarily
causes hurt, for the purpose of extorting from the sufferer, or from any person interested in
the sufferer, any property or valuable security, or of constraining the sufferer or any person
interested in such suf-ferer to do anything which is illegal or which may facilitate the
commission of an offence, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a
term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Section 323 IPC:
Punishment for voluntarily causing hurt—whoever, except in the case provided for by section
334, voluntarily causes hurt, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a
term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees,
or with both.
Section 284 IPC lays down the punishment for careless handling of poisonous substances,
while sections 299, 302, 304A, 306, 307, 309, 324, 326, 328, and 489 A deal with offences
relating to administration of such substances. Possession, sale and control of poisons are
governed by the poisons Act 1919, the Drugs Act 1940, the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act
1954, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985, and the Pharmacy Act 1948
6.2 List of Equipments Required
Crime Scene Kit
(i) Clipboards
(ii) Crime scene cards
(iii) Graph papers
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
115
(iv) Pencils, erasers
(v) Straight-edge ruler
(vi) Measuring tape (100 ft)
(vii) Steel tape (12ft)
(viii) Magnetic compass
(ix) Digital camera
(x) Polythene bag
(xi) Cordoning tape
Figure 6.1: Crime Scene Kit
6.3 Constituting the Team for Handling the Crime Scene
Make list of persons to be associated with:
(i) Protection of scene
(ii) Searching the scene
(iii) Identification and collection of evidence (fingerprint expert, forensic expert)
(iv) Measuring and sketching the crime scene
(v) Photography of crime scene
(vi) Information gathering
(vii) Evidence custodian
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
116
6.4 Crime Scene Investigation
For effective crime scene investigation adopt the following steps:
6.4.1 Protection of Crime Scene
The crime scene must be protected from entry by unauthorized persons so that physical
evidence materials are not altered, moved, destroyed, lost or contaminated. Investigator should
adopt the following steps for the protection of crime scene:
(i) Safeguard the location as quickly and as effectively as possible.
(ii) The scene of crime area should be photographed at the earliest before shifting of the
injured/deceased.
(iii) If injured body shows any sign of life, provide immediate medical help and transport
the body to the hospital, taking caution so as to disturb the scene to the minimum
extent.
(iv) All unauthorized persons (relatives, friends, onlookers, photographers, etc.) should be
excluded from the scene.
(v) Officer-in-charge of the case should determine when, why and who should enter the
scene.
(vi) Police officer should not leave the scene unguarded.
(vii) The witnesses, suspects and informant should be detained for further details.
(viii) Crime scene should not get altered; it should be barricaded, enclosing a larger area
then smaller one so that no clues are left out.
(ix) Officer should not introduce any material, like cigarette butts/ash, foot or footwear
marks, fingerprints, etc.
(x) During examination, the original condition of doors, windows, staircase, lighting,
routes of entry/exit should be preserved.
(xi) Officer should not use bathroom, wash basin, lavatory, towel, telephone, etc., at the
scene.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
117
(xii) Nothing should be picked up, touched, changed or altered until it has been described
in a notebook, its location shown in a sketch and photographs taken.
(xiii) Scene should not be cleaned till thoroughly examined.
6.4.2 Photography of the Crime Scene
The crime scene should be properly photographed as the photographs of the crime scene are
extremely important. Proper photographs of the scene bring the scene in the court room as it
is rare for judges, lawyers, etc., to visit the crime scene. Sometimes, eyes may not observe
certain facts, the camera will photograph and make permanent record of them which is
available to the investigating officer at later stages also.
6.4.3 Sketching of Crime Scene
It is important to draw sketches of the crime scene by the expert as sketches are helpful in
depicting the scene of occurrence, provide an ideal presentation of scene in combination with
photographs as they indicate inter-distances between relevant objects and indicate relevant
evidence only. Marking the directions on the sketch should be done compulsorily.
6.4.4 Crime Scene Search
The crime scene should be searched thoroughly and carefully. Search techniques and planning
varies from one scene to another. The most practical method is to begin the search at the
point where the body is first discovered and extend the search in an outward direction until
entire room or location has been covered. Search should begin with locating the latent
fingerprints before any item is touched or moved. The investigator should direct the fingerprint
expert indicating the areas to be examined. All visible details should be observed and described
before dusting anything for latent fingerprint.
6.5 Classification of Poisons
Classification of poison can be done in many ways. The following classification is based on
their action on the body.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
118
Figure 6.2: Classification of poisons based on their action on the body
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
119
6.6 Information to be Obtained while Investigating a Case of
Poisoning
(i) Was the deceased in good health before the incident?
(ii) If not, what was he suffering from?
(iii) What medicine was he taking?
(iv) What were the first symptoms and signs?
(a) Was he thirsty?
(b) Did he faint?
(c) Did he complain of headache or giddiness?
(d) Did he appear to have lost the use of his limbs?
(e) Did he sleep heavily?
(f) Was he at any time insensible?
(g) Did convulsions occur?
(h) Did he complain of particular taste in mouth?
(i) Did he notice any peculiar taste in his food/drink?
(j) Did he complain of burning/tingling in the mouth and throat or of numbness
and tingling in the limbs?
(k) Was there any vomiting?
(l) Was there loose motions?
(m) Was there any stomach pain?
(n) Mention any other symptoms?
(o) Had he ever suffered previously from similar attack?
(v) How many other persons took the meal or food or drink by which the deceased is
supposed to have been poisoned?
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
120
(vi) How many were affected and in which way?
(vii) Did the deceased move from the place where the first symptoms were noticed and,
if so, how far?
(viii) Did the deceased vomit before death?
6.7 Factors Affecting the Effect of Poisons
1. Dose
2. Form of poison
3. Hypersensitivity
4. Allergy
5. Shock
6. Synergism
7. Incompatible combination
8. Tolerance
9. Cumulative action
10. Mode of administration
11. Health and age of person
6.8 Examination of the Body of the Victim
In case victim is alive
1. The IO must take the victim/victims to the nearby hospital in emergency
without any delay.
2. The clothes of the victim should be searched for any suspicious poisonous
material.
3. Clinical History: Clinical history is of great importance.
(a) Was there any sign of abdominal or colic pain?
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
121
(b) Vomiting or diarrhea?
(c) Any disease related to the central nervous system like paralysis/tremors/
convulsions/seizures?
4. Clinical Signs: Important clinical signs which point to poisoning are:
(a) Blood pressure-Abnormally high or low
(b) High heart rate
(c) Ocular signs-Disturbed vision
(d) Any ear disorder (like buzzing in ear)
(e) Oral signs (like burns, dry mouth)
(f) High breathing rate
(g) Cutaneous signs (like blisters, etc.)
(h) Abnormal temperature of the body
(i) Colour of the stool/urine
(j) Froth coming from mouth
(k) Stain of blood in natural orifices
(l) Any disagreeable smell
Evidences to be Collected in Non-Fatal Poisoning Cases:
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
122
Caution: Do not handle anything bare handed as it can result in destruction of latent
finger prints
(i) Food, medicine, drink and container from which the poison was administered.
(ii) Wrappers, vials, syringes and liquor bottles.
(iii) Any edible item lying.
(iv) Clothes of the victim.
(v) Urine-24 hour specimen collected in a clean bottle.
(vi) Blood-10-15ml. collected by doctor (to be collected by the physician).
(vii) Vomit and stomach washings (first aspirate) should be sent in cases where the poison
is taken by mouth. Faeces (in case of suspected metallic poison).
(viii) Hair and nail clippings for NAA (Neutron Activation Analysis) in suspected case of
chronic poisoning.
(ix) Suspected contaminated food material available at the scene of crime.
In case victim is dead
1. The IO must take the victim/victims to the nearest hospital without any delay
for medico-legal examination.
2. Diagnosis of poisoning of the deceased is done mainly by the following:
2.1 Clinical history:
a. Full clinical history (if any) should be taken from relative or people
present with the victim at the time of incidence.
b. Record should be made of the drugs, medications to which the deceased
had access.
c. Empty bottles, foils of drugs should be searched and collected from the
scene of crime.
2.2 Then the body should be sent for post-mortem examination.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
123
Evidences to be Collected in Fatal Poisoning Cases:
(i) A thorough examination for suicide note.
(ii) Look for any empty wrapper/container/bottle containing the remnants of poison.
(iii) Any vomit or vomit stained clothes should be packed without drying in air tight
container without delay.
(iv) Vomit stained soil should be collected with control soil sample separately in a plastic
jar.
(v) Any syringe/needle found, should be collected in a polythene bag.
Figure 6.3: Tools used by the addicts for injecting the poison and drug
(vi) Clothes of the victim.
(vii) Any edible item, liquor bottles/soft drink or water bottles, glass tumblers, etc.
(viii) Visceral organs/fluids to be collected by doctor as under:
(a) The stomach and its contents
(b) A loop of small intestine and its contents
(c) Liver- atleast one pound
(d) Kidneys- atleast one
(e) Spleen
(f) Brain, in case of suspected poisoning by drugs
(g) Lungs, in case of suspected poisoning by inhalation
(h) Blood- all available in the heart
(i) All the urine present in the bladder
(j) Sample of preservative used for preserving visceral organs
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
124
Figure 6.4: Packaging and labelling of evidences after post-mortem by medical officer
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
125
Separate viscera bottles with proper labelling should be sent for chemical examination as
under:
Bottle no. 1: Stomach contents 10-20 ml in plastic or glass container without preservative.
(First aspirate)
Bottle no. 2: Whole stomach, pieces of small intestine with its contents.
Bottle no. 3: Liver, spleen, and kidney.
Bottle no. 4: Blood from heart (PM blood preferably more than 50-100ml., if available).
Bottle no. 5: All vitreous humour should be collected into tubes containing 2% sodium
fluoride preservative.
Bottle no. 6: Urine.
Bottle no. 7: Skin piece along with tissue beneath (in case of animal bite and injectable
poison).
Bottle no. 8: Sample of preservative used (preservative used should be saturated solution of
common salt and also in enough quantity. Rectified spirit should be used as
preservative in case of poisoning by acid or alkali. Blood should be preserved
in Sodium Fluoride).
Notes:
(i) The containers used should be leak-proof and airtight.
(ii) All articles should be packed separately so as to avoid any contamination.
(iii) All the packed articles should be sealed and labelled properly.
(iv) Label each article properly with the following information:
(a) Police station
(b) FIR no./IPC section
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
126
(c) Name, age and gender of deceased
(d) Number and date of post-mortem
(e) Signature of IO
(v) Copy of post-mortem report and inquest report.
(vi) Brief history of case should be taken.
6.9 Forwarding of Evidences to FSL
(i) All the exhibits to be sent to FSL for chemical examination must be properly labelled.
(ii) The forwarding letter should be signed by the competent authority and must include:
(a) A copy of FIR/DD
(b) Copy of post-mortem report
(c) Copy of police papers supplied to the doctor before postmortem
(d) Copy of any other statement given by relative/friend
(e) Dying declaration/suicide note, if any
(f) Copy of treatment, if any.
(iii) Sample of seal on lac duly attested and signed by sealing authority and bearing case
details.
Note:
(i) Adhesive tape on seal should not be used.
(ii) No coin shall be used as a seal.
Ideally a self-destructive paper seal should be used.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
127
6.10 Guidelines for Preservation of Exhibits
Table 6.1: Preservation of exhibits
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
128
6.11 Checklist on Investigation of Death due to Poisoning
1. Whether found dead or alive.
2. If alive, whether sent to hospital.
3. Dying declaration available or otherwise.
4. Who was the first to see the dead body?
5. Who and when saw living last?
6. Position of the dead body.
7. Post-mortem staining.
8. Rigor mortis present on the dead body.
9. State of decomposition.
10. Whether suspected homicide/suicide/accident.
6.12 Do’s and Don’ts for the Investigating Officers
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
129
6.13 Alcohol
The term ‘alcohol’ generally means ethyl alcohol, which is the active ingredient of various
alcoholic drinks and liquors. Denatured spirit, which is not meant for human consumption also
contains ethyl alcohol. Alcoholics often clandestinely consume this denatured spirit on account
of its cheapness and ready availability. This results in poisoning due to denaturing material
(Methyl alcohol, Pyridine, Cochacine oil, etc.) used in it.
The commonly available alcoholic drink contains ethyl alcohol as shown below:
6.13.1 Fatal Dose
The fatal dose of liquor for an ordinary adult person is about 200–500 ml. of absolute alcohol
and about 50 ml. onwards for children under the age of 12 years.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
130
6.13.2 Fatal Period
The fatal effects of alcohol may appear within 10–24 hours. However, in some cases death
may take place even after a number of days.
6.13.3 Evidence in Cases of Alcohol Intoxication
Intoxication may have to be established in cases of sudden deaths, in offences against person,
in motor vehicle accidents, and in cases where diminished responsibility is claimed as defense.
The alcohol actually present in the brain causes intoxication, as it is the ethyl alcohol which
affects the normal functions of a person. The blood alcohol is in equilibrium with that of the
brain. Therefore, blood alcohol concentration is fair index of the alcohol present in the brain.
It is the material of choice for alcohol concentration determination, though for practical
reasons, urine and saliva are also used. Breath, of course, has become the most convenient
material, to detect alcohol concentration as high precision and rapid instruments have come up
for on the spot breath alcohol analysis. Alcohol concentrations in all the body fluids at
equilibrium are co-related. The fluids containing more water will have correspondingly higher
concentration.
6.13.4 Location and Collection of Liquor/Illicit Liquor
(i) Thorough search of the premises, especially cattle sheds, unfrequented places, cow
dung heaps, ravines and jungles is necessary to locate unauthorized stills and stores.
The shadows and informers are helpful. Specially trained dogs have also been used
with success.
(ii) Collection of evidence includes the collection of the paraphernalia used in illicit
alcohol production, fingerprints and tool marks.
6.13.5 Collection of Samples
A. Blood Samples
The alcohol concentration varies in blood samples collected from various parts of the body.
These variations are minor and, hence, ignored. Usually blood from the femoral or subclavian
vessels is collected in a living person. The following precautions must be taken while collecting
blood samples:
(i) Only qualified medical person should take the samples of blood.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
131
(ii) Take two samples of blood, 10-15 ml. each. Preserve each sample with 100 mg. of
sodium fluoride.
(iii) Disinfect the skin before taking the sample with non-alcoholic disinfectant, such as
mercury chloride solution.
(iv) Use blood alcohol kits for the collection of the sample. The kit consists of:
A. Sterile disposable syringe.
B. Blood collection tubes.
C. Preservative. Usual one is sodium fluoride.
D. Mercury salts.
E. Anti-coagulants like fluoride, citrate, and oxalate.
(v) Dispatch the blood at the earliest, observing legal formalities.
(vi) Store the collected blood in a refrigerator, if it has to be stored. Blood collection kits
can be organized by the departments where such sample collection is extensive.
B. Urine Samples
(i) The urine sample is easy to collect. However, it may not give true index of blood
alcohol at the time of arrest as the urine may be accumulating for a long time in the
bladder. The difficulty is overcome by collecting the urine, which gets collected after
the arrest in about half an hour. The bladder should be emptied immediately after the
arrest. A second sample after another half an hour should suffice.
(ii) Wherever possible, collection kits on the pattern of blood collection kit should be
used. Sampling of urine from the accused must be taken under strict supervision of
doctor/IO.
6.13.6 Breath Analyzer
Breath analyzer is used to measure blood alcohol level. It serves as on the spot test. If the
result is positive, then the individual is taken into custody and a detailed analysis of his blood
and urine is done.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
132
Alcometer with printer Alcometer
Figure 6.5: Portable breath analyzer of different makes
This works on the principle that the alcohol contained in the breath is oxidized by an
oxidizing agent and produces change in its colour which is measured visually, calorimetrically
or spectrophotometrically. The change of colour is proportional to the amount of alcohol.
The Motor Vehicles Act 1988: Driving by a person under the influence of alcohol or drugswhile
driving, or attempting to drive, a motor vehicle:
(a) has, in his blood, alcohol exceeding 30 mg. per 100 ml. of blood detected in a test
by a breath analyser, or
(b) is under the influence of a drug to such an extent as to be incapable of exercising
proper control over the vehicle,
shall be punishable for the first offence with imprisonment for a term which may extend to
six months, or either fine which may extend to two thousand rupees, or with both, and for a
second or subsequent offence, if committed within three years of the commission of the
previous similar offence, with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or
with fine which may extend to Rs. 3000, or with both.
6.13.7 Likely Queries to be Asked from Forensic Expert:
In the investigation of crimes involving liquor, the following type of questions are important.
(i) Is the given sample an alcoholic drink?
(ii) Is it illicit liquor? (For Excise department)
(iii) What is the alcoholic strength of the liquor?
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
133
(iv) Were the drivers involved in an accident, under the influence of alcohol?
(v) Did the person die of alcoholic poisoning? (For medico legal expert)
(vi) Did the dead person consume alcohol before his death?
(vii) Was the person who claims diminished responsibility actually under the influence of
alcohol?
6.14 Pesticides
These compounds are used extensively in agriculture and horticulture. They are also used to
kill household bugs, flies, rodents and other pests. Pesticides can be classified as follows:
Figure 6.6: Types of pesticides
6.14.1 Organophosphorus Pesticides
Organophosphorus compounds are easily accessible and are often used to commit suicides.
Accidental poisoning may also occur especially when they are kept within the reach of
children. Farmers could get exposed without protective clothing.
1. Common Organo Phosphorus Pesticides:
(i) Malathion
(ii) Metasystox
(iii) Rogor (Dimethoate)
(iv) Dimecron
(v) Monocrotophos
(vi) Chloropyriphos
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
134
2. Route of Administration of Organo–Phosphorus Compounds
These substances are taken orally or inhaled accidentally. As they are very strong poisons,
they are being increasingly used for homicidal and suicidal purposes. They can be administered
through injection also. The accidental inhalation of the pesticides is commonly seen in the
fields while spraying the pesticides on the crops.
3. Symptoms of Organo–Phosphorus Poisoning
(i) Headache, giddiness and nausea.
(ii) Salivation and vomiting.
(iii) Diarrhoea, spasm abdominal cramps.
(iv) Mental confusion and delirium.
Figure 6.7: Common Organo Phosphorus pesticides
Monocrotophos Methylparathion
Dimethoate Chlorpyriphos
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
135
4. Post–Mortem Findings of Organo–Phosphorus Poisoning
(i) Nothing characteristic, though usual signs of asphyxial death are seen in many cases.
(ii) Kerosene like smell in stomach or in breath.
(iii) Pulmonary odema.
(vi) Congestion and sub mucosal hemorrhage.
5. Common Organo Phosphorus Pesticides
Table 6.2: Common Organo Phosphorus Pesticides
Source: V.V. Pillay, Pocketbook of Pesticide poisoning for Physician, New Delhi, 2001.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
136
6.14.2 Organochloro Pesticides
Organochloro pesticides are chlorine containing pesticides. These compounds are available as
dusting powder, wettable powder, emulsions, granules, and solutions. Some are available as
topical ointment, cream, or lotion. They are commonly encountered in deaths due to pesticide
poisoning, may be accidental, suicidal and homicidal.
1. Common Organo Chloro Pesticides
Table 6.3: Common Organo Chloro pesticides
Source: Pillay VV Pocketbook of Pesticide poisoning for Physicians, CBS Publishers,
New Delhi, 2001.
2. Route of Administration of Organochloro Compounds
(i) Oral
(ii) Inhalation
(iii) Transdermal
3. Symptoms of Organo Chloro Poisoning
(i) Nausea, vomiting, giddiness.
(ii) Headache, weakness, rapid eye movements, confusion and convulsions.
(iii) Fever, aspiration pneumonitis, renal failure.
4. Post-Mortem Findings of Organo Chloro Poisoning
(i) Signs of asphyxia with smell of kerosene in the stomach.
(ii) Petechial hemorrhages in the sub mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
137
6.14.3 Carbamates
Carbamate insecticides are used to kill or control insects. Carbamates are those pesticides
which inhibits acetyl cholinesterase. They are also used to commit suicides. They are widely
used in homes, gardens, and agriculture.
1. Common Carbamates
Table 6.4: Common Carbamates
Source: Pillay VV Pocketbook of Pesticide poisoning for Physicians 2001. CBS Publishers, New Delhi.
2. Route of Administration of Carbamates Compounds
(i) Oral
(ii) Inhalation
(iii) Transdermal
3. Symptoms of Carbamates Poisoning
(i) Headache, giddiness and nausea.
(ii) Salivation and vomiting.
(iii) Diarrhoea, spasm abdominal cramps.
(iv) Mental confusion and delirium.
4. Post–Mortem Findings of Carbamates Poisoning
(i) Nothing characteristic, though usual signs of asphyxial death is seen in many cases.
(ii) Kerosene oil like smell.
(iii) Pulmonary edema.
(iv) Face is cyanosed.
(v) Blood stained froth at nose and mouth.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
138
6.14.4 Pyrethroids
Pyrethrins are active extracts of the chrysanthemum plant. However, synthetic pyrethroids are
now easily available and these are used as insect repellants and insecticides in household
sprays, mosquito coils, and mats. They are also used to prevent pest infestation in granaries,
and in agricultural pesticides. They are sold as liquids, sprays, dusts, powders, mats, and coils.
1. Common Pyrethroids
Table 6.5: Common pyrethroids
Source: Pillay VV Pocketbook of Pesticide poisoning for Physicians 2001. CBS Publishers, New Delhi.
2. Usual Fatal Dose
Pyrethrum has LD50 of over 1g. Most cases of toxicity are actually the result of allergic
reactions.
3. Symptoms of Pyrethroid Poisoning
(i) Dermatitis, blistering.
(ii) Irritation.
(iii) Sore throat.
(iv) Nausea, vomiting, altered mental state, seizures, pulmonary edema, coma.
4. Post-Findings of Pyrethroid Poisoning
(i) Pulmonary edema.
(ii) Petechial hemorrhages in the sub mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
139
6.15 Fumigants
6.15.1 Aluminium Phosphide
Figure 6.8: Aluminium Phosphide as available in the market
(a) Nature
Aluminium phosphide (AlP) is a cheap, effective and commonly used pesticides mainly used
as a wheat grain preservative. However, unfortunately, it is now one of the most common
causes of poisoning both in rural and urban population because of its easy availability. It
liberates lethal phosphide gas when it comes in contact either with water or atmospheric
moisture or with hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
2. Mode of Administration
Oral or inhalation. This is commonly a suicidal poison and very rarely used as homicidal
poison. Aluminum Phosphide tablets are used for preserving wheat grains and sometimes,
accidentally get crushed along with the grains to make flour. Consumption of this flour results
in poisoning.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
140
3. Fatal Dose
Ingestion of 1–3 tablets (3–9 g.)
4. Fatal Period
24 hours. Range 1h–4 days
5. Symptoms
(i) Dizziness
(ii) Easy fatigability
(iii) Tightness in the chest
(iv) Headache
(v) Nausea
(vi) Vomiting
(vii) Diarrhoea
(viii) Numbness
(ix) Tremor
(x) Muscle weakness
(xi) Jaundice
(xii) Garlic-like smell from mouth
Post-Mortem Findings in Aluminium Phosphide Poisoning
(i) Garlic-like odor from mouth, nostrils and stomach contents.
(ii) Blood stained froth from mouth and nostrils.
(iii) Congestion:Lower part of esophagus, stomach, duodenum, intestines, all internal
organs.
(iv) Sloughing (burning) of stomach and oral cavity.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
141
6.15.2 Zinc Phosphide
Figure 6.9: Zinc Phosphide as available in the market
1. Nature
It is fine black powder commonly used as rat poison. Poisoning by zinc phosphide has
increased tremendously. Being a fine powder it adheres to the mucous membrane of the
stomach and is not completely eliminated through vomiting. Death may ensure from the
liberation of phosphine from the adhered material.
2. Mode of Administration
Zinc phosphide is taken orally, this is generally a suicidal poison.
3. Fatal Dose
4–5 g.
4. Fatal Period
1–2 days
5. Symptoms
(i) Vomiting
(ii) Garlic or rotten fish odor in breath
(with no recent history of eating either of these foods)
(iii) Rapid and/or difficult breathing
(iv) Blood in vomit
(v) Depression
(vi) Weakness
(vii) Convulsions/seizure
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
142
6. Post-Mortem Findings in Zinc Phosphide Poisoning
(i) Garlic like odour from mouth, nostrils and stomach contents.
(ii) Blood stained froth from mouth and nostrils.
(iii) Congestion: Lower part of esophagus, stomach, duodenum, intestines, all internal
organs.
6.16 Poisonous Gases
These poisons are present in the gaseous state and if inhaled, destroy the capability of the
blood as a carrier of oxygen and irritate or destroy the tissues of the air passages and lungs.
When in contact with the skin and mucous membrane, gaseous poison produces lacrimation,
vesication, inflammation, and congestion. These gases are commonly encountered in dead
wells due to rottening of the vegetative material.
Table 6.6: Common poisonous gases
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
143
6.16.1 Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas. It spreads freely in air and is insoluble in
water.
1. Mode of Administration
Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide poisoning generally occurs
when the person is asleep in a closed room in which a coal angithi is burning. Carbon
monoxide is absorbed in the blood through the lungs and forms carboxy haemoglobin and
thus the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood results in death.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is also caused by inhaling combustion fumes and automobile
exhaust. When there’s too much carbon monoxide in the air, your body replaces the oxygen
in the haemoglobin of your red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This keeps life-sustaining
oxygen from reaching your tissues and organs.
2. Symptoms
Figure 6.10: Change of skin colour in carbon monoxide poisoning
(i) Headache
(ii) Dizziness
(iii) Nausea
(iv) Flu-like symptoms, fatigue
(v) Chest pain
(vi) Impaired judgment
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
144
(vii) Shortness of breath on exertion
(viii) Impaired judgment
(ix) Chest pain
(x) Confusion
(xi) Depression
(xii) Pink discolouration of skin
(xiii) Vomiting
(xiv) Abdominal
(xv) Drowsiness
(xvi) Visual changes
(xvii) Seizure
(xviii) Memory problems
(xix) Walking problems
(xx) Hallucinations
(xxi) Agitation
3. Various Appliances Fueled by Wood or Gas Produce Carbon Monoxide Including:
(i) Fuel burning space
(ii) Furnaces
(iii) Charcoal grills
(iv) Cooking ranges
(v) Water heaters
(vi) Fireplaces
(vii) Portable generators
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
145
(viii) Fireplaces
(ix) Portable generators
(x) Wood burning stoves
(xi) Car and truck engines
Normally the amount of carbon monoxide produced by these sources is not the cause of
concern. But if appliances are kept in good working order or if they are used in a closed or
partially closed space such as using a charcoal grill indoors or running car in a closed garage,
the carbon monoxide can build-up to dangerous levels. Smoke inhalation during fire can also
cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
6.17 Plant Poisons
Figure 6.11: Commonly available poisonous plants
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
146
6.17.1 Rati (Abrus precatorious)
1. Nature
Figure 6.12: Rati (Abrus) seeds
Rati is best known for its seeds which are used as beads and in percussion instruments and
which are toxic due to the presence of Abrin, a thermo labile toxalbumin. The seeds are
generally red coloured with a black spot at one end.
2. Mode of Administration
Rati is administrated in the following ways:
(i) Extract injected is placed in the wound
(ii) Powder formed into a ‘Sui’ and injected in the body
3. Fatal Dose
The fatal dose is extract from 0.1–-0.15 g. of seeds (by injection).
4. Fatal Period
The fatal period is 3–5 days. The shortest is 24 hours.
5. Symptoms
(i) Loss of appetite
(ii) Odema
(iii) Inflammation
(iv) Death
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
147
6. Post-Mortem Findings of Rati
The mucous membrane of the stomach and the intestine is highly congested with numerous
hemorrhagic patches on its surface as well as in the interior of the lungs, such as the lungs,
liver and spleen.
6.17.2 Dhatura (Datura Fastuasa)
Figure 6.13: Dhatura flower and fruit
(i) Dhatura (Datura fastuasa) exists in many varieties. It grows in the wild. It is also
known as thorn apple. All parts of dhatura are poisonous but seeds and fruits are
especially so. The active principles are hyocyanine and hyoscine (Scopolamine).
Traces of atropine are also found.
(ii) There are about 400–500 seeds in each fruit (Thorn Apple).
Figure 6.14: Dhatura fruit
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
148
1. Use/Abuse of Dhatura
(i) Dhatura is used in ayurveda system of medicine. It is misused as abortifacient. It is
mixed in liquors to enhance the intoxication effect.
(ii) The criminals often use it to stupefy persons to rob them.
(iii) To stupefy children to kidnap them.
2. Route of Administration of Dhatura
Dhatura is administered in the following ways:
(i) Seeds and leaves are mixed with tobacco and given as smoke.
(ii) The powdered seeds are mixed in sweetmeats (given as prasad) and in food and
given to the victims.
(iii) Aqueous extracts of plants especially of the seeds, are mixed with liquor and given
to the victim as a drink.
3. Symptom of Dhatura
(i) Bitter taste, difficulty in speech, excessive thirst, dryness of mouth and throat.
(ii) Burning pain in stomach.
(iii) Dilated pupils, flushed face.
(iv) High temperature.
(v) Delirium, restlessness, confusion, hallucination, giddiness.
(vi) Coma.
4. Fatal Dose of Dhatura
Usually non-fatal, but excessive dose: 100–125 seeds (60 mg. of Dhaturine) can prove fatal.
Corresponding dose of Dhaturine for children is about 4 mg.
5. Fatal Period of Dhatura
About 24 hours though often dhatura poisoning is not fatal.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
149
6. Post-Mortem Findings of Dhatura
There is nothing characteristic. Seed may be found in viscera, gastrointestinal track may be
congested and asphyxial signs are often present.
6.17.3 Oleander (Kaner)
Figure 6.15: Oleander (Kaner) flowers
1. Nature
Oleander is grown in gardens and on roadsides for the beauty of its flowers. It has two
varieties:
(i) White oleander
(ii) Yellow oleander
All parts of plants are highly poisonous. The active substances are ‘Nerin’ in case of white
oleander and ‘Cerberin’ and ‘Thevetin’ in yellow oleander. The plant parts are used as suicidal
and homicidal poisons.
2. Mode of Administration
Oleander poisoning is often accidental when it is used as a medicine to secure abortion. It is
also used as suicidal poisons.
Oleander is administered as pills. It is mixed with food materials, sweets, soft drinks and
liquors. Or it is administered in the form of decoctions of its roots and leaves.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
150
3. Fatal Dose
White oleander–15 g. roots (extract)
Yellow oleander–8–10 seeds
4. Fatal Period
24 Hours
5. Symptoms
(i) Burning sensation in the mouth and throat, frothy saliva.
(ii) Vomiting and diarrhoea with abdominal pain.
(iii) Dizziness, lock jawing, death and fainting.
6. Post-Mortem Findings
There is no specific characteristics. However, seed or leaf fragment may be found even in
putrefied bodies. Gastrointestinal tract may be congested.
6.18 Animal Poisons
The snakes, scorpions, flies, insects are poisonous. The most important from the fatal poison
point of view is the snake. There are about 2500 species of snakes in the world, of which,
only about 50 of them are dangerous. Some of them, e.g. cobra, krait and viper are very
poisonous.
1. Snake Venom
Fangs
Figure 6.16: Poisonous Non poisonous
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
151
These two fangs are used for piercing in the body of the enemy.
(i) Snake venom is a clear transparent liquid. It is toxic even in the dry state. Snake
venom contains a number of poisonous materials, including neurotoxins, haemotoxins,
cardio-toxins, which affect the body and its parts in different ways.
(ii) They have usually the following toxic effects:
a. Neurotoxic effect: The venom affects the nervous system. The person feels
weak, giddy, and lethargic. The weakness slowly changes into paralysis.
b. Hemotoxic effect: The blood does not clot. The wound continues to bleed. The
lysine present in some venom is responsible to break down the protein, fibrinogen,
responsible for coagulation.
(iii) Snake venom is dangerous when injected into the blood stream. The snake venom
through mouth is harmful only when there is injury/ulcer in the mouth/stomach.
2. Administration of Snake Venom
(i) Snake venom is rarely used for criminal purposes, though there are reported cases
where animals were poisoned by snake venom. It was administered through the
vagina or rectum. Alternatively, snake may be made to bite an animal. However, in
some homicidal cases, where the death is alleged to be from snakebite, presence of
snake venom may have to be checked.
(ii) Deaths from accidental snake bites are frequent in warm and moist climates.
3. Fatal Dose
Table 6.7: Fatal doses
4. Fatal Period
Death occurs from anywhere between 20 minutes–6 hours after a bite from colubrine snake
and in 2–4 days after a bite from viperine snake. However, the death may occur instantaneously
or within a few minutes if the venom is injected into the vein.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
152
5. Symptoms of Snake Bite
The exact nature of the symptoms varies with the type of snake and the site of the bite but
the general symptoms of the snake venom poisoning are:
(i) Burning pain.
(ii) Swelling and inflammation at the site of bite.
(iii) Giddiness, nausea and vomiting.
(iv) Lethargy, muscular weakness, spreading paralysis.
(v) Bite from a Krait may cause severe pain the abdomen and convulsion before death.
(vi) Difficulty in breathing, swallowing, respiratory failure.
6. Evidence Collection in Case of Snake Bite
In cases of snake/scorpion bites, skin piece at the site of bite and the venous blood sample
should invariably be sent for chemical analysis. Viscera are not the proper sample for this.
7. At the Crime Scene in Case of Snake Bite
(i) Reassure the victim.
(ii) Do not tamper with the bite wound in any way.
(iii) Immobilize the bitten limb using a splint.
(iv) Immediate transport to hospital.
(v) Snake should also be taken to hospital if it has already been killed for recognition.
8. Post-Mortem Findings in Cases of Snake Bite
(i) There is a good deal of swelling and cellulitis about the bitten part and hemorrhage
at the punctured as well as the mucous membranes of the body orifices.
(ii) The areolar tissue around the punctures is purple and infiltrated.
(iii) The blood is extremely fluid and purple in colour.
(iv) Solid clots may occur in the vein due to fibrin ferment.
(v) Petechial hemorrhages and intense congestion in different organs are seen.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
153
6.19 Dog Bite Cases
In cases of dog bites, brain samples of the deceased should be sent for analysis to The
Haffkine Institute, Mumbai.
Collection of Samples for Diagnosis of Rabies Antigen in Humans
1. Patient History: Physicians should provide a complete history of the patient and appropriately
fill the clinical proforma of the Haffkine Institute stating the details of the patient.
2. Sample Packaging and Transport
(i) All samples should be considered potentially infectious.
(ii) All specimens should be collected in a primary container that is watertight and leakproof
and must be securely sealed (tape around the cap will ensure that the containers
do not open during transit). If immediate transport is not possible, samples should be
stored frozen at -20°C or below.
(iii) The primary container should be put in a secondary container such as zip-lock plastic
bag with an insulating material between primary and secondary containers.
(iv) The secondary container should be put into a rigid outer packaging box during
transport.
(v) Please ensure maintenance of cold chain (2–8°C) while the sample is being transported.
3. Sample Collection (Ante-Mortem Diagnosis)
a. Saliva
Saliva may be collected using a sterile eyedropper pipette and placed in a small sterile
container which can be sealed securely. No preservatives or additional material should be
added. Tracheal aspirates and sputum are not suitable for rabies tests. Laboratory tests to be
performed: Detection of rabies RNA by Nested Reverse transcriptase Polymerase Chain
Reaction- RT PCR.
b. Corneal Impression Smears
Impressions of the cornea of the left and the right eye may be taken on a clean grease free
slide. Allow the smear to dry. Transport the slides in a closed container.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
154
Laboratory tests to be performed: Detection of rabies antigen by direct Fluorescent Antibody
Test for staining for viral antigen in frozen sections of the biopsy.
c. Nuchal Biopsy
(i) A section of skin 5–6 mm. in diameter should be taken from the posterior region of
the neck at the hairline.
(ii) The biopsy specimen should contain a minimum of 10 hair follicles and be of
sufficient depth to include the cutaneous nerves at the base of the follicle.
(iii) Place the specimen on a piece of sterile gauze moistened with sterile water and place
in a sealed container. Laboratory tests to be performed: Detection of rabies RNA by
Nested Reverse transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction- RT PCR and direct
Fluorescent Antibody Test for staining for viral antigen in frozen sections of the
biopsy.
d. Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF)
At least 0.5 ml. of serum or CSF should be collected; no preservatives should be added.
Laboratory test to be performed: Detection of rabies RNA by Nested Reverse transcriptase
Polymerase Chain Reaction-RT PCR.
N.B.: For ante-mortem diagnosis, a negative test does not rule out Rabies Virus infection.
e. Sample Collection (Post-Mortem Diagnosis)
Brain Biopsy
Portions of the medulla (brain stem), the cerebellum, and the hippocampus are recommended
for diagnosis. The biopsy may be placed in a sterile sealed container containing 50 per cent
glycerol saline. Preservation of tissues by fixation in formalin is not recommended if rabies
diagnosis is desired. Laboratory tests to be performed: Detection of rabies RNA by Nested
Reverse transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction- RT PCR and direct Fluorescent Antibody
Test for staining for viral antigen in frozen sections of the biopsy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
155
Source: Haffkine Institute, Mumbai
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
156
6.20 Food Poisoning
Food poisoning, also called foodborne illness, is illness caused by eating contaminated food.
Infectious organisms including bacteria, viruses and parasites or their toxins are the most
common causes of food poisoning.
Infectious organisms or their toxins can contaminate food at any point of processing or
production. Contamination can also occur at home if food is incorrectly handled or cooked.
Food poisoning symptoms, which can start within hours of eating contaminated food, often
include nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. Most often, food poisoning is mild and resolves
without treatment.
Contamination of food can happen at any point during its production: growing, harvesting,
processing, storing, shipping or preparing. Cross-contamination, i.e. transfer of harmful organisms
from one surface to another, is often the cause. Many bacterial, viral or parasitic agents cause
food poisoning. Table 6.7 shows the details of some of the possible contaminants, when one
may start to feel symptoms and common ways the organism is spread.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
157
Table 6.7: Possible contaminants, when you might start to feel symptoms and common ways
the organism is spread.
Evidence Collection in Food Poisoning Cases
In food poisoning cases (i.e. bacterial poisoning), food materials and only
stomach wash of the deceased should be sent for chemical analysis as viscera
is not the proper sample for the same. Sample should be sent to state
bacteriologist.
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
158
6.21 Seizure List
(i) Prepare list of evidence material collected from the scene.
(ii) List should be signed by two public witnesses giving their full details including
permanent and temporary address.
(iii) The packets/parcels containing evidence material should be labelled giving description
of its contents (exhibits), case reference and should be signed by the IO.
(iv) Forwarding memo should be filled up giving brief history of the case, details of the
parcels and their contents, nature of examination required and certificate authorizing
the Director, Forensic Science Laboratory for examination of the exhibits.
(v) Visceral material provided by doctor after post-mortem and exhibits collected from
scene of crime should be sent collectively to FSL.
6.22 End of Search
Before leaving the crime scene, the IO should ensure that:
(i) The crime scene has been photographed properly.
(ii) The crime scene search has been done thoroughly.
(iii) All evidence collected at crime scene are properly packed, labelled and sealed.
(iv) All memos are duly filled in and all other formalities in respect of procedures
mandated by the law are complete.
6.23 Scrutiny of Evidence Collected From Crime Scene
A thorough scrutiny of the evidence collected from a crime scene provides highly relevant and
useful information for the purpose of investigation including crucial information about:
NICFS
CHAPTER 6
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
159
i. Victim-identity of victim, age of victim.
ii. Accused-identity of accused, information about other accused involved.
iii. Crime-items and/or description of items used for commission of crime, modus operandi.
6.24 Likely Queries to be Raised
From Forensic expert:
The IO should aim at finding answers to the following questions with the cooperation
of the concerned persons:
(i) Is any poison(s) present in the exhibit?
(ii) What was the nature of the poison?
Medico-legal expert:
(i) Are there any needle marks present on the dead body? If yes, the skin including
the tissue sample must be collected from the site of needle mark as well as
control skin sample for chemical analysis.
(ii) What was the cause of death?
References
1. A.K. Bapuly, Forensic Science: Its Application in Crime Investigation, Hyderabad,
2006.
2. Anil Aggarwal, Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 2014.
3. Anil Aggarwal, Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 2014.
4. B.R. Sharma, Forensic Science in Criminal Investigation and Trials, 2012.
5. Dr (Mrs) Rukmani Krishnamurthy, Introduction to Forensic Science in Crime
Investigation, 2011.
6. Jaiswal AK, Millo Tabin, Handbook of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, 2014.
7. Kannan K justice, Mathiharan Karunalaran,Modi: A Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence
and Toxicology, 2013.
8. Kaye Sidney, Handbook of Emergency Toxicology, 1961.
9. Laboratory Procedure Manual, Forensic Toxicology, Directorate of Forensic science,
Delhi, 2005.
NICFS
CHAPTER 7
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
160
HOOCH POISONING
‘Hooch’ is a term used for spurious alcoholic preparations. Consumption of such liquor
preparations (also called ‘Laththa’) is harmful or fatal. Cases of ‘hooch’ poisoning are fairly
common and have been reported from time to time in different parts of India. Outbreak of
‘hooch’ tragedies especially in the villages or slum areas are recorded because the spurious
liquors are inexpensive and potent.
Spurious liquors include: illicit liquor (un-authorized preparation, not fit for human consumption
and not complying with the BIS standards) and denatured alcohol (prepared for industrial uses
and is rendered entirely unfit for human consumption by adding denaturants). The most
common denaturants are–benzene, methanol, ethyl ether, acetone, acetaldehyde, toluene,
cyclohexane, brucine, chloral hydrate, diethyl phthalate, camphor, amyl alcohol, isopropanol,
cadmium iodide, terpinol, pyridine bases, colchicine, blue dye, chloroform, croton aldehyde,
organo-phosphate, light caoutchoucine either alone or in combination. Methyl alcohol (methanol)
is a commonly used adulterant because of its appearance and taste similar to ethyl alcohol and
its easy availability. On consumption, methanol is changed into formic acid inside the body.
The accumulation of formic acid in the body adversely affects various organ systems. Methanol
poisoning can result in death within few hours if not treated immediately or may be delayed
for 3-4 days. The potentially lethal dose of methanol is variable, minimum fatal dose reported
is 30 ml. and permanent blindness has been reported even with 6–10 ml. of methanol.
Liquor prepared locally from coco-palm, rice, molasses or jaggery, mahuva, etc., are sometimes
fortified with industrial alcohol to increase the alcohol concentration or to meet the demand.
Consumption of such liquor also causes poisoning tragedies if it is mixed with methyl alcohol.
Unfortunately repeated ‘hooch’ tragedies have occurred in different states (as shown in Table
7.1). In order to curb this menace, some states have been declared as ‘dry state’.
7
NICFS
CHAPTER 7
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
161
Table 7.1: Occurrence of death due to ‘hooch’ tragedy in different states
Source: Anil Aggarwal, ‘Hooch Tragedies in India: A Review’, Anil Aggrawal’s Internet
Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 2014.
7.1 Reasons for Death of ‘Hooch’ Victims
1. Delay in getting proper medical treatment promptly. The victim starts experimenting
with homemade remedies and seeks treatment only when condition becomes worse.
This results in increased death rate or damage to the organs.
2. Patients and relatives are hesitant in disclosing the real facts about consumption of
liquor due to its corollary like fear of police action.
NICFS
CHAPTER 7
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
162
3. Medical doctors are unable to recognize the ‘hooch’ episode in the beginning and,
hence, proper treatment regime is not decided.
4. Delay in providing antidote (ethyl alcohol) at the initial stage leads to more
casualties.
5. Delay in hemodialysis of the victim also results in casualties.
7.1.1 Investigation of ‘Hooch’ Tragedy Episode
Role of the first responder (police) –
On reaching the site of tragedy, the investigating officer should:
(i) Check whether the victim is alive or dead.
(ii) If the victim shows any sign of life, he must be rushed to the hospital/dispensary.
(iii) The site should be protected to avoid any alteration there.
(iv) If the victim is dead, take photograph of the victim and the site from different angles
and distances as per requirements to record the details of the scene including the
body.
(v) Prepare site sketch showing the dead body and other items depicting their correlative
positions including distances between them.
(vi) Team of forensic experts may be called for scientific assistance in collecting the
relevant evidence materials.
7.1.2 Symptoms Exhibited by the Victims
Initial symptoms of methanol poisoning may appear within 12 hours of consumption, and
continue to develop up to 24 hours. Some of the symptoms are:
(i) Drowsiness, confusion and neuro-muscular incoordination.
(ii) Weakness, headache.
(iii) Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and cramps, burning in upper-middle region of
abdomen, increased acidity.
(iv) Breathlessness, shallow and speedy respiration, unconsciousness and convulsions.
(v) Extremely low blood pressure.
NICFS
CHAPTER 7
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
163
(vi) Altered mental state.
(vii) Giddiness, sedation, seizure and coma.
(viii) Dilated pupil, loss of pupillary reflex, retinal congestion and edema, burning sensation
and increased blood flow to optical disc.
(ix) Blurred or misty vision, double vision or changes in colour perception, constricted
visual field.
(x) Loss of vision and blindness.
Note: Some of these symptoms (i–iii) may resemble ethanol intoxication and hangover.
7.1.3 Evidence Materials Likely to be Found at the Site of Occurrence
(i) Containers, bottles, tumblers having remnants of liquor.
(ii) Vomited substance.
(iii) Any device used for distilling spurious liquor.
(iv) Find out whether the alcohol was locally prepared or brought from any neighboring
area.
(v) The mode of procurement by the consumer.
(vi) Check raw material used for preparation of illicit liquor.
7.1.4 Samples to Be Collected In Case the Victim is Alive
(i) On reaching hospital, blood and urine samples should be collected by the doctor for
toxicological analysis.
(ii) Blood sample should be collected periodically and analyzed for methanol level in
order to give an antidote.
(iii) Stomach wash should be collected (in case patient reaches the hospital within few
hours of ingestion).
(iv) Police officer may record the information from the victim about the source of the
specimen liquor.
NICFS
CHAPTER 7
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
164
7.1.5 Samples to be Collected in Case the Victim is dead
(i) Viscera comprising stomach and its contents, a part of the liver lobe, a section of the
brain and both the kidneys are to be collected by the autopsy surgeon and to be
preserved in saturated salt solution.
(ii) Sample of blood (10–15cc.) should be drawn from the dead body, transferred into a
suitable air tight vial, sealed and labelled.
7.1.6 Treatment Regime of ‘Hooch’ Victim (by Doctors only) may Include
(i) Careful monitoring and presence of medical staff is required with the patient.
(ii) Care should be taken to prevent choking of airways.
(iii) Patient should be kept in left lateral position and head in lower position.
(iv) Ethanol 5 per cent or 10 per cent with 5 per cent dextrose drip as antidote should be
given intravenously.
(v) Fomepizole and ethanol are antidotes used for toxic alcohol and glycol poisoning and
should be initiated earlier to delay the metabolism of methyl alcohol to toxic metabolite
(formate) and to prevent its accumulation and toxicity.
(vi) Inhibiting metabolic acidosis (increase of acidity in the blood and other body tissues)
and methanol metabolism.
(vii) Enhancing the elimination of un-metabolized compounds and toxic metabolites from
the serum. Stomach wash is useful within few hours of the consumption of spurious
liquor.
(viii) Intra-venous (IV) fluids should be given to patients to prevent dehydration.
(ix) Vital parameters of the body should be thoroughly monitored.
(x) If blood pH is < 7.2 (serum bicarbonate < 15mmol/L) intravenous sodium bicarbonate
should be given as per body weight requirements till pH is >7.2 (serum bicarbonate
level reaches 18–20 ml/L).
(xi) For controlling seizure, intravenous diazepam or phenytoin may be administered.
(xii) Patient may be put on hemodialysis for removing methanol and formaldehyde.
NICFS
CHAPTER 7
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
165
Note: In methanol poisoning antidote ethyl alcohol plays a vital role in saving life of the
victim, if administered in the early hours of poisoning. Ethyl alcohol is metabolized into
acetaldehyde which blocks the action of formaldehyde (metabolite of methyl alcohol).
7.1.7 Forwarding of Evidence Material
(i) Forwarding memo should be filled up giving brief history of the case, details of
the parcels and their contents, nature of examination required (see Chapter 2 for
details).
(ii) Certificate authorizing the Director, Forensic Science Laboratory for examination of
the exhibits.
(iii) Specimen of the seal impression duly attested by the concerned official should also
be sent along with the forwarding memo.
(iv) Copy of inquest or panchnama should also be sent along with the forwarding
memo.
7.1.8 Likely Queries to be Raised by the IO
From Forensic expert
(i) Concentration of methanol in blood/urine sample of the victim.
(ii) Concentration of methanol in the sample suspected to be liquor collect from the site
or seized from bootleggers.
(iii) Ratio of ethanol and methanol in the victim’s blood sample.
(iv) Presence of any adulterant and its concentration in liquor sample collected from the
site or seized from bootleggers.
From Medico-legal expert
(i) Whether the victim is under influence of alcohol or not.
(ii) Whether the symptoms exhibited by the victims are due to methanol poisoning or any
other adulterant.
(iii) What is the cause of death?
NICFS
CHAPTER 7
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
166
References
1. Anil Aggarwal, Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, New Delhi, 2014.
2. Anil Aggarwal, Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, New Delhi, 2014.
3. A.K. Bapuly Forensic Science its Application in Crime Investigation, Hyderabad,
2006.
4. Application to Include Fomepizole on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines.
http://www.who.int/selection_medicines/committees/expert/19/applications/
Fomepizole_4_2_AC_Ad.pdf 16/01/2015.
5. Jaiswal AK, Millo Tabin, Handbook of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, New Delhi.
6. Jarwani S Bhavesh et al., ‘Study of various clinical and laboratory parameters among
178 patients affected by hooch tragedy in Ahmedabad, Gujarat (India): A single center
experience’, Journal of Emergencies, Trauma, and Shock, 2012. http://
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665074/ 16/01/2015.
7. J. Bodwal et al., Hooch Tragedies in India: A Review. Anil Aggrawal’s Internet
Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 2014. http://anilaggrawal.com/ij/
vol015_no_001 /papers/paper002.html 16/01/2015.
8. Laboratory Procedure Manual, Forensic Toxicology, Directorate of Forensic Science,
New Delhi, 2005.
9. Nand Laxmi et al., ‘Methyl Alcohol Poisoning: A manifestation of Typical Toxicity
and Outcome’, Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 2014. http://
www.japi.org/august_2014/26_cr_methyl_alcohol_poisoning.html 16/01/2015.
10. Samanta et al., Hooch Blindness: A Community Study Report on a Few Indoor
Patients of Toxic Optic Neuropathy following Consumption of Adulterated Alcohol in
West Bengal
http://www.nepjoph.org.np/pdf/NEPjOPH_201201158.pdf (date of access 16 January
2015).
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
167
NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC
SUBSTANCES (NDPS)
The term ‘narcotic’ in the legal sense is quite different from that used in the medical context
which denotes a sleep inducing agent. Legally, a narcotic drug could be an opiate (a true
narcotic), cannabis (a non-narcotic) or cocaine (the very antithesis of a narcotic, since it is a
stimulant). The term ‘psychotropic substance’ denotes mind-altering drugs such as Lysergic
Acid Diethylamide (LSD), Phencyclidine, Amphetamines, Barbiturates, Methaqualone, and
designer drugs (MDMA, DMT, etc.).
8
Figure 8.1: Classification of drugs
CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS
Narcotics
Depressants
Stimulants
Hallucinogens
● Opium
● Morphine
● Heroin
● Barbiturates
● Tranquilizers
● Amphetamine
● Cocaine
● LSD
● Charas, Ganja
● Mescaline
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
168
8.1 Definitions According to NDPS Act (Section 2)
(i) ‘Cannabis (hemp)’is also known by the following terms:
(a) Charas, that is, the separated resin, in whatever form, whether crude or purified,
obtained from the cannabis plant and also includes concentrated preparation
and resin known as hashish oil or liquid hashish.
(b) Ganja, that is, the flowering or fruiting tops of the cannabis plant
(excluding the seeds and leaves when not accompanied by the tops), by whatever
name they may be known or designated.
(c) Any mixture, with or without any neutral material, of any of the above forms
of cannabis or any drink prepared there from.
(ii) ‘Cannabis plant’ means any plant of the genus Cannabis.
(iii) ‘Coca derivative’ means:
(a) Crude cocaine, that is, any extract of coca leaf which can be used, directly or
indirectly, for the manufacture of cocaine.
(b) Ecgonine and all the derivatives of ecgonine from which it can be recovered.
(c) Cocaine, that is, methyl ester of benzoyl-ecgonine and its salts.
(d) All preparations containing more than 0.1 percent of cocaine.
(iv) ‘Coca leaf’ means:
(a) The leaf of the coca plant except of a leaf from which all ecgonine, cocaine
and any other ecgonine alkaloids have been removed.
(b) Any mixture thereof with or without any neutral material, but does not include
any preparation containing not more than 0.1 per cent of cocaine.
(v) ‘Coca plant’ means the plant of any species of the genus Erythroxylon.
(vi) ‘Narcotic drug’ means coca leaf, cannabis (hemp), opium, poppy straw and includes
all manufactured drugs.
(vii) ‘Opium’ means:
(a) The coagulated juice of the opium poppy.
(b) Any mixture, with or without any neutral material, of the coagulated juice of
the opium poppy, but does not include any preparation containing not more
than 0.2 per cent of morphine.
(viii) ‘Opium derivative’ means:
(a) Medicinal opium, that is, opium which has undergone the processes necessary
to adapt for medicinal use in accordance with the requirements of the Indian
Pharmacopoeia or any other Pharmacopoeia notified in this behalf by the
central government, whether in powdered form or granulated or otherwise or
mixed with neutral materials.
(b) Prepared opium, that is, any product of opium obtained by any series of
operations designed to transform opium into an extract suitable for smoking
and the dross or other residue remaining after opium is smoked.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
169
(c) Phenanthrene alkaloids, namely, morphine, codeine, the baine and their salts.
(d) Diacetylmorphine, that is, the alkaloid also known as diamorphine or heroin
and its salts.
(e) All preparations containing more than 0.2 per cent morphine or containing any
diacetylmorphine.
(ix) ‘Opium poppy’ means:
(a) The plant of the species Papaver somniferum L.
(b) The plant of any other species of Papaver from which opium or any
phenanthrene alkaloid can be extracted and which the Central Government
may, by notification in the official gazette, declare to be opium poppy for the
purposes of this Act.
(x) ‘Poppy straw’ means all parts (except the seeds) of the opium poppy after harvesting whether
in their original form or cut, crushed or powdered and whether or not juice has been extracted
there from.
Table 8.1: Common narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
170
Source: Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB)
Figure 8.2: Common narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances A. Opium pod showing
dried opium. B. Dried opium pod. C. Curde opium. D. Opium sticks. E. Opium pellets.
F. Burnt opium powder after smoking.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
171
Figure 8.3: Common narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
A. Morphine powder, ranges in colour from offwhite to dark brown. B. Crude morphine
C. Morphine tablets. D. Morphine ampoules.
Figure 8.4: Illicit forms of Heroin
A. Pure grade IV heroin–fairly refined. B. Brown sugar. C. Grade III heroin. D. Brown
sugar iranian.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
172
Figure 8.5: Amphetamine in powder, tablet and capsule forms
Figure 8.6: A. Pure cocaine. B. Peyote Cactus (active compound mescaline). C. Lysergic
Acid Diethylamide (LSD 25). D. L.S.D in the form of pills.
8.2 Procedures under NDPS Act
Section 41
Power to Issue Warrant and Authorization
1. A Metropolitan Magistrate or a Magistrate of the First Class or any Magistrate of the second
class specially empowered by the state government on this behalf, may issue a warrant for
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
173
the arrest of any person whom he has reason to believe to have committed any offence
punishable under this Act, or for the search, whether by day or by night, of any building,
conveyance or place in which he has reason to believe any narcotic drug or psychotropic
substance or controlled substance in respect of which an offence punishable under this Act
has been committed or any document or other article which may furnish evidence of the
commission of such offence or any illegally acquired property or any document or other
article which may furnish evidence of holding any illegally acquired property which is liable
for seizure or freezing or forfeiture under Chapter V A of this Act is kept or concealed.
2. Any such officer of Gazetted rank of the departments of central excise, narcotics, customs,
revenue intelligence or any other department of the central government including the paramilitary
forces or the armed forces as is empowered on this behalf by general or special
order by the central government, or any such officer of the revenue, drugs control, excise,
police or any other department of a state government as is empowered on this behalf by
general or special order of the State Government if he has reason to believe from personal
knowledge or information given by any person and taken in writing that any person has
committed an offence punishable under this Act or that any narcotic drug or psychotropic
substance or controlled substance in respect of which any offence under this Act has been
committed or any document or other article which may furnish evidence of the commission
of such offence or any illegally acquired property or any document or other article which
may furnish evidence of holding any illegally acquired property which is liable for seizure
or freezing or forfeiture under Chapter V A of this Act is kept or concealed in any building,
conveyance or place, may authorize any officer subordinate to him but superior in rank to a
peon, sepoy or a constable to arrest such a person or search a building, conveyance or place
whether by day or by night or himself arrest such a person or search a building, conveyance
or place.
3. The officer to whom a warrant under sub-section (1) is addressed and the officer who
authorized the arrest or search or the officer who is so authorized under sub-section(2) shall
have all the powers of an officer acting under section 42.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
174
Section 42
Power of Entry, Search, Seizure and Arrest without Warrant and Authorization
1. Any such officer (being an officer superior in rank to a peon, sepoy or constable) of the
departments of central excise, narcotics, customs, revenue intelligence or any other
department of the central government including para-military forces or armed forces as is
empowered on this behalf by general or special order by the central government, or any such
officer (being an officer superior in rank to a peon, sepoy or constable) of the revenue, drugs
control, excise, police or any other department of a state government as is empowered in
this behalf by general or special order of the state government, if he has reason to believe
from persons knowledge or information given by any person and taken down in writing that
any narcotic drug, or psychotropic substance, or controlled substance in respect of which an
offence punishable under this Act has been committed or any document or other article
which may furnish evidence of the commission of such offence or any illegally acquired
property or any document or other article which may furnish evidence of holding any illegally
acquired property which is liable for seizure or freezing or forfeiture under Chapter V A of
this Act is kept or concealed in any building, conveyance or enclosed place, may between
sunrise and sunset,
(a) Enter into and search any such building, conveyance or place.
(b) In case of resistance, break open any door and remove any obstacle to such
entry.
(c) Seize such drug or substance and all materials used in the manufacture thereof
and any other article and any animal or conveyance which he has reason to
believe to be liable to confiscation under this Act and any document or other
article which he has reason to believe may furnish evidence of the commission
of any offence punishable under this Act or furnish evidence of holding any
illegally acquired property which is liable for seizure or freezing or forfeiture
under Chapter V A of this Act; and
(d) Detain and search, and, if he thinks proper, arrest any person whom he has
reason to believe to have committed any offence punishable under this Act,
provided that if such officer has reason to believe that a search warrant or
authorization cannot be obtained without affording opportunity for the
concealment of evidence or facility for the escape of an offender, he may
enter and search such building, conveyance or enclosed place at any time
between sunset and sunrise after recording the grounds of his belief.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
175
2. Where an officer takes down any information in writing under subsection (1) or records
grounds for his belief under the proviso thereto, he shall within seventy-two hours send a
copy thereof to his immediate official superior.
Section 50
Conditions under which Search of a Person shall be Conducted
1. When any officer duly authorized under section 42 is about to search any person under the
provisions of section 41, section 42 or section 43, he shall, if such person so requires, take
such person without unnecessary delay to the nearest Gazetted Officer of any of the
departments mentioned in section 42 or to the nearest Magistrate.
2. If such requisition is made, the officer may detain the person until he can bring him before
the Gazetted Officer or the Magistrate referred to in subsection (1).
3. The Gazetted Officer or the Magistrate before whom any such person is brought shall, if he
sees no reasonable ground for search, forthwith discharge the person but otherwise shall
direct that search be made.
4. No female shall be searched by anyone except a female.
5. When an officer duly authorized under section 42 has reason to believe that it is not possible
to take the person to be searched to the nearest Gazetted Officer or Magistrate without the
possibility of the person to be searched parting with possession of any narcotic drug or
psychotropic substance, or controlled substance or article or document, he may, instead of
taking such person to the nearest gazetted officer or magistrate, proceed to search the person
as provided under section 100 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
6. After a search is conducted under sub-section (5), the officer shall record the reasons for
such belief which necessitated such search and within seventy two hours send a copy thereof
to his immediate official superior.
Section 52
Disposal of Persons Arrested and Articles Seized
1. Any officer arresting a person under section 41, section 42 section 43 or section 44 shall, as
soon as may be, inform him of the grounds for such arrest.
2. Every person arrested and article seized under warrant issued under subsection (1) of section
41 shall be forwarded without unnecessary delay to the Magistrate by whom the warrant
was issued.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
176
3. Every person arrested and article seized under sub-section (2) of section 41, section 42,
section 43 or section 44 shall be forwarded without unnecessary delay to –
(a) The officer-in-charge of the nearest police station, or
(b) The officer empowered under section 53.
4. The authority or officer to whom any person or article is forwarded under subsection(2) or
sub-section (3) shall, with all convenient dispatch take such measures as may be necessary
for the disposal according to law of such person or article.
Section 55
Police to Take Charge of Articles Seized and Delivered:
An officer-in-charge of a police station shall take charge of and keep in safe custody, pending the
orders of the Magistrate, all articles seized under this Act within the local area of that police station
and which may be delivered to him, and shall allow any officer who may accompany such articles
to the police station or who may be deputed for the purpose, to affix his seal to such articles or to
take samples of and from them and all samples so taken shall also be sealed with a seal of the
officer-in-charge of the police station.
Section 57
Report of Arrest and Seizure
Whenever any person makes any arrest or seizure under this Act, he shall, within forty-eight hours
next after such arrest or seizure, make a full report of all the particulars of such arrest of seizure to
his immediate officer superior.
I. Guidelines for Investigating Officer
The IO should ensure to follow the following guidelines and make notes in writing (ruqqa):
1. Raiding party’s constitution, departure with/without vehicle, arms and ammunition, route
taken, the name of the driver as well as accompanying of the informer.
2. Numbers of independent public witness requested, their place, their background, i.e. whether
they were passer-by, rickshaw pullers, residents, etc., and reasons for not joining.
3. Time must be noted for important aspects like:
(a) Time of making DD entry
(b) Constitution of raiding party
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
177
(c) Time of leaving police station
(d) Time of arrival of spot
(e) Time of briefing to the team
(f) Time of nakabandi
(g) Time of apprehending of suspect
4. Briefing of staff, area of nakabandi, how many parties put on nakabandi, who was standing
where, position of the informer, etc.
5. Time and direction of arrival of the suspect, whether he was carrying something with him,
his turnout, etc.
6. If anybody is accompanying the suspects, he must also be apprehended and interrogated
thoroughly.
7. If any vehicle is used, its number, make and colour.
8. If the suspect spontaneously produces the contraband to the police, no need of notice u/s 50
NDPS Act.
9. Complete description of packing/wrappers/marking and the contraband must be described
in the writing (ruqqa) as well as in the seizure memo.
10. The contraband must be checked through by field-testing kit.
11. Sampling should be done properly. Two representative samples be taken.
12. CFSL/FSL/CRCL form must be filled in instantaneously.
13. Case property must be properly sealed with standard seal and the seal used must be handed
over to any of the witnesses. While taking the case property in his charge, the SHO should
counter-seal it with his own seal. Every addition in the FSL/CFSL/CRCL form, etc., must
be duly signed by the SHO.
14. If house search is to be conducted at night, reasons thereof must be recorded and sent to
senior officers within 72 hours.
15. Accused’s dossier must be prepared.
16. First remand must be taken from the Magistrate concerned.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
178
17. In case, drug recovered is less than commercial quantity, the challan must be filed within 60
days whereas in case of commercial quantity, the challan may be filled in 90 days but the
efforts should be to file the challan at the earliest.
18. Sample must be sent to the laboratory for chemical analysis at the earliest. It should be in the
knowledge of the SHO and covered in his statement.
19. To maintain the sanctity of Diary Dispatch entries, they must be attested by a Gazetted
Officer.
20. Site plan must be described, prepared and elaborated and every minute detail of the scene
should be mentioned in it.
21. Previous involvements of the suspect in the drug trafficking, if any must be mentioned in
the challan to enable the court for awarding enhanced punishment.
22. Written work is done in the vehicle. If there is no vehicle, then the place where written work
was done should be mentioned in the statements. Who arranged for the stool or chair is also
be known to the IO/witnesses.
23. A constable should not be allowed to make any search. It is prohibited in the NDPS Act.
24. Parcels should be signed by the witnesses.
25. The seizure should be weighed on the spot.
26. Details of weighing balance, from where arranged, number of weights must be noted carefully.
27. If vehicle is used, log book should be completed.
28. Who did the written work, should be known to the witness.
29. It should be mentioned in the writing (ruqqa) as to how many seals have been affixed.
30. The SHO/Addl.SHO/IOs must get an official seal and at the time of raid, they should get the
seal issued officially.
31. There should be separate registers in the office of SHO, ACP and DCP in which date and
time of dispatch and receipt of all reports should be mentioned.
II. Check List for Investigation of Offences under N.D.P.S. Act
1. Recording of Information: Whenever any information is received, it should be taken
down in writing and forwarded to the higher authority in-charge of enforcement and necessary
orders thereon obtained.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
179
2. Verification of Information: A preliminary verification of the information through sources
and by surveillance, whenever situation demands, has to be done.
3. Planning of Operation: The operation should be well planned so that it can be conducted
efficiently in the least possible time. Deployment of responsibilities on various participating
officers should be done after briefing on the objectives of the operation. Officers deployed
for the search should carry their official identity cards.
4. Equipments/Instruments etc., for Search: It is necessary that the equipment’s and the
tools like screwdrivers, torches, spotlights, mirrors, walkie-talkie, camera, binocular, night
vision arms and ammunitions handcuff etc. are checked and taken before starting the
operation. It is also to be checked that the vehicles are in condition. The other things that
need to be checked before moving out for operation are: search proforma, form of notice
under Sec. 67 of the NDPS Act, arrest memo, test memo, envelopes, seal, sealing materials,
writing paper, candles, matchsticks, weighing balance ( a spring balance and a digital weighing
machine) etc.
5. Drug Identification/Test Kit: The officers moving out for operation must not forget
to take with them a drug identification kit. It is necessary to check before proceeding for
search that the reagents are there in the bottles of the test kit and the test kit is in otherwise
working.
6. Entry into the Premises: Before the commencement of the search, the officer should obtain
an authorization for the search as per Sec. 41(2) of the NDPS Act. On searching the spot, the
officers must immediately gear up for the strike. The entry and exit points must be manned
properly and watch should be maintained on the windows and other opening so that nothing
can be thrown from exit/verandah, etc.
7. All incoming telephone calls should be received by the officers only.
8. Search Authorization: If a place is to be searched based on personal knowledge or
information taken down in writing, a copy of the grounds of belief or information (in form
DR-I) is to be sent forthwith to his immediate official superior.
9. Disclosure of Identity and Purpose of Search: As entry into the premises is sought, the
officers should disclose their identity and purpose and offer themselves to be searched. It is
to be remembered that the purpose of search may be defeated if anybody is allowed to go
out of the premises or make outside calls during the search. If a person is to be subjected to
a personal search, he has the right to search the officer, if he so requires, such person has the
right to take physical search of the officer conducting the search.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
180
10. Search in Presence of Independent Witnesses: At least two independent and respectable
witnesses of the locality are to be called and in their presence and the owner and the occupier
or his representative, the search is to be conducted. Please remember that the witnesses are
independent, not stock witnesses.
11. Preparation of Search List (Mahazar/Panchanama): After conclusion of the search, a
search list is to be prepared. Drugs or things or documents if recovered and also the place of
their recovery are invariably to be mentioned in the search list. A copy of the search list is to
be handed over to the agent/owner/occupier of the premises. If any personal search is taken
during the search of the premises, a separate search list mentioning the goods recovered
from person so searched. In case of no recovery, NIL RECOVERY is to be mentioned in the
search list. The search list should bear the signatures of the person, owner/owner’s
representative witnesses along with their name, addresses, etc. The copy should bear the
dated signature of whom it has been served. Please check if a copy of the panchnama/
mahazar has been given to the owner.
12. Drawal of Sample: It is very important to draw and seal representative sample of narcotic
drugs/psychotropic substances in the presence of the owner, occupier, agent and the witnesses.
Seizing officer should be assigned the job of drawal of sample of required quantity and
sealing it properly for being sent to the laboratory as soon as possible. Please check if the
samples have been drawn, packed and sealed as per the instructions in force and the procedure
mentioned in the mahazar. Samples should be sent to the laboratory within 72 hrs.
13. Statements: The next important step that is required to be taken is interrogation/examination
of the suspects (accused) and the witnesses. Notice under Section 67 of the NDPS Act may
be issued and statements about the identity of the person, address, background, education,
occupation, involvement in the drug trade, etc., are to be recorded. This notice should be
served under the signature of the concerned person. It must be ensured that the statement
that is recorded is written in the language which is understood by the suspects/witnesses.
The person making the statement and any correction made therein should be initialed by
him. The officer in whose presence the statement is given should also put his signature. If
the statement is not written by the person himself, the officer should keep a note that the
statement was read out and explained to the person in the language known to him.
14. Disposal of Persons Arrested and Articles Seized: While arresting a person memo may
be served to the person under his dated signature as a token of receipt of the same. The
person being arrested should be informed of grounds for such arrest as per Sec. 52(1) of the
NDPS Act. Other provisions of Section 52 have also to be complied with regard to arrested
persons and seized article.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
181
15. Informing the Superior about Seizure and Arrest: As per requirement of the Act, the
immediate superior officer is to be sent a full report of all the particulars of an arrest. This
requirement of law is not to be forgotten. Such report should be given within 48 hours of
seizure or arrest in terms 57 of the NDPS Act.
16. Deposition of the Goods and Documents: Goods that are seized, including drugs, are to
be kept in godown earmarked for this. Godown officer should be satisfied about the intactness
of quantity and weight of the goods, etc., and it is to enter in the register of the godown.
17. Filing of Remand Petition: On arrest of a person, a petition for his suitable custody is to be
made to the nearest Magistrate/Judge of Special Court. It is to be ensured that no person is
unnecessarily kept in custody without order. The accused is required to be produced before
the court without delay.
18. Investigation: Seizing officer immediately, after production of the accused before the
jurisdictional Magistrate should go through the documents that are recovered and the
statements that have been recorded for deciding the follow-up measures and the course of
investigation that are to be taken up with appropriate agency and authorities regarding which
the supervisory officer has to be informed in writing.
19. Financial Profile of the Accused: Financial profile of the accused in the prescribed performa
should be prepared while statements are taken from them and also after the offence is
investigated. An order for freezed illegally acquired property as per Section 68F (1) of the
NDPS Act has to be issued and a copy of the said order has to be forwarded to the competent
authority.
8.3 Types of Evidences in NDPS Cases
Figure 8.7: Powder in polythene packet
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
182
1. Powder of different colours (generally white, off white, grey, light brown) in
polythene packets, liquid (like liquid hashish and opium dissolved in water) as colour
or dye may be added to the drug.
2. Syringe, small quantity in puriyas, vials, spoon used by addicts.
3. Cardboard boxes containing some items along with polythene packets.
4. Sacks containing lime mixed with drug.
5. Pharmaceutical preparations in wrappers.
6. Brown black resinous material, opium or charas.
7. Illicitly manufacturing drug site: labelled or unlabelled bottle or containers containing
chemicals, apparatus used in preparations of drugs or precursors.
8. Plant material: Poppy plant, ganja, cocaine leaves containing cocaine.
9. Dhoopbatti like sticks of charas.
Note: Drug should not be tasted as it could be poison.
8.4 Collection of Evidences
The samples must be drawn on the spot
of recovery and in the presence of
witnesses and the accused.
1. The contents of the package must
be mixed very thoroughly from
top to bottom to draw
representative sample.
2. From one package, normally 2
samples are drawn which are
termed as ‘Original’ and
‘Duplicate’ or Sample no.1 and 2
or A and B.
3. Same quantity should be taken for the ‘Original’ and ‘Duplicate’ samples.
Figure 8.8: Drug packets
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
183
Table 8.2: Quantity to be drawn for sampling
Source: Central Revenue Control Lab
Note 1: If the seizure of NDPS is less than 5g., even then the small quantity of sample taken
can be analyzed by the laboratory since the techniques used can detect and identify commonly
encountered NDPS.
Note 2: The seized goods and samples are deposited in the Malkhana at the earliest after
seizure and acknowledgement receipt must be obtained from the Malkhana-in-charge.
8.5 Number of Samples to be Drawn in Each Seizure Case
1. Single Package
The material should be removed from its container or wrappings and the net weight
should be recorded.
2. More Than One Package
(i) If there are less than 10 packages–all packages should be sampled.
(ii) If there are 10–100 packages-randomly select 10 packages.
(iii) If there are more than 100 packages—randomly select a number of packages
equal to the square root of the total number of packages rounded to the next
higher integer.
If the material in all packages is found to be similar by visual examination, one of the
following approaches may be allowed:
(i) The contents of a number of packages may be combined and the combined bulk
material may then be homogenized.
(ii) Alternately, chemical testing may be applied to a number of each of the packages.
When different types of material have been identified in various packages, each subgroup
should be composited in an identical fashion.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
184
3. Items Containing Bulk Aggregates
(i) If the aggregates can be easily reduced to small particles then this should be the
approach.
(ii) If the material cannot be easily broken down, random samples should be drawn
from atleast two different parts of the item.
4. Sampling Procedure For LSD
(i) LSD exhibits are either in paper, tablet or gelatin form.
(ii) For single container, determine the total number of dosage units and the average
weight per dosage unit (du).
(iii) For sample sizes up to 10du—screen all dosage units.
(iv) For sample sizes from 11du to 27du—randomly select and screen ¾ of all
dosage units, rounding upward to the next higher integer.
(v) For sample sizes from 28du—select randomly and screen ½ of all dosage units
rounding upward to the next integer and selecting a minimum of 21du and a
maximum of 50du.
(vi) In case of multiple containers having different contents, this should be segregated
and subjected to separate analysis. Determine the square root of the total number
of containers in each group. Randomly select a number of containers equivalent
to the square root, rounded to the next highest integer.
8.6 Small and Commercial Quantity of Important Drugs
According to Section 2 of NDPS Act:
‘Commercial quantity’, in relation to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, means any
quantity greater than the quantity specified by the Central Government by notification in the
official gazette.
‘Small quantity’, in relation to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, means any
quantity lesser than the quantity specified by the central government by notification in the
Official Gazette.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
185
Table 8.3: Small and commercial quality of drugs
Source: NDPS Act 1985
Offences under commercial quantities are non-bailable U/S 37 NDPS Act 1985. However, if
the court finds that the accused is not guilty of offence or is not likely to indulge in sale/
purchase of narcotic drugs, bail can be granted.
The punishment for many offences under Sections 15–23 of NDPS Act depends on the type
and quantity of drugs involved—with three levels of punishments for small, lesser and
immediate quantity, i.e. quantity more than small and lesser than commercial quantity. The
punishment prescribed for different quantities is as follows:
1. Where the contravention involves small quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a
term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to Rs. 10,000
or with both.
2. Where the contravention involves quantity lesser than commercial quantity but greater
than small quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten
years and with fine which may extend to Rs. 1,00,000.
3. Where the contravention involves commercial quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for
a term which shall not be less than ten years but which may extend to twenty years
and shall also be liable to fine which shall not be less than Rs. 1,00,000 but which
may extend to Rs. 2,00,000s.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
186
Section 27 of NDPS Act: Punishment for Consumption of Any Narcotic Drug or
Psychotropic Substance.
Whoever, consumes any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance shall be punishable,-
1. where the narcotic drug or psychotropic substance consumed is cocaine, morphine,
diacetyl-morphine or any other narcotic drug or any psychotropic substance as may be
specified in this behalf by the central government by notification in the Official
Gazette, with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with
fine which may extend to Rs. 20,000; or with both.
2. Where the narcotic drug or psychotropic substance consumed is other than those
specified in or under clause (a), with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six
months, or with fine which may extend to Rs. 10,000 or with both.
Section 31: Enhanced Punishment for Offences after Previous Conviction:
1. If any person who has been convicted of the commission of, or attempt to commit, or
abetment of, or criminal conspiracy to commit, any of the offences punishable under
this Act is subsequently convicted of the commission of, or attempt to commit, or
abetment of, or criminal conspiracy to commit, an offence punishable under this Act
with the same amount of punishment shall be punished for the second and every
subsequent offence with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to onehalf
of the maximum term of imprisonment and also be liable to fine which shall
extend to one-half of the maximum amount of fine.
2. Where the person referred to in sub-section (1) is liable to be punished with a
minimum term of imprisonment and to a minimum amount of fine, the minimum
punishment for such person shall be one-half of the minimum term of imprisonment
and one-half of the minimum amounts of fine.
3. Provided that the court may, for reasons to be recorded in the judgment, impose a fine
exceeding the fine for which a person is liable.
4. Where any person is convicted by a competent court of criminal jurisdiction outside
India under any corresponding law, such person, with respect of such conviction, shall
be dealt with for the purposes of sub-sections (1) and (2) as if he had been convicted
by a court in India.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
187
8.7 Packaging Procedure of Evidences
Figure 8.9: Sample in heat plastic bag
(i) Solid samples should be kept in heat sealed plastic bags.
(ii) Plastic bag should be kept in paper envelope and must be properly sealed.
(iii) Liquid samples should be kept in leak proof plastic bottle.
(iv) Plastic bottle is further wrapped in clean piece of cloth.
(v) Mark the sealed envelopes as Original and Duplicate.
(vi) ‘Original’ and ‘Duplicate’ envelopes should bear the serial number of the package/
container for which the sample has been drawn.
(vii) Sample envelope will also have reference of test memo, i.e. case number, identification
mark.
(viii) Keep sealed sample and test memos in another envelope, seal it and mark it as
‘Secret Drug-Sample/Test Memo’.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
188
8.8 Labelling and Sealing of Evidences
Figure 8.10: Sealed envelope (duplicate) Figure 8.11: Details to be mentioned on
envelope of duplicate sample
1. If drug seized is found in package/containers, each should be serially numbered for
the purpose of identification.
2. If drug is found in loose form then it should be arranged to be packed in unit
containers of uniform size and serial number should be assigned to each package/
container.
3. Following should be indicated on each package or on a cardboard label with a seal
of seizing officer:
● Gross weight (the total weight, including contents, packaging, etc.).
● Net weight (the weight of the contents, not including any packaging, etc.).
● Particulars of the drug
● Date of seizure
Preferably use electronic balance or balance of high accuracy.
4. When more than one sample is drawn, each should be serially numbered and marked
as S-1, S-2, and S-3… on both original and duplicate samples.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
189
5. Each sample should carry the serial number of the packages and marked as P-1,
P-2, P-3 and so on.
6. Each sample must be drawn and sealed in the presence of the accused, panchnama
witnesses, seizing officer and duly signed by all of them and also their name should
be mentioned.
8.9 Forwarding of Evidences
1. The sample must be sent to the concerned laboratory for examination with sample
seal.
2. The sample seal must bear the signatures with date of sealing authority.
3. In NCB and CBN, Superintendent of Police and in customs, Inspector is authorized
to forward the sample.
8.10 Narcotic Drug Detection Kit
Figure 8.12: Narcotic drug detection kit
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
190
Figure 8.13: Chart for comparision of colour tests of NDPS drugs
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
191
Figure 8.14: Screening of suspected NDPS Drug
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
192
Figure 8.15
Screening of
suspected
NDPS Drug
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
193
Take small quantity of the suspected material and add reagents as mentioned in the testing
method of the Narcotic Drug Detection Kit and compare the colour with the chart as follows:
Figure 8.16: Steps for carring out spot test for drugs
Suppliers of NDPS Drug Detection Kit
A. Drug Detection Kit is supplied free of cost by the Narcotic Control Bureau.
B. Some firms also supply imported kit having provision of testing more drugs.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
194
Figure 8.17: Colour Chart for detection of Precursor
Note:
1. After getting report from FSL/CFSL/CRCL, the result of the report to be interpreted vide
notification of S.O. 1055(E) dated 19-10-2001 – In exercise of the powers conferred by
clauses (viia) and (xxiiia) of Section 2 of the NDPS Act, 1985. NDPS Substances mentioned
in the corresponding entry in the column 2 to 4 of the said table, as the small quantity and
commercial quantity respectively for the purpose of the said clauses of that section.
2. The Gazette of India, Extraordinary Part-II- Subsection (II) published by the Ministry of
Finance(Department of Revenue) Notification dated 18th November 2009. ‘The quantity
shown in column 5 and column 6 of the table relative to the drug shown in column 2 shall
apply to the entire mixture or any solution or anyone or more narcotic drug of psychotropic
substances of that particular drug in doses form or isomers, esters and salt of these drugs,
including salt of esters, ethers and isomers wherever existence of such substances possible
and not just its pure drugs contents’.
8.11 Precursor Detection Kit
According to Section 2 of NDPS Act:
‘Controlled Substances(Precursors)’means any substance which the Central Government may, having
regard to the available information as to its possible use in the production or manufacture of narcotic
drugs or psychotropic substances or to the provisions of any international convention, by notification
in the official gazette, declare to be a controlled substance.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
195
Figure 8.18: Screening method for precursor chemicals or drugs
8.12 Precursor Chemicals
Table 8.2: Precursor chemicals
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
196
T
8.13 Checklist for Investigation of Drug Related Offences
1. Addicts
(a) Name, age and sex.
(b) Educational background.
(c) Educational details—university/institution.
(d) Details about the family members.
(e) Income of the family.
(f) Earning members.
(g) Economic status.
(h) Commitments of the family (financial).
(i) Physical and mental conditions.
(j) Details about physical problem.
(k) Nature of abuser—quiet/irritable/violent.
(l) Nature and type of drug abused.
(m) Method of administration.
(n) Source of procurement of drug.
(o) Past history of the abuser about other drugs.
(p) Initiation of drug abuse.
(q) Duration of abuse.
(r) Frequency of intake.
(s) Details about other abusers.
(t) Friend circle of the addict.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
197
(u) Source of money to purchase drug.
(v) Criminal history of the abuser.
(w) Family atmosphere.
(x) Attitude of family members including guardians.
(y) Recent history of crime/violence in the family.
2. Place of Abuser
(a) Details of drug recovered including its form and quantity.
(b) Paraphernalia recovered.
(c) Details of the money recovered.
(d) Stolen articles recovered.
(e) Phone numbers, diaries, address books.
(f) Other materials used for taking drugs such as cigarette paper, metal foil,
matchboxes, cotton, bloodstained cotton, tourniquets, etc.
(g) Collection of samples of drugs, paraphernalia used and other materials such as
spoon, cotton, etc.
(h) Collection of blood and urine samples of the abuser by the doctor (control
samples).
(i) Packaging and forwarding of the samples of drugs and control samples.
(j) Recording of statements of the addicts and members of the family.
(k) Raiding the drug den.
(l) Arrest of the accused person.
(m) Medical examination of the addict.
(n) Counseling/treatment/rehabilitation of the addict.
3. Drug Den
(a) Name, age, social and economic background of the person(s) and associates
running the den.
(b) Types of drugs sold and their forms.
(c) Criminal history of the accused person.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
198
(d) Time since when the accused was running the den.
(e) Details of the person visiting the den.
(f) Source of procurement of drugs.
(g) Search of the den.
(h) Search of the persons.
(i) Details of the hiding places.
(j) Collection of sample of different types of drugs, precursor chemicals, and related
materials.
(k) Results of spot test.
(l) Collection of materials such as paraphernalia used by the addicts, empty capsules,
machines for making tablets, packets etc.
(m) Money recovered from the accused persons.
(n) Financial history and transactions.
(o) Details of the other members of the gang.
(p) Details about other criminal activities.
(q) Statements of the accused persons.
(r) Taking the addicts into custody and sending them to doctor for medical examination
and collection of blood and urine samples.
(s) Arresting the accused person.
4. Search of a Suspected Vehicle Carrying Drugs
(a) Type and make of vehicle, chassis number, engine number, colour, registration number
and the issuing authority, driving license and the issuing authority, insurance details.
(b) Identification of driver and other occupants.
(c) Weapons recovered, if any.
(d) Search of the persons.
(e) Search of the vehicle.
(f) Use of sniffer dogs.
(g) Part/portion in which the drug is hidden.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
199
(h) Quantity and form of drug.
(i) Result of spot test.
(j) Whether the materials are precursor chemicals.
(k) Interview of the suspects.
(l) Details about their criminal history and involvement in the drug trade.
(m) Details about procurement of contraband.
(n) Their contact persons.
(o) Their destinations.
(p) Collection of samples of suspected materials, packaging and forwarding for
analysis.
(q) Seizure of vehicle.
5. Search of a Suspected Premises
(a) Location, address and other descriptions of the house including the ownership
and relevant papers.
(b) Search of inmates of the house.
(c) Search of the house.
(d) Recovery of drugs, precursor chemicals and other related materials.
(e) Result of spot test.
(f) Collection, packaging and forwarding of samples of drugs.
(g) Socioeconomic status of the owner.
(h) Source of income and earning members.
(i) Details of property and financial transactions.
(j) Source of drugs.
(k) Other partners in the trade.
(l) Places to which the drugs are supplied.
(m) Details of the addicts, if found.
(n) Criminal history of the occupants.
(o) Recovery of weapons, communication equipment, etc.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
200
(p) Any vehicle used in the transportation of drugs.
(q) Modus operandi.
(r) Search of vehicle and collection of samples of drugs.
6. Clandestine Laboratory
(a) Location and other descriptions of the laboratory, whether isolated house, house
in a congested urban area, rural area, flat in a multi storey building or a mobile
unit.
(b) Details of the persons running and working in the laboratory.
(c) Their criminal history and modus operandi.
(d) Collection of samples of drugs in various forms, precursor chemicals and other
related materials.
(e) Result of the spot test.
(f) Details of machineries recovered.
(g) Collection of samples of drugs, etc., from the machineries.
(h) Other chemicals used in the manufacturing of drugs.
(i) Details about import of chemicals, raw materials, precursor chemicals and other
materials.
(j) Details about the supply.
(k) Recovery of money.
(l) Seizure of records showing details about drug trade including financial
transactions.
(m) Details about bank deposits.
(n) Details about other properties.
(o) Details about vehicle used in transportation of materials related to manufactured
drugs and collection of samples.
(p) Criminal history of persons arrested.
(q) Statement of the persons.
(r) Arrest of the persons and other relevant legal formalities.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
201
8.14 Details of Seizure of Drugs for the Years 2011, 2012, 2013 and
2014
Table 8.3: Details of seizure of drugs
8.15 Do’s: Search, Field Testing and Seizure
1. Was the information recorded in writing by him? (If he has received some information-
Section 42 (1) of the NDPS Act)
2. Were his belief and the ground that search authorization cannot be obtained
without affording opportunity for concealment of evidence or facility for escape of
the offenders, recorded in writing by him? (If he is proceeding to search premises
without search authorization between sunset to sunrise, Proviso to Section 42 (1) of
the NDPS Act)
3. Was a copy of the said documents as at 1 or 2, as applicable, sent to his official
superior within 72 hours? (Section 42(2) of the NDPS Act)
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
202
4. Were the copy of Search Authorization shown and signatures of two independent
local witnesses and the owner/occupier available in the premises obtained at the time
of search? (In case, the search of premises is carried out on the strength of a search
authorization)
5. Did the search team offer their own personal search by the owner/occupier of the
premises before beginning the search of the premises?
6. Was a written notice under section 50 of the NDPS Act served to the occupants of
the premises or on the person who is intercepted at a public place (This is a must if
a person is given a body search and is not necessary if only the premises is searched
or if the bag, brief case, etc. in the possession of the person is only searched)? Was
the response to such a notice recorded in writing?
7. Was a lady officer present in the search team to ensure that a female has searched a
female? (Section 50(4) of the NDPS Act)
8. Was there sufficient reason to believe that the person about to be searched will part
possessions of drug and other incriminating articles and, hence, could not be taken to
senior officers, and if yes, whether it was recorded in writing? (The person about to
be searched for suspected drugs and other incriminating articles can exercise his legal
right to be searched before a Magistrate or a Gazetted Officer, as provided in Section
50(1) of the NDPS Act)
9. Was the copy of the documents, as at serial No. 8, sent to his immediate superior
within 72 hours? (Section 50(6) of the NDPS Act)
10. Were all recovered suspect substances field tested with Drug Detection Kits/Precursor
Testing Kits and the matching colour resulted to show presence of NDPS or CS
(Control Substances) and was it all documented?
11. Were all the recovered documents, articles or things scrutinized/examined to determine
their relevance to the commission of offence and importance to the inquiries under
the Act?
12. Were all recovered and relevant items liable to seizure and confiscation entered
carefully in an inventory and documented in the Panchnama?
13. Were all the goods, documents, articles, things and assets found relevant to the
commission of offence and subsequent investigations, recovered during search, seizure
and the fact of seizure documented in the Panchnama?
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
203
Drawal of Samples
1. Was a set of two representative samples drawn from each package or lot (if bunching
was made into lots of 40 in case of ganja and hashish and 10 in case of other drugs)
of the suspects seized substances on the spot?
2. Was it ensured that the representative samples are of specified weights? (24 g. each
in case of opium, ganja and charas and 5 g. each in case of all others). Less than 5g.
may also be sent.
3. Were all the packages including the representative samples properly packed, marked
and sealed?
4. (For easy reference, the parent package or lot can be marked as P1 and L1 and the
two sets of samples as SOI and SDI and so on. Samples should be kept in heat
sealed plastic pouches which may be kept in paper envelopes before marking and
sealing).
5. Was Test Memo prepared in triplicate on the spot and the facsimile imprint of the
seal, used in sealing the sample envelopes, affixed on the Test Memo?
6. Was the Panchanama/seizure memo/mahazar drawn carefully on the spot, correctly
indicating sequence of events including start and end time of the search proceeding?
7. Was it ensured that the Panchanama and all the recovered/seizure documents/article/
things bears signature of the person whose premises was searched or from whom the
recovery was made. Two independent witnesses, the IO and the lady officer are to be
present if a lady was searched?
8. Was a notice to examine the owner/occupants and recovery witnesses under Section
67 of the Act issued and their statements recorded by the IO?
8.16 Chain of Custody of Seized Drugs and Precursors
1. Were the seized goods and samples deposited in the malkhana at the earliest
opportunity after seizure, and acknowledgement receipt obtained from the Malkhanain-
Charge?
2. Were the samples sent to the notified laboratory for analysis and report within 72
hours of seizure?
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
204
8.16.1 Laboratories to which samples may be sent:
The seizing officers of the Central Government departments, viz., Customs, Central Excise,
Central Bureau of Narcotics, D.R.I, etc., should dispatch samples of the seized drugs to one
of the laboratories of the Central Revenues Control Laboratory nearest to their offices depending
upon the availability of test facilities. The addresses of the Central Revenues Control
Laboratories are given below:
1. Director, Central Revenues Control Laboratories, Pusa, IARI campus, New
Delhi–110012.
2. Joint Director, Govt. Opium and Alkaloid Works, Ghajipur (UP).
3. Chemical Examiner, Govt. Opium and Alkaloid Works, Neemuch (MP).
4. Joint Director, Customs, House Laboratory, Customs House, Chennai–600001.
5. Joint Director, Chemical Laboratory, Customs House, Kolkata–1.
6. Joint Director, New Customs House, Ballard Estate, Mumbai–38.
7. Joint Director, Jawahar Customs House, NhevaSheva (Raigarh).
8. Chemical Examiner, Customs House Laboratory, Customs House, Cochin–9.
9. Chemical Examiner, Customs C. Ex. Laboratory, YashKamal Bldg., 8th Floor, Baroda–5.
10. Chemical Examiner, Customs House Laboratory, Vishakhapatnam (AP).
11. Chemical Examiner, Customs House Laboratory, Customs House, New Kandla
(Gujarat).
12. Chemical Examiner, Customs House Laboratory, Sada, Marmagua, Goa–403803.
13. Chemical Examiner, Customs House Laboratory, Assam Oil Refinery, Digboi (Assam).
14. Chemical Examiner, Customs House Laboratory, Barauni Oil Refinery, Barauni,
Begusarai.
15. Chemical Examiner, HPLC Refinery, Corridor Road, Trombay, Mumbai–400074.
The other Central Agencies like B.S.F, C.B.I and other central police organizations may send
such samples to the Director, Central Forensic Laboratory, New Delhi/CFSL, Chandigarh/
Hyderabad/Kolkata.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
205
All state enforcement agencies may send samples of seized drugs and psychotropic substances
to the Director/ Dy. Director/Assistant Director of their respective state forensic science
laboratories.
8.16.2 The addresses of state forensic science laboratories are given below:
1. Director, Forensic Science Laboratories, Govt. of Bihar, Patna–800023.
2. Director, Police Forensic Science Laboratory, Rajasthan, Nehru Nagar, Jaipur–302006.
3. Director, Forensic Science Laboratories, Mini Punjab Sector, Plot no. 2, Sector 9A,
Chandigarh.
4. Director, State Forensic Science Laboratory, Rasulgarh, Bhubaneswar (Orissa).
5. Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, Haryana, Madhuban (Karnal).
6. Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, Andhra Pradesh, Red Hills, Hyderabad–4.
7. Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, Trivandrum–10.
8. Director, State Forensic Science Laboratory, West Bengal, Balgachia Road, Kolkata–37.
9. Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, 5-Miller Road, Om MehalBldg., Banglore–560052.
10. Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, Assam, Kahitapara, Guwahati–19.
11. Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, KamaragarSalai, Mylapore, Chennai–4.
12. Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, Gujarat, New Mental Corner, Ahmedabad–380016.
13. Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, Maharashtra, Santa Cruz (East), Mumbai–400098.
14. Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, Civil Lines, Sager (M.P.) –470001.
15. Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, Mahanagar, Lucknow (U.P.).
16. Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, New Delhi.
17. Assistant Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, Junagarh (Gujarat).
18. Chemical Examiner of U.P. Govt., Agra (U.P.).
19. Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, Opposite C.D. Hospital, Sri Nagar (J.K.).
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
206
8.16.3 Follow Up
1. Was the investigation case file put up before superior officers to inform them of the
progress in the case on a regular basis (at least once in a week/fortnight) for their
instructions, monitoring and guidance?
2. Was the test report received from the laboratory in time before filing complaint? If
not, is it being followed up?
3. Was the investigation completed on time, at least two weeks before the time to file
complaints? (Complaint has to be filed within 180 days (see Section 36 A (4) of
NDPS Act, 1985 as amended) for large quantity cases and 60 days for other cases.
The IO should have adequate time to compile and collate all evidence and obtain
department opinion of the counsel before filing it in the court)
4. Is the complaint complete in all respects and includes all materials, facts and evidence
collected during investigation, details of all the witnesses in the memo and is
accompanied by all the original documents at the time of filing the complaint in the
court?
8.17 Common Reasons for Acquittal
1. Don’t forget to send a copy of the reasons to immediate superior officer under
section 42 (2) of the Act. It’s non-compliance is fatal to the prosecution.
2. Don’t forget to give option of being searched by Gazetted Officer/a Magistrate to the
accused under section 50 of the Act. It’s non-compliance is fatal to the prosecution.
3. Don’t forget to reduce in writing the information received about some narcotic drug/
psychotropic substance illegally kept/concealed. Send copy of information to superior
officer. Non-compliance of section 42 is fatal for prosecution.
4. Don’t forget to get the search of female offender made by a female constable under
section 50 (4) of the Act. Non-compliance is fatal to the prosecution.
5. Don’t forget to draw and seal the sample and residue substance.
6. Don’t forget to hand over the seal to independent witness till the case property is sent
for analysis.
7. Seizure memo, arrest memo, spot memo, etc., must be attested by witnesses.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
207
8. Don’t forget to disclose the ground of arrest to the accused and his family/friends.
9. Case property must be produced before the Magistrate for attestation for pre-trial
disposal. The inventory must be prepared and photographs taken in compliance with
Section 52A (2) of the Act.
10. Don’t forget to join independent witness in investigation.
11. Don’t forget to file the challan within the time frame prescribed by law.
8.18 Seizure List
1. Prepare list of evidence material collected from the scene.
2. List should be signed by two public witnesses giving their full details including
permanent and temporary addresses.
3. The packets/parcels containing evidence material should be labelled giving description
of its contents (exhibits), case reference and should be signed by the IO.
4. Forwarding memo should be filled up giving brief history of the case, details of the
parcels and their contents, nature of examination required and certificate authorizing
the Director, Forensic Science Laboratory for examination of the exhibits.
8.19 End of Search
Before leaving the crime scene the IO should ensure that:
1. The crime scene search has been done thoroughly.
2. All evidence collected at crime scene is properly packed, labelled and sealed.
3. All memos are duly filled in and all other formalities in respect of procedures
mandated by the law are completed.
8.20 Scrutiny of Evidence Collected from Crime Scene
A thorough scrutiny of the evidence collected from a crime scene provides highly relevant and
useful information for the purpose of investigation including crucial information about:
1. Accused–identity of accused, information about other accused involved.
2. Crime–items and/or description of items used for commission of crime, modus
operandi.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
208
8.21 Questionnaire
1. Whether the recovered substance is covered under NDPS Act or not?
2. Whether the given substance contains the entire mixture or any solution or anyone or
more narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances of that particular drug in doses, forms
or isomers, esters, ethers, and salts of these drugs, including salt of esters, ethers and
isomers, wherever existence of such substances is possible and not just its pure drug
content?
3. Whether the substance identified is synonymous to any other substance mentioned in
NDPS Act?
8.22 Case Study
one
(a) Buchner funnel (b) Buchner Flask
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
209
(c) Heating Mantle (d) Glass Dish
(e) Glass Column
Figure 8.19: Equipments and glassware recovered from a container which was brought by
ship at Calcutta harbour.
NICFS
CHAPTER 8
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
210
Source: Case reported by FSL Haryana
References
1. A.K. Bapuly, Forensic Science: Its Application in Crime Investigation, Hyderabad,
2006.
2. B.R. Sharma, Forensic Science in Criminal Investigation and Trials, Bombay, 2012.
3. Justice K. Kannan.Karunalaran Mathiharan, ed., Modi: A Textbook of Medical
Jurisprudence and Toxicology,rpt, Allahabad Central Law Agency, 2013.
4. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
211
EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCES 9
Explosives are chemical compounds or mixtures which on application of an external stimulus
such as heat, shock, friction or ignition undergo a rapid chemical decomposition. The chemical
reaction results in sudden release of large amount of energy due to liberation of gas and high
temperature. The pressure thus generated is thrust out equally in all directions. Explosion is
derived from the explosive.
An explosion is defined as a sudden release of gas and pressure so as to cause loud noise.
When high explosive detonates, it releases gas of volume 12,000 to 15,000 times of original
volume, temperature around 3,000oc to 4,000oc and pressure 40 TS.
According to the Explosives Act, 1884 Section 4(d), ‘Explosives mean gunpowder,
nitroglycerine, nitroglycol, gun-cotton, di-nitro-toluene, tri-nitrotoluene, picric acid,
di-nitro-phenol, tri-nitror-resorcinol (styphnic acid), cyclo-trimethylenetrinitramine, pentaerythritol-
tetranitrate, tetry1, nitroguanidine, lead azide, lead styphynate, fulminate of mercury
or any other metal, diazo-di-nitro-phenol, coloured fires or any other substance whether a
single chemical compound or a mixture of substances, whether solid or liquid or gaseous used
or manufactured with a view to produce a practical effect by explosion or pyrotechnic effect;
and includes fog-signals, fireworks, fuses, rockets, percussion caps, detonators, cartridges,
ammunition of all descriptions and every adaptation or preparation of an explosive as defined
in this clause’.
According to Government of India, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Department of Industrial
Policy and Promotion Notification GSR 553(E) 11 July 2012, ammonium nitrate has been
included in the Explosives Act. Ammonium nitrate means the compound having the chemical
formula NH4NO3 and includes any mixture or compound having 45 per cent ammonium nitrate
by weight including emulsions, suspensions, melts or gels (with or without inorganic nitrates)
but excluding emulsion or slurry explosives and non-explosives emulsion matrix and fertilisers
from which the ammonium nitrate cannot be extracted by any physical or chemical process.
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
212
According to Government of India, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Department of
Commerce, Udyog Bhawan Notification No. 34 (RE–2013)/2009-2014, New Delhi, 14 August,
2013: Import of ammonium nitrate having the chemical formula NH4NO3 or any combination
containing more than 45 per cent of ammonium nitrate by weight including emulsions,
suspensions, melts or gels (with or without inorganic nitrates), and classified as explosive
under Explosives Act, 1884, is subject to license from the Chief Controller of Explosives
under the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012.
According to The Explosives Rules, 1983 Section 2 (7), ‘Detonator’ means a small tube of
aluminium or copper or other materials approved by the Chief Controller:
(a) one end of which is closed and the other–
(i) left open of the insertion of safety fuse for the purpose of initiating explosion
within the tube; or
(ii) fitted with wires or other device for that purpose and sealed;
(b) which is loaded with a charge of initiating explosives, the charge being so designed
as to produce an explosion that would communicate to other tube similarly constructed
and charged.
According to The Explosives Rules, 1983 Schedule 1 explosives are divided into 8 classes
as follows:
(i) Class 1: Gunpowder
(ii) Class 2: Nitrate-mixture
(iii) Class 3: Nitro-compound
(iv) Class 4: Chlorate-mixture
(v) Class 5: Fulminate
(vi) Class 6: Ammunition
(vii) Class 7: Fireworks
(viii) Class 8: Liquid Oxygen Explosives
Section 435, IPC
Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage to amount of one
hundred or (in case of agricultural produce) ten rupees.—Whoever commits mischief by fire
or any explosive substance intending to cause, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby
cause, damage to any property to the amount of one hundred rupees or upwards or (where the
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
213
property is agricultural produce) ten rupees or upwards, shall be punished with imprisonment
of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to
fine.
Section 436, IPC
Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house, etc.—Whoever commits
mischief by fire or any explosive substance, intending to cause, or knowing it to be likely that
he will thereby cause, the destruction of any building which is ordinarily used as a place of
worship or as a human dwelling or as a place for the custody of property, shall be punished
with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Types of explosives:
The speed at which explosives decompose varies greatly from one another. The explosives are
classified as Low Explosive and High Explosive:
I. Low Explosives: They do not show shattering effects, but have deflagration effect,
i.e. high speed burning. They are used as a medium to carry flame to explosive
charge and in safety fuse, e.g. Black powder, smokeless powder, flash powder.
II. High Explosives: These explosives detonate and have shattering effects.
(a) Primary High Explosives: Lead azide, lead styphnate, mercury fulminate, etc.,
are ultrasensitive to heat, shock and friction and they detonate violently instead
of burning.
(b) Secondary High Explosives: Burn as well as detonate.
(i) Boosters: PETN (Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate), RDX/ Cyclonite
(ii) Main Charge: Dynamite, Water Gels, Emulsions, TNT (Trinitrotoluene),
ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil), Ammonium Nitrate in
combination with RDX, PETN.
Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
An IED can be almost anything with any type of material and initiator. It is a “homemade”
device that is designed to cause death or injury by using explosives alone or in combination
with toxic chemicals, biological toxins, or radiological material. IEDs can be produced in
varying sizes, functioning methods, containers, and delivery methods. IEDs can utilize
commercial or military explosives, homemade explosives, or military ordnance and ordnance
components.
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
214
An IED consists of:
(i) Explosive substance- RDX, TNT, PETN, etc.
(ii) Detonator- Electrical or Non-electrical
(iii) Power source- 1.5 V, 6V, 9 V batteries
(iv) Switches
(v) Mechanism
• Anti-handling Mechanism (Lift, move, open, pressure, pressure-release, tilt,
variation, etc.)
• Delayed Mechanism- Clock (Mechanical or electronic), Watch, Thermal,
Collapsing circuit, Chemical, etc.
• Ambient Mechanism- Smoke or Gas, Sound (acoustic), Atmospheric pressure,
Atmospheric temperature
• Remote control Mechanism- Wire control, Radio wave control or FM
transmission control, laser beam, etc.
IEDs generally fall into following categories:
(i) Package type IED
Package type IEDs can be of different forms and sizes, containing explosive substance,
projectiles, switch mechanism, power source, detonator, wire and insulating tapes.
Common household objects/containers such as card board boxes, tiffin box, ghee tin,
pressure cookers and milk canes are chosen for this type of IEDs so that they can be
planted easily and at the same time do not attract much attention.
Figure 9.1: Package-type IEDs
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
215
Car before explosion After explosion
Figure 9.2: Vehicle–borne IEDs
(ii) Vehicle-borne IED
Vehicle borne IEDs (VBIEDs) are devices that use a vehicle as the package or
container of the device. These IEDs come in various shapes and sizes which vary by
the type of vehicles used– cycle, small car to large cargo trucks, generators,
bullock carts, ambulances, etc.
Larger vehicles enable larger amounts of explosive that can be used, resulting in a
greater effect. Functioning of devices can vary depending upon the type of mechanism
used and can have the same common characteristics or indicators as other IEDs.
(iii) Suicide bomber IED
A person on suicidal mission, usually employs high-explosive IED bomb and uses a
command detonation mechanism, some sort of switch or button which the person
activates by himself. Explosives can be contained in a vest, belt, or clothing that is
specifically modified to carry this material in concealed condition. A vehicle-borne
suicide bomber employs the same method, using a command detonation initiation
mechanism.
Figure 9.3: Milk container used as an IED. Encircled is pressure release switch.
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
216
Figure 9.4: Sketch diagram of an IED
Formula for Volume Calculation of Crater
V=KW1.4
V- Volume of crater
W- Weight of explosive (in pounds)
K- Constant=0.4
Formula for Calculation of Diameter of Crater
D3=16W
D- Diameter of the crater in meter
W-Weight of explosives in Kg
9.1 Pre-Search Planning and Preparation by IO
(i) Make a clear assessment about the place of occurrence (house, shop, factory, open
area, etc.) where explosion has occurred.
(ii) Collect all possible, relevant and authentic information for planning and preparation.
(iii) Constitute the team required for carrying out search at the crime scene.
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
217
(iv) Make detailed planning and preparation as per circumstances of the case.
(v) IO should have information about the extent of damage to property and lives.
(vi) IO should arrange for ambulance/medical assistance to take the injured to the hospital.
List of Kits and Tools Required
A. Explosives Detection Kit (EDK)
I. Procedure for TNT/PETN, RDX/
Nitrate Identification Field Test Kit
(i) Remove sampler from the top of the
test unit.
(ii) Apply sampler’s adhesive tip to
suspected substance to be tested.
(iii) Return sampler to the test unit and
press firmly to lock.
(iv) With the thumb and forefinger, press
Chamber 1 firmly until ampoule
breaks. Gently shake test unit for
2–3 seconds.
(A brown-violet colour indicates the presence of TNT. A green colour indicates the presence
of DNT).
Warning: Do not proceed to the next step until sampler is completely locked into place.
(v) If no colour develops, then, firmly press Chamber 2 with the thumb and forefinger
until ampoule breaks. Gently shake test unit for 2–3 seconds.
An orange/red/violet colour indicates the presence of RDX (C –4), PETN, SEMTEX,
Dynamite, NG or smokeless powder.
(vi) If no colour develops, firmly press Chamber 3 with the thumb and forefinger until
ampoule breaks. Shake test unit vigorously.
An orange/pink/violet colour indicates the presence of nitrate salt –potassium
nitrate (black powder), ammonium nitrate (ANFO) or urea nitrate. Proceed to
urea nitrate and/or ammonium nitrate tests to complete identification of the
ammonium, urea or potassium nitrate salt.
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
218
II. Procedure for Chlorate/Bromate Identification Field Test
(i) Remove sampler from the top of the test unit.
(ii) Apply sampler’s adhesive tip to suspected substance to be tested.
(iii) Return sampler to the test unit and press firmly to lock.
(iv) With the thumb and forefinger, press Chamber 1 firmly until ampoule breaks.
Gently shake test unit for 2–3 seconds.
Warning: Do not continue to the next step until sampler is completely locked into place.
(v) With the thumb and forefinger, press Chamber 2 firmly until ampoule breaks.
Gently shake test unit for 2–3 seconds.
(A blue colour indicates the presence of chlorate or bromate ion). A vigorous chemical
reaction may occur if you proceed to the next step without waiting for 5 minutes.
(vi) Press Chamber 3 firmly until ampoule breaks and shake gently for acid
neutralization.
III. Procedure for TATP/HMTD Identification Field Test
(i) Remove sampler from the top of the test unit.
(ii) Apply sampler’s adhesive tip to suspected substance to be tested.
(iii) Return sampler to the test unit and press firmly to lock.
(iv) With thumb and forefinger, press Chamber 1 firmly until ampoule breaks.
Gently shake test unit for 1 minute.
Warning: Do not proceed to the next step until sampler is completely locked into place.
(v) With the thumb and forefinger, press Chamber 2 firmly until ampoule breaks.
Gently shake test unit for 2–3 seconds.
(vi) Once the solution is in the reaction chamber, tilt the casing 90 degrees, so that
the solution flows into Chamber 3 and gently shake the solution in the Chamber
for 4–5 seconds.
(vii) Tilt the test unit back so that the content from Chamber 3 returns into the
reaction chamber. If a green colour develops, this indicates the possible presence
of chlorate ion. Proceed to chlorate ion detection.
(viii) If no colour develops, press Chamber 3 firmly with the thumb and forefinger
until ampoule breaks. Tilt the casing 90 degrees, so that the solution flows into
the chamber 3. Gently shake the solution in the Chamber for 10–15 seconds,
then tilt casing so that liquid flows into the reaction chamber.
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
219
(If a green colour develops in the reaction chamber, this indicates the presence of TATP or
HMTD).
Note: Green colour becomes deeper with time.
IV. Procedure for Ammonium Nitrate Identification Field Test
Note: The test for TNT/PETN, RDX/NITRATE should be performed prior to this test. If that
test result is positive for the presence of nitrate, this test and/or the Urea Nitrate test should
be run.
(a) Remove sampler from the top of the test unit.
(b) Apply sampler’s adhesive tip to suspected substance to be tested.
(c) Return sampler to the test unit and press firmly to lock.
(d) With thumb and forefinger, press Chamber 1 firmly until ampoule breaks.
Gently shake test unit for 2–3 seconds.
Warning: Do not proceed to the next step until sampler is completely locked into place.
(An orange-brown precipitate indicates the presence of ammonium nitrate).
If ammonium nitrate is not present, the test for urea nitrate should be run.
If the tests for urea nitrate and ammonium nitrate are negative, the presence of potassium
nitrate is indicated.
V. Procedure for Urea Nitrate Identification Field Test
The test for TNT/PETN, RDX/NITRATE should be performed prior to this test. If that test
result is positive for the presence of nitrate, this test and/or the ammonium nitrate test should
be run.
(i) Remove sampler from the top of the test unit.
(ii) Apply sampler’s adhesive tip to suspected substance to be tested.
(iii) Return sampler to the test unit and press firmly to lock.
(iv) With the thumb and forefinger, press Chamber 1 firmly until ampoule breaks.
Gently shake test unit for 2–3 seconds.
Warning: Do not continue to the next step until sampler is completely locked into place.
(A bright-reddish colour within 1 minute indicates the presence of urea nitrate).
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
220
If urea nitrate is not present, the test for ammonium nitrate should be run. If the tests for
urea nitrate and ammonium nitrate are negative, the presence of potassium nitrate is
indicated.
B. Fingerprint kit
(a) Fingerprint powders (black, grey, anthracene, magnetic, fluorescent).
(b) Brush (camel hair, ostrich hair, magnetic).
(c) Light source.
(d) Adhesive tape.
(e) Fingerprint lifting cards.
(f) Gloves.
C. Footprint kit
(a) Footprint lifters.
(b) Electrostatic footprint lifting device.
(c) Plaster of Paris.
(d) Machine oil.
(e) Talcum powder.
(f) Spirit.
(g) Shellac solution.
(h) Wire mesh.
(i) Frame for preparing plaster cast.
(j) Magnetic compass.
(k) Glass sheet (35X20 cm).
(l) Transparency sheet/tracing paper.
(m) Fine tip permanent marker.
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
221
D. Evidence collection kit
(a) Cotton gauze cloth.
(b) Forceps.
(c) Gloves disposable.
(d) Paper envelopes (6x6 cm., 15x10 cm.).
(e) Airtight Plastic/Glass Containers and tin containers.
(f) Polythene Bags.
(g) Scalpel.
(h) Scissors.
(i) Evidence tag.
(j) Marking cloth bag.
(k) Sealing wax bar.
(l) Candle.
(m) Matchbox.
(n) Metallic seal of IO.
(o) Lights (e.g. flashlights, spotlights).
(p) Barrier tape.
(q) Spades.
E. Digital Camera of good quality (min. 16 MP)
F. Explosives detector
G. Land Mine detector
H. Hand held metal detector
I. Non Linear Junction Detector (NLJD)
J. Search mirror
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
222
K. Powerful search light
L. Portable X-Ray scanner
M. Bomb suit/bomb/blanket/jacket
N. Wire-mesh/sieves
9.2 Team required for Handling Crime Scene
Prepare a list of persons to be associated with:
(i) Bomb disposal team to detect and defuse unexploded bombs.
(ii) Protection of scene.
(iii) Sketching of crime scene with necessary measurements.
(iv) Detailed photography of crime scene.
(v) Searching the scene.
(vi) Identification and collection of evidences by or with the help of forensic experts.
(vii) Collection of chance fingerprints.
(viii) Information gathering.
(ix) Evidence custodian.
(x) Specially trained canine for detection of explosives.
Figure 9.5: A suspected briefcase being sniffed by
explosive detection dog
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
223
Figure 9.6: Bombing Incidence in India: 2012
Source: National Security Guard
9.3 Crime Scene Investigation
A. Protection of the crime scene:
The crime scene must be protected from entry by any persons so that physical evidence is not
to be altered, shifted, destroyed, lost or contaminated and to avoid any injury to any person
due to explosion effect or weak structure of the scene of crime.
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
224
The following points should be kept in mind:
1. Cordon off the area as quickly and as effectively as possible up to the point where
projectiles and splinters are found and the surrounding area, as some unexploded
devices may be present.
2. If injured/burnt body shows any sign of life, provide immediate medical help and
transport the body to the hospital, taking precaution to disturb the scene to the
minimum extent.
3. All unauthorized persons (relatives, friends, onlookers, photographers, etc.) should
be evacuated from the scene.
4. Officer-in-charge of the case should determine when, why and who should enter
the scene.
5. Police officer should not leave the scene unguarded.
6. The witnesses, suspects and informants should be detained for further details.
7. Officer should not add any foreign material, like cigarette ends, foot or footwear
marks, fingerprints, etc. to the scene of crime.
8. During examination, the original condition of doors, windows, stair-case, lighting,
routes of entry/exit should be preserved to the maximum extent.
9. Do not shift anything from its place. It has to be described and located by sketches
and photographs.
10. Scene should not be cleaned till thoroughly examined.
B. Photography of the crime scene
Photographs of following should be taken:
1. The entire explosion scene from different angles.
2. All relevant objects at the scene of crime viz. vehicle, transistors, pressure cooker,
toys, suitcase, etc.
3. The crater formed, if explosion took place on ground.
4. Places where the maximum damage has taken place.
5. IEDs/unexploded material/explosive.
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
225
6. Possible route of approach of criminal.
7. Points of entry and exit.
8. The location of dead bodies or injured, if any.
9. Evidence left by criminal at the scene (cigarette butts, fingerprints, foot/footwear
marks, etc.).
10. If possible, videography at crime scene should be done.
11. Presence of any foreign matter (bottle, match stick, cigarette, burnt rope, etc.).
12. Before defusing any live bomb, take photograph from safe distance using tele
lens, binocular to identify the label.
C. Sketching of the crime scene
Sketches are to be drawn by an expert/investigating officer and the following are to be
included in the sketch:
1. The entire area where explosion has taken place.
2. Place, date and time when the sketch was made.
3. Name of persons assisting in taking measurements.
4. Directions (east, west, north and south).
5. Sketch of nearby/surrounding areas.
6. Inter-distances between relevant objects and evidences.
D. Crime scene search
Investigating officer should make a note of the following upon reaching the explosion site and
after evacuation of the injured to the hospital:
1. Crater formed at the site/point of explosion.
2. Damages caused.
3. Whether the explosion caused fire or not.
The crime scene should be searched thoroughly and carefully. The following points should be
kept in mind:
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
226
(i) Establish the perimeters of the scene and it should be properly documented with the
help of photographs and sketches.
(ii) Ascertain legal basis for the search prior to any seizure of evidence.
(iii) Establish method of search based on investigative theory, size of area to be searched,
and other factors. The following search methods are common:
(a) Zonal method- Area to be searched is divided into squares/sectors. An officer is
assigned to each zone.
(b) Spiral method- Also called circle method and is effective in a small area.
Searcher can begin from the center or the perimeter and moves in a circular
path.
(c) Wheel method- The searcher gathers at the center of the scene and moves
radially outwards. Drawback is the possibility of running over the evidence
when gathering at the center and ever increasing distance between searchers as
the examination moves outwards.
(iv) Search the entire scene thoroughly for any land mine/bomb planted and if found, it
should be defused first.
(v) Search the surrounding/nearby area for detection of bomb fragments and live bomb.
(vi) In case of use of high explosives, physical evidences get scattered to a great distance,
so areas surrounding the explosion scene should also be searched thoroughly.
(vii) Start search from the seat of explosion (crater).
(viii) Do not cut wires or pour water on any suspected device.
(ix) Do not use wireless communication system, mobile phone and do not light a
cigarette.
On locating a suspicious object
(i) Do not handle or touch it.
(ii) Report location with accurate description of the object to warden/control centre, who
would call police/bomb squad/rescue.
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
227
(iii) Place sand bags around it and do not cover it.
(iv) Identify danger area and block it up to at least 300 ft (area below, above and sides).
(v) Keep all doors/windows open.
(vi) Adopt evacuation procedures.
9.4 Search for Evidences
High explosives on detonation result in shattering effect due to which physical evidences are
scattered to a great distance and are disintegrated into small pieces and may be completely or
partially burnt. Sometimes, low explosives are used which may cause damage associated
mainly with burning and pushing effect and relatively lesser shattering effect. The following
evidence materials may be searched at the scene of crime:
I. Outer casing
(a) Cotton thread
(b) Cloth
(c) Paper
(d) Jute string
(e) Adhesive tape
(f) Pieces of plastic/metallic container
II. Explosive residues
(a) Blackening smoke deposits
(b) Yellow/orange deposits
(c) Small particles of partially burnt chemicals on the surrounding objects at the
seat of explosion and other adjoining areas
III. Projectiles
(a) Broken glass pieces
(b) Iron nails/pieces
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
228
(c) Stone pieces
(d) Metallic bolts and balls
(e) Lead pieces of irregular shape and different sizes
(f) Fragmented container, pieces of the IED
IV. Initiation devices
(a) Fragments of detonators
(b) Safety fuses
(c) Fragments of initiation mechanism, viz., primer device, battery, flexible wire,
switches, etc.
V. Other material
(a) Metallic tube, switches
(b) Wrapper/container used to carry explosive substance
(c) Debris from the seat of explosion
VI. CCTV footage, mobile phones and email ids
VII. Defused unexploded/ live bomb
VIII. Land mines
IX. Body parts of victim(s)
X. Subsequently search the house and work place of suspect for chemicals and
equipments used for preparation of explosives and explosive devices. Search also
clothes, shoes and hand of accused and look for footprint near the site of
explosion
XI. Take swab by rubbing cotton on floor, walls and other suspected objects of the
room where explosive is being prepared
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
229
Bolts Rivits
Nails
Figure 9.7: Different types of projectiles/splinters
9.5 Collection of Evidences
The investigating officer should take help from forensic scientist while collecting the evidences.
Call bomb disposal squad if live bomb and live explosive device is expected.
(a) Exhibits should be collected only after wearing hand gloves.
(b) Search the site of explosion thoroughly and look for any unexploded material left,
if found, it must first be rendered safe. A bomb should never be moved from
where it was found because it may detonate/explode. This should only be conducted
by a qualified bomb technician.
(c) Look for fingerprints on the unexploded material.
(d) Locate the seat of explosion or crater and collect all the relevant materials like soil
and other debris present in the interior of the crater.
(e) Look for evidences like metal pieces, detonators, switches, timer devices.
(f) Use wire-mesh/sieves for collecting relevant evidences from the debris.
(g) Collect swabs/explosive residue samples from near the seat of explosion.
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
230
(h) Collect materials projected away from the site of explosion.
(i) Collect swab samples from all relevant materials lying near the site of explosion.
(j) Collect swab samples and other embedded objects from the bodies of victims of
the explosion for the presence of components of bomb and explosive residues.
(k) Collect explosive residues and minute bomb components from carpets, floors, etc.,
by vacuum cleaner. This should be done only after the scene has been cleared of
the larger debris.
(l) Collect CCTV footage from shops or camera installed near the site of explosion.
(m) The house, work place of the suspect should be searched for chemicals and
equipments used for preparation of explosive and explosive devices.
(n) Use vapour detector, metal detector, canines and kit for spot test for collection
of explosive samples
Figure 9.8: Crater formed at the site of explosion
Pipe Bomb Crude Bomb
Jute Bomb/Sutli Bomb
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
231
Tiffin Bomb
Figure 9.9: Different types of IED/bombs
Figure 9.10: Different types of IED/bombs
Pipe Bombs with Fuse Wire
Pipe Bombs with a Projectile
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
232
9.6 Packaging and Forwarding of Evidence
(i) Depending upon its type, the evidence should be packed in a suitable container as
listed below:
Table 9.1: Types of evidences and types of containers
Figure 9.11: Types of containers
Polythene Zip-top bag Paper Bag
(ii) Label each container of evidence with information like FIR no./Crime no., police
station, date and time of collection, place of collection, etc., along with proper
numbering of containers.
(iii) Initiating and detonating devices should be packed separately with cotton packings.
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
233
(vi) All the fragments/parts of bomb/IEDs should be packed separately in tight cotton from
all sides in a plastic container with a transparent lid.
(v) In case the explosive material is suspected to be mercury fulminate or lead azide,
Explosive Expert should be summoned at the explosion scene and such explosives
should never be sent for analysis to the laboratory.
(vi) Live bombs should be defused before sending to the laboratory and bomb defusion
certificate should be sent along with the defused bomb.
(vii) All the exhibits collected above must be sealed properly.
(viii) All the sealed exhibits must finally be forwarded to FSL/CFSL for analysis along
with sample seal.
Note: Plastic Bags should not be used for packing evidence suspected of containing explosive
residues since some explosives may seep through the plastic.
9.7 Seizure List and Forwarding Memo Preparation
(i) Prepare list of evidence material collected from the scene.
(ii) List should be signed by two public witnesses giving their full details including
permanent and temporary address.
(iii) The packets/parcels containing evidence material should be labelled giving description
of its contents (exhibits), case reference and should be signed by the investigating
officer.
(iv) Forwarding memo should be filled up giving brief history of the case, details of the
parcels and their contents, nature of examination required and certificate authorizing
the Director, Forensic Science Laboratory for examination of the exhibits.
9.8 Dealing with Law and Order at Crime Scene
Keeping in view the circumstances at the scene, investigator should make requisition for
additional men power for protection of the scene, safety of the investigating team members
and public as well as shifting the injured person to hospital for medical examination and
treatment.
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
234
9.9 End of Search
Before leaving the crime scene, the IO should ensure that:
(i) The crime scene search has been done thoroughly.
(ii) All evidences collected at the crime scene are properly packed, labelled and sealed.
(iii) All memos are duly filled in and all other formalities in respect with procedures
mandated by the law are completed.
(iv) Detailed photographs of the explosion scene should be taken.
(v) Photographs of all the evidences should also be taken.
(vi) All the nearby/surrounding areas should be photographed from different angles.
9.10 Queries
(i) Whether the given substance is an explosive.
(ii) Identify the type of explosive/chemical nature of the explosive.
(iii) Whether the given device is an explosive device.
(iv) Type of IED.
(v) Type of initiation device/mechanism used in IED.
(vi) Type of projectiles/splinters used in the IED.
(vii) Amount of explosive used in the IED.
(viii) Whether the bomb was factory-made/improvised/crude type.
(ix) Type of container used for IED.
(x) Whether the bomb was thrown from outside or whether the explosion took place inside
the building.
(xi) At which place was the bomb planted?
(xii) Type of power source used in the IED.
(xiii) What is the level of expertise used in manufacturing bomb?
(xiv) Whether the explosion was accidental or intentional.
(xv) What was the vehicle used for transportation of IED/explosive material?
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
235
9.11 Case Studies
Delhi Serial blasts 2005
Source: http://www.indiankanoon.org/doc/138377871
Delhi High Court Blasts 2011
Source: http://www.indiankanoon.org/doc/142208179
References
1. T.V. Narayanan, Modern Techniques of Bomb Detection and Disposal, New Delhi,
1996.
2. James T Thurman, Practical Bomb Scene Investigation, Boca Raton, 2006.
3. Barry Fisher, Techniques of Crime Investigation, New York, 1993.
4. Max M. Houck and Jay A. Siegel, Fundamentals of Forensic Science, USA, 2011.
5. Andre Moenssens & Allan Jamieson, Wiley Encyclopedia of Forensic Science, vol. 1,
United Kingdom, 2009.
NICFS
CHAPTER 9
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
236
6. M.B. Rao, Case Histories in Crime Investigation, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National
Police Academy, Hyderabad.
7. A.K. Bapuly, Forensic Science-Its Applications in Crime Investigation, Hyderabad,
2006.
8. Handbook of Forensic Science, CFSL-CBI, New Delhi, 2009.
9. The Bombshell, National Security Guard, volume XXIII, Gurgaon, 2013
10. Technomaxx Securities, Faridabad, Haryana.
NICFS
CHAPTER 10
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
237
FIRE AND ARSON 10
Fire is the rapid oxidation process with release of heat, light, and various reaction products.
Figure 10.1 is a Fire Triangle that represents the 3 elements needed for fire to occur: Heat,
fuel and oxygen are all essential elements for a fire to occur.
Figure 10.1: Fire Triangle
1. Fuel can be any combustible material in any state of matter-solid, liquid, or gas such as
furniture, paper, kerosene, diesel, petrol, alcohol, turpentine oil, etc.
2. Oxygen is available from the atmosphere.
3. Heat is the energy necessary to increase the temperature of the fuel to a point where
sufficient vapors are given off for ignition to occur.
Flammable liquids are those that have a flash point below 1000F.
Combustible liquids are those that have a flash point above 1000F.
NICFS
CHAPTER 10
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
238
Types of Fire:
(a) Natural fire-forest fires, lightning strike may damage structures and result in a fire.
(b) Accidental fire-electrical short circuit, excessive heating of machinery, burning
cigarette/bidi, heating appliance kept near combustible material, spark generator for
welding may cause a fire.
(c) Intentional fire-using accelerants such as petrol, kerosene, alcohol, acetone, turpentine
oil, etc., and mixing of chemicals such as glycerine and potassium permanganate
could also result in a fire.
(d) Spontaneous fire.
Arson is the crime of intentionally and maliciously setting fire to buildings, wild land areas,
vehicles or other property with the intent to cause damage. Arson often involves fire deliberately
set to the property of another or to one’s own property so as to collect insurance compensation.
Arson is also called incendiary fire.
Motives for Arson:
(i) Revenge: Personal or professional vendetta
(ii) Vandalism: Crime of opportunity
(iii) Profit: Monetary gain by claiming insurance
(iv) Crime Concealment: Destroying evidence to cover another crime
(v) Excitement: Sense of power or seeking recognition
(vi) Extremism: Social protests against governments or corporations
10.1 Relevant IPC Sections
(a) Section 285, IPC:
Whoever does, with fire or any combustible matter, any act so rashly or negligently
as to endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person,
or knowingly or negligently omits to take such order with any fire or any combustible
matter in his possession as is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to
human life from such fire or combustible matter, shall be punished with imprisonment
of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which
may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
NICFS
CHAPTER 10
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
239
(b) Section 435, IPC
Whoever commits mischief by fire or any explosive substance intending to cause, or
knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause, damage to any property to the
amount of one hundred rupees or upwards or where the property is agricultural produce
ten rupees or upwards, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a
term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
(c) Section 436, IPC
Whoever commits mischief by fire or any explosive substance, intending to cause, or
knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause, the destruction of any building
which is ordinarily used as a place of worship or as a human dwelling or as a place
for the custody of property, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and
shall also be liable to fine.
(d) Section 113B, Indian Evidence Act
Presumption as to dowry death-When the question is whether a person has committed
the dowry death of a woman and it is shown that soon before her death such woman
has been subjected by such person to cruelty or harassment for, or in connection with,
any demand for dowry, the Court shall presume that such person had caused the
dowry death. Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, ‘‘dowry death’’ shall
have the same meaning as in section 304B, of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).
Table 10.1: Building Bye Laws
NICFS
CHAPTER 10
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
240
Crime Data
According to NCRB, Annual Report 2013, 9357 cases of arson have been reported, which accounts
to 0.4 per cent of total IPC crimes and crime rate of Arson is 0.8 per cent. Charge-sheeting rate of
arson cases is 64.2 per cent and conviction rate is 16.2 per cent.
Figure 10.2: Fire fighters advancing hose lines into a burning structure and applying water
directly to fire, removing one leg of the fire triangle and extinguishing the blaze.
10.2 Pre-search Planning and Preparation
(i) Make a clear assessment of the place of occurrence (house, shop, factory, open area,
vehicle, train, petrol pump, etc.) where fire has occurred.
(ii) Collect all possible, relevant and authentic information for planning and preparation.
(iii) Constitute the team required for carrying out search at the crime scene.
(iv) Make detailed planning and preparation as per circumstances of the case.
10.3 List of Equipments Required
(i) Digital camera (minimum 16 mp.)
(ii) Personal protective equipment
(iii) Flashlight and spot light
(iv) Writing materials
(v) Multipurpose tools (screwdrivers, wire cutters, knives)
(vi) Rubber gloves
(vii) Shovel or other hand tools
NICFS
CHAPTER 10
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
241
(viii) AC voltage tester
(ix) Tape recorder/voice recorder
(x) Portable equipment for detection of hydrocarbon vapour buried under debris.
(xi) Evidence collection kit
(a) Barrier Tape and tape for measurement
(b) Forceps
(c) Gloves and cotton gauge
(d) Paper envelopes (6×6 cm., 15×10 cm.)
(e) Airtight metal (tin) containers of various sizes and cardboard box
(f) Magnifying glass
(g) Scissors, screw driver, wire cutter
(h) Evidence tag
(i) Mark in cloth, needle and thread
(j) Match box, candle and sealing wax bar
(k) Marking pen
(l) Standard metallic seal of IO
I. Footprint kit
(a) Footprint lifters
(b) Electrostatic footprint lifting device
(c) Plaster of Paris
(d) Machine oil
(e) Talcum powder
(f) Spirit
(g) Shellac solution
(h) Wire mesh
(i) Frame for preparing plaster cast
(j) Magnetic compass
(k) Glass sheet (35×20 cm.)
(l) Transparency sheet/tracing paper
(m) Fine tip permanent marker
NICFS
CHAPTER 10
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
242
II. Fingerprint kit
a. Fingerprint powders (black, grey, anthracene, magnetic, fluorescent)
b. Brush (camel hair, ostrich hair, magnetic)
c. Light source
d. Adhesive tape
e. Fingerprint lifting cards
f. Gloves
10.4 Team Required for Handling a Crime Scene
Prepare a list of persons to be associated with:
(i) Protection of scene
(ii) Searching the scene
(iii) Identification and collection of evidence
(iv) Fingerprint and forensic expert
(v) Photography of crime scene
(vi) Sketching of crime scene
(vii) Information gathering
(viii) Evidence custodian
10.5 Crime Scene Investigation
Protection of the crime scene
The crime scene must be protected from entry by any unauthorized persons so that physical
evidence could not be altered, moved, destroyed, lost or contaminated and to avoid any injury
to any person due to fire/weak structure of the building. Following points should be kept in
mind:
(i) Safeguard the location as quickly and as effectively as possible.
(ii) If injured/burnt body shows any sign of life, provide immediate medical help and
transport the body to the hospital, taking caution so as to disturb the scene to the
minimum extent.
(iii) All unauthorized persons (relatives, friends, onlookers, photographers, etc.) should be
excluded from the scene.
NICFS
CHAPTER 10
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
243
(iv) Officer-in-charge of the case should determine when, why and who should enter the
scene.
(v) Police officer should not leave the scene unguarded till scientific examination is
completed.
(vi) The witnesses, suspects and informant should be detained for further details.
(vii) Crime scene should not be altered; it should be barricaded, enclosing a larger area
then smaller one so that no clues are left out.
(viii) Officer should not introduce any material, like cigarette ends, foot or footwear marks,
fingerprints, etc.
(ix) During examination the original condition of doors, windows, stair-case, lighting,
routes of entry/exit should be preserved.
(x) Do not move anything from its place. It has to be described and located by sketches
and photographs.
(xi) Scene should not be cleaned till thoroughly examined.
Photography of the Crime Scene
Photographs of the following should be taken:
(i) The entire fire scene from different angles
(ii) Places where fire caused damages
(iii) Place where the maximum damage has taken place
(iv) Smoke on walls, roof and burnt patterns
(v) Suspected electrical short circuit in wires, fuse box, switches, etc.
(vi) Burnt wires
(vii) Possible route of approach of criminal
(viii) Points of entry and exit
(ix) The location of buried/dead body
(x) Evidence left by criminal at the scene (cigarette buds, fingerprints, foot/footwear
marks, etc.)
(xi) If possible, videography at the scene should be done
(xii) Presence of any foreign matter (bottle/container, matchstick, cigarette/bidi, burnt rope,
etc.)
NICFS
CHAPTER 10
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
244
(xiii) Burnt electrical appliance and surrounding
(xiv) Close up photographs to cover site of fire and to cover important points and evidences
Figure 10.3: Fire patterns are visible or measurable physical effects that remain after a fire, as seen
on this exterior door. A fire was set directly in front of the door causing visible damage.
Seat of Fire
Soot deposition on
walls and roof
Sketching of the Crime Scene
Sketches are to be drawn by an expert/IO and following are to be included in the sketch:
(i) The entire area where fire was put up
(ii) Inter-distances between relevant objects and evidences
(iii) Location of seat of fire
(iv) Place, date and time when the sketch was made
NICFS
CHAPTER 10
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
245
(v) Name of persons assisting in taking measurements
(vi) Directions (east, west, north and south)
Crime Scene Search
(i) To find out the seat of fire
(ii) To find out Cause of fire
(iii) Who is the perpetrator?
(iv) Is fire a case of Arson?
(v) Motive of Arson
10.5.1 General Guidelines for Searching a Fire Scene
(i) If the fire scene is a building or a closed area then start the investigation from the
exterior of the building and work towards the point of origin inside the building.
(ii) If the fire scene is a forest or any open area then start investigation from outside the
damaged area towards the area of origin of fire.
(iii) All visible details should be observed and described before dusting anything for latent
fingerprint. During initial search, each possible item of evidence should be measured
from fixed location.
(iv) Ascertain legal basis for the search prior to any seizure of evidence.
(v) The IO should collect information about the time of fire, the type of smoke, smell,
time taken to extinguish fire, mode of extinguishing the fire, place from where the
fire started, magnitude of fire, height of the flame from the following persons :
● Fire-fighting Officer
● Witnesses
● Neighbours
● Occupants/Property Owners
(vi) Ask for any initial photographs taken by fire officer/media personnel/onlooker, etc.
(vii) IO should:
● Observe areas of damage
● Observe burn patterns
NICFS
CHAPTER 10
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
246
● Compare observations to statements
● Examine and remove debris
● Evaluate systems (gas, electrical)
● Observe for indicators of arson
● Try to ascertain the direction in which fire spread
10.5.2 Exterior Search
(a) Note the weather conditions as it plays a role in the outbreak of fire like temperature,
humidity, direction and speed of wind.
(b) The suitable perimeter of the fire scene should be established. The size of the
perimeter should be large enough to include the entire scene, any relevant adjacent
areas, any remote locations that may include evidence or other materials relevant to
the investigation.
(c) Locate the footprints/latent fingerprints at the point of entry before any item is
touched or moved and the IO should direct the fingerprint expert indicating the areas
to be examined.
(d) The details of location and pattern of smoke or heat damage to the structure should
be noted. Exterior look of the structure, the smoke and heat damage or patterns may
give a general indication about the origin of fire.
(e) Search the nearby areas including lawns, parking areas, or other places that could
possibly contain items related to the scene.
(f) Look for any items or materials that do not appear to belong to the area or seem to
be out of place.
10.5.3 Interior Search
(viii) Start the search in a manner that follows the fire from the area of least damage to the
area of maximum damage. This will help the IO to locate the point of origin of fire
since fire burns for the longest period of time at its point origin.
(ix) Identify the fuel(s) involved in the fire and check the ventilation in that area so as to
relate that to the damage observed. Note the position of the circuit breakers or
condition of the fuses in case of potential electrical fire.
NICFS
CHAPTER 10
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
247
(x) The debris within the scene must be carefully layered by hand, examined and then
removed from the fire scene.
(xi) While systematically removing the fire debris, damage to all building materials,
furnishings, electrical devices and other contents should be documented and put aside
the relevant items for further examination.
(xii) The IO should scrutinize the fire patterns within this area in order to fully identify
fire progression, i.e. the direction in which the fire moved.
Figure 10.4: Fire put on the couch and it burns upwards
10.6 Search for Evidences
The nature of the evidences in arson cases vary from one case to another, depending on the
technique applied by the arsonist and the extent of damage, destruction caused.
10.6.1 Different fire cases could be:
(a) Fire in automobiles and trains
(b) Fire in school functions, marriage functions and exhibitions
(c) Cinema halls
(d) Fire due to leakage of flammable material
(e) Fire in an industry
(f) Fire in a building
NICFS
CHAPTER 10
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
248
(g) Fire in a godown
(h) Fire in a forest or field
Figure 10.5: One of the fire cases (burnt train)
10.6.2 Indicators of Arson
(a) Use of accelerants.
(b) Multiple points of origin.
(c) Trailers of gasoline or paper to move fire rapidly from one place to the other.
(d) Arrangement of materials and furniture.
(e) Ignition devices ranging from candle to time delay devices.
(f) Holes in walls, floors, ceilings.
(g) Fire protection devices disabled/tampered.
(h) Forced entry.
(i) Fire in a portion where files of enquiry were kept.
(j) Person is murdered and then burnt to conceal the crime and identity the person.
(k) Presence of containers carrying accelerants.
(l) Irregular shaped burnt pattern of floor.
(m) Fire in godown where stock received shown in huge quantity but magnitude of
fire shows presence of quite less stock. Intention was to claim huge amount of
insurance.
10.6.3 The IO should Observe and Collect the Following Evidences from the
Scene of Fire/Arson:
(a) Combustible materials (e.g. piles of newspapers, furniture, cloth/ garments,
grass, dry leaves, plastic/rubber material, etc.).
NICFS
CHAPTER 10
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
249
(b) Shoe prints/foot prints/tyre marks.
(c) Fingerprints on the leftover articles by the culprit at the point of entry and exit, doors
knobs and handles, window panes and not consumed by fire like bottle, etc.
(d) Indications of forced entry (tools and tool marks).
(e) Broken and open safe, cupboards (in case of theft followed by setting of fire).
(f) Any foreign matter.
(g) Check document records and previous history of insurance claims.
(h) Check the chemicals and materials used in manufacturing and if there was any
negligence in storage of chemicals that resulted in fire such as keeping inflammable
material near heating devices.
(i) Broken glass pieces in case of Molotov cocktail which contains sulphuric acid and
petrol separated by a partition.
10.6.4 Evidences to be Looked for in Case of a Vehicular Arson/Fire:
(a) Incendiary/ignition/explosive devices (e.g. lighters, matchstick, candle, timing
devices).
(b) Inflammable liquids/accelerants (e.g. petrol, kerosene, diesel, etc.).
(c) Container with traces of flammable liquid.
(d) Seeped fuel found in the earth underneath the automobile, in the debris or in
the upholstery if the vehicle is not fully consumed.
(e) If there is any prior removal of small gadgets and accessories.
(f) Gas/fuel leakage in car and starting up of the engine.
(g) Over-heating of engine or catalytic converter.
(h) Electric short circuit.
10.6.5 Evidences to be Looked for in Case of an Electrical Short Circuit
(a) Electrical short circuit wire ends.
(b) Fuses.
(c) Heating appliances like stove, electric heater, electric iron, etc.
(d) Unburnt portions of chemical and electronic devices that may be left behind.
(e) In case of fire due to electric short circuit the fuse wire will be found of thick
conductor. The fuse may not have blown or if it is blown, the fuse wire is
NICFS
CHAPTER 10
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
250
found broken with bead formation. The broken fuse wire area will be blackened
in case of electric short circuit. Fuse wire broken in case of over loading will
have bead formation but blackening will not be present.
(f) In case of electric short circuit, the rise in temperature of electric conductor will
burn the insulation from inside, i.e. the portion in contact with the conductor.
It will cause sleeve formation of the insulation. In case of fire due to outside
source, the insulation will melt and stick to the conductor. The fire due to
electric short circuit will spread due to the burning of insulation.
10.6.6 Point of Origin of Fire:
(a) Fire tends to move in upward direction and probable point of origin is closest
to lower point that shows the maximum damage.
(b) Presence of V-shaped pattern on the wall.
(c) Soot indicate point of origin (first smoke deposits and then that area burns).
(d) Presence of accelerators, ignition devices such as timer or trace evidences.
(e) Spalling of plaster or concrete: Destruction of surface (plaster due to more
heat).
(f) Material distortion-glass/metal may melt or distort due to heat.
10.7 Collection of Evidences
The IO should take help from forensic scientist while collecting the evidences.
(i) Exhibits should be collected only after wearing hand gloves.
(ii) Ascertain the probable or multiple origins of fire (i.e. where the maximum damage
has taken place) and collect debris from there.
(iii) Collect burnt matchstick, cigarette, and container containing traces of inflammable
liquid, if any.
(iv) Collect wire ends, switch boards, fuses, etc., in case of electrical short circuiting.
(v) Along with sample from point of origin, a control sample should be collected (material
from a different room/location).
(vi) Heating appliances and surrounding burnt/partially burnt combustible materials.
(vii) Burnt/partially documents in connection with false claim of insurance.
NICFS
CHAPTER 10
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
251
(viii) Collect samples of upholstery, drywall, plaster, wood, or other material that may have
been penetrated by flammable liquids.
(ix) Collect samples of soil that may have been penetrated by flammable liquids.
(x) Trace evidence possibly left by the arsonist such as hair, clothing fibers, matchstick,
etc.
(xi) Clothing worn by the suspect at time of crime, including shoes.
(xii) Collect footprints/shoe prints from the scene.
(xiii) Collect uncontaminated control sample from other areas of the scene of fire.
(xiv) Look for traces of inflammable liquid residues by Portable Vapor Detector which
sucks the air around it.
(xv) Take help of trained sniffer dogs which detect the vapors of hydrocarbons.
(xvi) Time delay mechanism (presence indicates arson) which enabled the perpetrator to
escape from the area before fire started.
10.8 Packaging and Forwarding of Evidences
(i) The evidence container should have the following qualities:
● Made of metal normally unused paint
cans made of tin (as shown in Figure 10.6).
● Air tight so that there is no loss due to
evaporation.
● Highly resistant to breakage, easy for
transportation.
● Prevents cross-contamination.
● Good integrity seal.
(ii) Glass container with metal cap can be used for collection of smaller amount of
sample.
(iii) Polythene envelope/bag, plastic container and paper bags should never be used for
packing exhibits in case of suspected inflammable material.
(iv) Collect two to three quarts of ash, soot and debris from point of origin of fire.
(v) Fill up only half or two-thirds of the container with the evidence leaving space on the
top.
Figure 10.6: Evidence Container
NICFS
CHAPTER 10
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
252
(vi) The burnt material like wood, furniture, cloth, etc., should be packed in an airtight
container with proper labelling.
(v) Liquid samples/fuel found in open bottle should be placed in an unused sealable glass
container to prevent any loss of fluid.
(vi) In case of electrical short circuit, electrical wire ends and burnt/partially burnt wires
should be kept in thermocol sheet and packed in a cardboard/plastic box.
(vii) Electrical appliances like, electric fan, heater, electric iron, air conditioner, etc., should
be packed in a cardboard box. In case of refrigerator and other big machinery
difficult to transport, ask expert to examine at crime scene.
(viii) Cast of footprint/shoeprint should be properly packed and labelled.
(ix) All the exhibits should be carefully sent to FSL for analysis.
10.9 Seizure List
(i) Prepare list of evidence material collected from the scene.
(ii) List should be signed by two public witnesses giving their full details including
permanent and temporary address.
(iii) The packets/parcels containing evidence material should be labelled giving description
of its contents (exhibits), case reference and should be signed by the IO.
(iv) Forwarding memo should be filled up giving brief history of the case, details of the
parcels and their contents, nature of examination required and certificate authorizing
the Director, Forensic Science Laboratory for examination of the exhibits.
10.10 Dealing with Law and Order at Crime Scene
Keeping in view the circumstances at the scene, investigator should make requisition for
additional men, power for protection of the scene, safety of the investigating team members
and public as well as shifting the injured person to hospital for medical examination and
treatment.
10.11 End of Search
Before leaving the crime scene the IO should ensure that:
(i) The crime scene search has been done thoroughly.
(ii) All evidences collected at crime scene are properly packed, labelled and sealed and
sample seal is also to be sent.
NICFS
CHAPTER 10
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
253
(iii) All memos are duly filled in and all other formalities with respect to procedures
mandated by the law are completed.
(iv) Final photograph of the fire scene should be taken.
(v) The scene should remain cordoned and protected because IO might have to revisit
the scene.
10.12 Queries
From Fire Brigade Officer
(i) Where is the origin of fire?
(ii) What is the extent of affected area due to fire?
(iii) Whether the fire is accidental or man-made?
(iv) How was the fire extinguished?
(v) What was the colour of flame and smoke?
From FSL/CFSL
(i) What is the nature of accelerant and inflammable material used?
(ii) Identification of burnt body by carrying out DNA analysis from hair or blood.
From Medico-legal Expert
(i) Whether injuries on identified or unidentified dead bodies are ante-mortem or postmortem.
(ii) Whether samples of hair and blood are preserved for DNA analysis in cases of
unidentified/disputed dead bodies.
Figure 10.8: Irregular burnt pattern
NICFS
CHAPTER 10
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
254
10.13 Case Studies
Source: http://www.Indiankanoon.org/doc/186390713/
NICFS
CHAPTER 10
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
255
Source: http://www.Indiankanoon.org/doc/182012411/
References
1. Jose R. Almirall & Kenneth G. Furton, Analysis and Interpretation of Fire Scene
Evidence, 1st edn., London, 2004.
2. Max M. Houck & Jay A. Siegel, Fundamentals of Forensic Science, 2nd edn., USA,
2001.
3. B.R. Sharma, Forensic Science in Criminal Investigation and Trials, 4th edn., Delhi,
2007.
4. National Building Code of India (Fire and Life Safety), Bureau of Indian Standards,
New Delhi, 2005.
NICFS
CHAPTER 11
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
256
PETROLEUM AND ADULTERATION 11
Petrol, kerosene and diesel are petroleum products obtained from fractional distillation of
crude oil in refineries. These contain different compounds of carbon and hydrogen called
hydrocarbons. From refinery, they are transported to a supply point normally by pipeline and
then to petrol pumps by tankers.
In order to fetch undue profit, petrol and diesel are adulterated with cheaper solvents despite
strict government restrictions. Sometimes, fake petrol and diesel are prepared by mixing
cheaper solvents with dye and other ingredients. Kerosene meant for public distribution is
specially coloured with blue dye. Colouring of kerosene serves double purpose: first, to
differentiate it from normal kerosene and, second, if used for adulteration, the colour of the
petrol and diesel will change, thus, making adulteration difficult. However, people have
developed the method of removing the blue dye of kerosene and then, using it for adulteration.
The other way of fetching undue high profit is to give short delivery by manipulating in
dispensing unit of petrol pump. Recently, it has come to the knowledge that some petrol
pumps are using some chip and manipulating the mother board fitted in the dispensing
machine. It can be operated by remote control device to give short supply.
Adulteration can be done at the following points:
(i) While transporting the petroleum products from supply point to retailer by tanker
lorry driver and his associates.
(ii) By the retail dealer after receiving supply and mixing in tank.
Petroleum and petroleum products are covered under Section 2 (a) (viii) of Essential
Commodities Act of 1955, amended from time to time. All orders and notifications are issued
by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in exercise of powers conferred by Section 3
of the said Act.
NICFS
CHAPTER 11
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
257
Section 7 of Essential Commodities Act 1955 prescribes the penalties as:
(1) If any such person contravenes any order made under Section 3,-
(a) He shall be punishable,-
(i) In the case of an order made with reference to clause (h) or clause (i)
of sub-section (2) of that section, with imprisonment for a term which
may extend to one year and shall also be liable to fine, and
(ii) In the case of any other order, with imprisonment for a term which
shall not be less than three months but which may extend to seven
years and also be liable to fine: Provided that the court may, for any
adequate and special reasons to be mentioned in the judgment, impose
a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than three months;
(b) Any property in respect of which the order has been contravened shall be
forfeited to the government;
(c) Any package, covering or receptacle in which the property is found and any
animal, vehicle, vessel or other conveyance used in carrying the commodity
shall, if the court so orders, be forfeited to the government.
(2) If any person to whom a direction is given under clause (b) of sub-section (4)
Section 3 fails to comply with the direction, he shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three months but which may
extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine:
Provided that the court may, for any adequate and special reasons to be mentioned
in the judgement, impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than three
months.
(2A) If any person convicted of an offence under sub-clause (ii) of clause (a) of
sub-section (1) or under sub-section (2) is again convicted of an offence under the
same provision, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for the second and for
every subsequent offence for a term which shall not be less than six months but
which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine:
Provided that the court may for any adequate and special reasons to be mentioned
in the judgment impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than six
months.
NICFS
CHAPTER 11
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
258
(2B) For the purposes of sub-sections (1), (2) and (2A), the fact that an offence under
sub-clause (ii) of clause (a) of sub-section (1) or under sub-section (2) has caused
no substantial harm to the general public or to any individual, shall be an adequate
and special reason for awarding a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than
three months, or six months, as the case may be.
(3) Where a person having been convicted of an offence under sub-section (1) is again
convicted of an offence under that sub-section for contravention of an order in
respect of an essential commodity, the court by which such person is convicted
shall, in addition to any penalty which may impose on him under that sub-section,
by order, direct that person that shall not carry on any business in that essential
commodity for such period, not being less than six months, as may be specified by
the court in the order.
As per the order GSR 729(E) dated 19 December, 2005 of Ministry of Petroleum and
Natural Gas:
(i) High Speed Diesel means any hydrocarbon oil, excluding mineral colza oil and
turpentine substitute, which meets the requirements of Bureau of Indian Standards,
specification no. IS1460 and is suitable for use as fuel in compression ignition
engines.
(ii) Motor Spirit means any hydrocarbon oil, excluding crude mineral oil, which
meets the requirements of Bureau of Indian Standards specification no. IS 2796.
(iii) Adulteration means the introduction of any foreign substance into motor spirit or
high speed diesel illegally or unauthorizedly with the result that the product does
not conform to the requirements of the Bureau of Indian Standards specification
no. IS 2796 and IS no. 1460 for motor spirit and high speed diesel, respectively or
any other requirement notified by the central government from time to time.
(iv) Malpractices shall include the following acts of omission and commission in
respect of motor spirit and high speed diesel:
(a) Adulteration,
(b) Pilferage,
(c) Stock variation,
(d) Unauthorized exchange,
NICFS
CHAPTER 11
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
259
(e) Unauthorized purchase,
(f) Unauthorized sale,
(g) Unauthorized possession,
(h) Over-charging,
(i) Sale of specification product,
(j) Short delivery
As per the order GSR 518(E) dated 5 June, 2000 of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural
Gas:
Naphtha is liquid hydrocarbon with 90 per cent volume distillation, by ASTM D-86 distillation
method, of 190 degrees centigrade or less.
As per the order GSR 584(E) of 1993 of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas:
Kerosene means a middle distillate mixture of hydrocarbons meeting BIS specification no.
IS 1459 of 1974 with important characteristics of flash point at a minimum of 35 °C and
smoke point at a minimum of 18mm.
Subsidised kerosene sold through public distribution system (PDS) is blue in colour while the
market priced kerosene is colourless.
Common adulterants of petrol
(i) Kerosene
(ii) Naphtha
(iii) Special boiling solvents
(iv) Mineral turpentine oil, etc.
Common adulterants of diesel
(i) Kerosene
(ii) Used lubricating oil
Figure 11.1: Colour of petrol (93 octane),
normal petrol and diesel
NICFS
CHAPTER 11
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
260
Power of Search and Seizure:
According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas order GSR 729 (E) dated 19
December, 2005:
(1) Any gazzetted officer of the central or the state government or any police officer not
below the rank of Deputy Superintendent Police duly authorized, by general or special
order of the Central Government or the State Government, as the case may be, or any
officer of an oil company, not below the rank of sales officer, may, with a view to
securing compliance with the provision of this order, or for the purpose of satisfying
himself that this order or any order made there under has been complied with or there
is reason to believe that all or any of the provisions of this order have been and are
being or are about to be contravened-
(a) enter and search any place or premises of a dealer, transporter, consumer or any
other person who is an employee or agent of such dealer or transporter or consumer;
(b) stop and search any person or vehicle or receptacle used or intended to be used for
movement of the product;
(c) take samples of the product and seize any of the stocks of the product and the
vehicle or receptacle or any other conveyance used or suspected to be used for
carrying such stocks and thereafter take or authorize the taking of all measures
necessary for securing the production of stocks or items so seized before the
Collector or District Magistrate having jurisdiction under the provisions of the
Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and for their safe custody pending such
production;
(d) inspect, seize and remove with, such aid or assistance as may be necessary, books,
registers, any other records or documents of the dealer, transporter, consumer or
any other person suspected to be an employee or agent of the dealer, transporter or
consumer;
(2) While exercising the power of seizure provided under above sub-clauses (c) and (d)
the authorized officer shall record in writing the reasons for doing so and a copy of
such recording shall be provided to the dealer, transporter, consumer or any other
concerned person, as the case may be.
(3) The provisions of section 100 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974),
relating to search and seizure shall, as far as may be, apply to searches and seizures
under this order.
NICFS
CHAPTER 11
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
261
According to the Ministry of Law and Justice (legislative department) order dated 14 January,
2010 The Legal Metrology Act, 2009 (No. 1 of 2010):
‘Legal Metrology Officer’ means Additional Director, Additional Controller, Joint Director,
Joint controller, Deputy Director, Deputy Controller, Assistant Director, Assistant Controller
and Inspector appointed under sections 13 and 14.
11.1 List of Equipments required
Sampling equipment for taking sample from retail outlet
and tank lorry:
1. Aluminium container-for sampling from retail outlets
(a) Leak-proof, airtight lid, capacity 1 litre.
(b) Container could be circular or rectangular.
(c) Closures for containers; only screw caps
should be used for metal cans to
provide a vapour tight closure seal.
2. Tube sampler- for sampling from drums and cans
(a) Wooden box for packing.
(b) Standard plastic seal and sealing wire.
(c) Calibrated density measuring apparatus
(hydrometer for MS and HSD).
(d) Set of filter paper and dropper.
(e) Plier (used for twisting and cutting of
sealing wire).
(f) 5 litre standard measuring can.
Filter Paper Test
(i) Filter paper test is done on MS samples to detect contamination/adulteration with
other higher boiling fractions, i.e. SKO or HSD, etc.
(ii) 2 drops of MS are poured on a good quality filter paper and observation is recorded
after 2 minutes.
Figure 11.2: (left to right): Rectangular
aluminium container, wooden box for
packing, circular aluminium container
Figure 11.3: Standard plastic seal and sealing
wire
NICFS
CHAPTER 11
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
262
(iii) An oily stain left on filter paper indicates the presence of higher boiling petroleum
fractions in MS.
Figure11.4: Filter paper test
Weight and Measurement:
In addition to adulteration, undue profit can be earned by giving short
supply, i.e. in place of 5.0 litre, delivering only 4.50 litres by manipulation
in the delivery system. Fuel pumps are sealed after calibration to prevent
adjustment of calibration and fraudulent practices. They are required to
operate within a tight prescribed tolerance.The Legal Metrology (general)
Rules, 2010 have empowered and entrusted the Legal Metrology Officers in
India to take many measures to prevent fraudulent practices in digital
dispensing pumps.
According to the Ministry of Law and Justice (Legislative Department)
order dated 14 January, 2010 The Legal Metrology Act, 2009 (No. 1 of 2010):
Penalty for use of non-standard weight or measure: Whoever uses or keeps for use any
weight or measure or makes use of any numeration otherwise than in accordance with the
standards of weight or measure or the standard of numeration, as the case may be, specified
by or under this Act, shall be punished with fine which may extend to Rs. 25,000 and for the
second or subsequent offence, with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months
and also with fine.
Penalty for alteration of weight and measure: Whoever tampers with, or alters in any way,
any reference standard, secondary standard or working standard or increases or decreases or
Figure 11.5: W&M
certified standard 5
litre container
Oily stain
NICFS
CHAPTER 11
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
263
alters any weight or measure with a view to deceiving any person or knowing or having
reason to believe that any person is likely to be deceived thereby, except where such alteration
is made for the correction of any error noticed therein on verification, shall be punished with
fine which may extend to Rs. 50,000 and for the second and subsequent offence with
imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to one
year or with fine or with both.
Short delivery of products:
Weight and measurement (W&M) department seals metering unit (display) and totalizer unit
with sealing wire and lead seal which is embossed by W&M inspector. In the following cases
seal may be treated as tampered:
(i) The embossed seal of W&M is changed.
(ii) Sealing wire is found broken and rejoined.
(iii) Change in fitting/gear inside the dispensing unit with the intention of manipulating
delivery.
Lead seal
Figure 11.6: Metering (display) unit sealed with lead seal and sealing
Methods of manipulation/tampering in software/chip:
(i) Changing E-prom program or software by way of setting preset keypad
(a) E-prom chip is a very important component and is located on the motherboard.
As it controls display and discharge, the short delivery can be manipulated
by setting preset-keypad.
(b) Preset-keypad is used to control various parameters like price, delivery setting,
etc. Hence, it can be used to change E-prom program.
NICFS
CHAPTER 11
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
264
(ii) Tampering with E-prom chips and cards by replacing them with spurious
chips/cards available in the market:
E-prom chips or the cards are available in the market and they can be replaced in place
of the original one in order to manipulate the discharge. A second E-prom chip can also
be added parallel to the original one which may be activated by a dual switch while deactivating
the original.
Chip in a pulsar cable
Figure 11.7: Chip covered in a pulsar (white) cable
(i) Disconnecting the digital totalizer for adulteration
(a) The pump can easily be manipulated for adulteration by way of disconnecting
the digital totalizer to manipulate the stock in the tank.
(b) For example, in10000 litre petrol, 1000 litre naphtha is added. The totalizer
should show the delivery of 11000 litre, but by manipulation by disconnecting
the totalizer, the delivery can be shown as 10000 litre.
(ii) Scrapping the history of calibration and manipulation
In digital pump, in some software the complete history of calibration and manipulation
is not traceable so that manipulated adjustment in software could not be detected. In
such cases, the evidence of manipulation is lost.
(iii) Altering the K factor without tampering the seal
In some digital imported pumps, K factor can be altered without tampering the seal. K
factor is altered to change the synchronization between discharge and display for
manipulating the delivery without being caught by enforcement authorities, i.e. Legal
Metrology.
NICFS
CHAPTER 11
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
265
(iv) Use of duplicate motherboard
In digital pumps, duplicate mother board can easily be fitted along with original one or
in place of original for manipulation of short delivery of fuel.
(v) Pulse rate manipulation
As the digital pumps are working on the basis of pulse rate, the delivery can be
manipulated by modifying the pulses rate.
(vi) Modifying the disk with more holes for manipulation of short delivery
By modifying the disk (where the disk and proximity switches are used as the primary
transducer) with more holes than the original one, the delivery can be manipulated.
In all above cases the short delivery can be manipulated without breaking the seal of Legal
Metrology.
Note: In case of suspected above manipulations and tampering, officer from Weight and
Measurement Department should be called, who would check for manipulations and take
further necessary action.
11.2 Drawl of Samples
Samples from retail outlets can be drawn in case of stock variation beyond permissible limits,
density failure (if difference of density variation is more than 0.003 kg/m3 when compared
with the record of receiving supply), filter paper test failure and also during special drives/
campaigns or in case of specific complaint against the retail outlets or suspected to give short
deliveries.
Samples are to be drawn from nozzle (s) of the dispensing units from all tanks of both MS
and HSD by authorized officer of oil companies and other departments.
All the inspecting officials shall bring their own aluminium containers and plastic seals and
sealing wire with wooden boxes for drawing samples. They will pay for the cost of samples
collected by them and obtain cash memo for the same.
Procedure to be followed is as under:
Motor Spirit/Gasoline/Petrol
Six samples of 1 litre each from each tank of the retail outlet should be collected.
NICFS
CHAPTER 11
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
266
(i) Two samples are to be retained by the dealer or transporter or concerned person
under acknowledgement with instructions to preserve the sample in his safe custody
till the testing or investigations are completed.
(ii) Two samples are to be retained by the concerned oil company or department.
(iii) Two samples are sent to the laboratories authorized for testing.
Wherever the laboratory is not equipped for the testing of Octane number, then the second
sample should be sent to the laboratory where CFR engine is available for Octane number
test.
High Speed Diesel
Three samples of 1 litre each from each tank of the retail outlets should be collected.
(i) One sample is to be retained by the dealer or transporter or concerned person under
acknowledgement with instructions to preserve the sample in his safe custody till the
testing or investigations are completed.
(ii) One sample is to be retained by the concerned oil company or department.
(iii) One sample is to be sent to the laboratory authorized for testing.
Note: In case there is requirement of finding Cetane number then one additional sample is to
be collected. Thus, in such a case, four samples of 1 litre each should be collected.
Drawl of sample of MS/HSD from tank lorry:
Initially 20 litre of the bottom fuel of each chamber of the tank lorry is removed and then the
sample from each chamber is collected.
(i) If the density of sample from each chamber is found to be same then all the samples
are mixed and 6 samples of 1 litre each for MS, 3 samples of 1 litre each for HSD
and kerosene are collected.
(ii) If the density of sample from each chamber is found to be different then sample from
each chamber is collected separately and 6 samples of 1 litre each for MS from each
chamber, 3 samples of 1 litre each for HSD and kerosene from each chamber are
collected.
Drawl of sample of kerosene from tank lorry suspected to be transporting kerosene
unauthorizedly or on fake document for the purpose of adulteration of petrol (MS) or
HSD:
NICFS
CHAPTER 11
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
267
Collect three samples of 1litre each as mentioned under MS/HSD from tank lorry.
Search of site:
(i) Preparing fake MS and HSD: Collect all the chemicals and solvents used in preparation
of fake MS and HSD and pack each of them in separate packet and container.
(ii) Processing conversion of PDS blue coloured kerosene into colourless kerosene: Collect
three samples of 1litre each and separately collect chemicals used in making kerosene
colourless.
Precautions to be taken while drawing samples:
(i) Samples should only be drawn by an authorized officer(s).
(ii) Sample containers should be rinsed twice with the product before drawl of sample.
(iii) Container for drawing sample should be filled with the material to be sampled and
allowed to drain at least once before drawing the sample.
(iv) Sample containers should never be filled completely with the product and sufficient
space should always be left to allow for expansion.
(v) Sample containers should be closed immediately after taking the sample.
(vi) After sampling and sealing, the container should be inverted and checked for any
leaks.
(vii) Sample should not be drawn in plastic containers because they are not tamper-proof
and also not recommended.
(viii) Care should be taken to avoid breathing petroleum vapors while sampling.
(ix) Sample containers of volatile products should be stored upside down to prevent loss
of low boiling constituents. Periodical examinations should be made for leakage.
(x) When samples are required from various levels in a tank, the order of sampling
should be from the top downwards so that each sample is obtained before the liquid
at that level is disturbed.
11.3 Packaging and Forwarding of Samples
Sealing of sample
(i) Sealing of the sample containers may be done with ISI marked stainless steel wires.
Aluminium containers as well as the wooden box (used for safe transportation of
aluminium containers) should be properly sealed.
NICFS
CHAPTER 11
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
268
(ii) Random numbered plastic seals, sealing wire (both can be obtained from oil
companies) and pliers are to be used for sealing of all sample containers.
(iii) Details of seal (seal no. and colour) should be indicated on sample label as well as
on forwarding letter.
(iv) While applying sealing wax, naked flame should be kept away from the petroleum
vapors.
(v) DCP type fire extinguisher should be kept at easy access.
(vi) Facsimile of the seal should be indicated on sample label as well as on forwarding
letter.
Figure 11.8 (left to right): Method of sealing the sample container
Labelling of sample
(i) Clearly label all the sample containers
(ii) Tie on labels are preferred
(iii) Use indelible markings on the labels
(iv) The sample label should be jointly signed by the authorized officer
who has drawn the sample and the dealer or transporter or concerned
person or his representative (with their names below the signature).
(v) The sample label should contain the following information:
(a) Product’s name (MS/HSD)
(b) Name and address of retail outlet
(c) Name of the oil company
(d) Quantity of sample
Figure 11.9:
Aluminum
container sealed
and labelled
NICFS
CHAPTER 11
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
269
(e) Date of sample collection
(f) Time of sample collection
(g) Name of authorized officer
(h) Name of the dealer or transporter or concerned person or his representative
(i) Plastic seal number on aluminium container
(j) Plastic seal number on wooden box
(k) Signature of witnesses
Dispatch of sample
The authorized officer shall forward the sample of the product taken within 10 days to any of
the laboratories mentioned below or to any other such laboratory when it may be notified by
the government in the official gazette for this purpose, for analyzing with a view to checking
whether the density and other parameters of the product conform to the requirements of
Bureau of Indian Standard specifications No. IS 2796 and IS 1460 for motor sprit and high
speed diesel, respectively.
The laboratories mentioned below shall furnish the test report to the
authorized officer within twenty days of receipt of sample at the
laboratory for appropriate action.
According to Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Order GSR
729(E) dated 19 December 2005, Laboratories for testing of petroleum
product samples (as listed in Schedule III) are listed below:
(A)Marketing and Refinery Laboratories of Oil Companies
(i) All the marketing (including mobile laboratories) and refinery
laboratories of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Hindustan
Petroleum Corporation, Indian Oil Corporation Limited and IBP
Co. Limited;
(ii) Bongaigaon Oil Refinery Ltd., Refinery Laboratory, P.O. New Bongaigaon dist.
Kokrajhar, Assam;
(iii) Chennai Petroleum Corpn. Ltd., Refinery Laboratory, Manali, Chennai-600019, Tamil
Nadu;
Figure 11.10: Wooden
box containing
aluminium container
sealed and labelled to
be forwarded to an
NICFS
CHAPTER 11
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
270
(iv) Kochi Refinery LTD., Refinery Laboratory, Post Ambalamugal, Kochi-682302, Kerala;
(v) Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd. Refinery Laboratory, Kuthethoor, P.O.
Katipalla, Moodapadav, P.B. no. 2, Mangalore 574149, Karnataka;
(vi) Numaligarh Refinery Limited, refinery Laboratory, Numaligarh, Assam; and
(vii) Reliance Petroleum Ltd., Refinery Laboratory, Moti Khavdi (Vill.), Digvijaygram
(PO) Jamnagar (Dist)-361140, Gujrat.
(B) Government Laboratories
(i) Director of Airworthiness, Civil Aviation Dept. Laboratory, Block II/III East, R.K.
Puram, New Delhi 110066;
(ii) National Test House, 11/1, Judges Court Road, Alipore, Calcutta-700027;
(iii) National Physical Laboratory, Pusa, New Delhi-110012;
(iv) Chemical testing and Analytical Laboratory, Industries and Commerce Department,
Government of Tamil Nadu, Guindy.
(C) Defence Laboratories
(i) Chief Controlrate of Materials, Controlrate General of Stores Laboratory, IGS Kanpur,
P.B. No. 229, Kanpur;
(ii) Inspectorate General of Stores Laboratory (I.G.S.L.), DGI Complex, Chennai-6000114;
(iii) Inspectorate General of Stores Laboratory, DGI Complex, Hastings, Calcutta-700022;
(iv) Inspectorate General of Stores Laboratory, DGI Complex, Vikhroli, Mumbai-400083.
(D) Other Laboratories
(i) Central Power Research Institute, Bangalore;
(ii) Fuel testing Laboratory, Society for Petroleum Laboratory, B-14, Sector 62, Noida,
U.P.;
(iii) Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehra Dun 248005;
(iv) Indian Institute of Technology, Guindy, Chennai;
(v) Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi;
(vi) Indian Institute of Technology, Powai, Mumbai;
(vii) Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur;
NICFS
CHAPTER 11
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
271
(viii) Regional Research Laboratory, Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500007;
(ix) Ramdev Baba Engineering college, Kalol Road, Nagpur 440013, Maharashtra;
(x) Lakshmi Narayan Institute of Technology, Amravati Road, Nagpur 440010, Maharashtra.
(E) All Forensic Laboratories in the States/Union Territories
11.4 Queries
From Forensic Science Laboratory/Central Forensic Science Laboratory/other authorized
laboratories:
For Petrol/Gasoline/Motor Spirit (MS)
(i) Whether the sent sample is petrol.
(ii) If petrol, whether is it adulterated.
(iii) If petrol is adulterated, what is the adulterant(s) present?
(iv) If petrol is fake, give the name of the chemical(s) used.
For Kerosene
(i) Whether the sample sent is kerosene.
(ii) Whether it is PDS kerosene or kerosene or whether PDS blue kerosene is converted
to colourless kerosene.
For High Speed Diesel (HSD)
(i) Whether the sample sent is HSD.
(ii) Whether the sample is adulterated or fake.
(iii) If HSD is adulterated, what is the nature of adulterant(s)?
(iv) If HSD is fake, give the name of the chemical(s) used in preparing it.
Comparison of two samples
Whether the samples taken from drum and tanker have the same source.
NICFS
CHAPTER 11
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
272
11.5 Case Studies
Source: www.indiankanoon.org/doc/19098275/
NICFS
CHAPTER 11
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
273
Source: www.indiankanoon.org/doc/80120/
NICFS
CHAPTER 11
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
274
References
1. Essential Commodities Act 1955, Delhi, 2005.
2. Marketing Discipline Guidelines for RO/SKO Dealerships of Public Sector Marketing
Companies, 2013.
3. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas order GSR 729(E), Controller of Publications,
Delhi, 19 December, 2005.
4. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas order GSR 518(E), Controller of Publications,
Delhi, 5 June, 2000.
5. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas order GSR 584(E), Controller of Publications,
Delhi, 1993.
6. Ministry of Law and Justice order dated 14 January, 2010 The Legal Metrology Act,
2009 (No. 1 of 2010), Controller of Publications, Delhi.
NICFS
CHAPTER 12
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
275
TRAP CASES 12
Trap means nabbing a public servant for demanding and accepting illegal gratification (say
bribe). The term ‘public servant’ is defined in Section 2(c) of Prevention of Corruption Act
of 1988. To prevent corruption, a trap is laid to apprehend public servant red-handed while
demanding and accepting bribe.
Illegitimate trap is the one of the traps where money is not demanded but he/she is only
suspected to be habitual of taking bribe and is tempted with bribe just to verify (M.S.
Mohiudin AIR 1952 Mad 561, (1952) 2 MLJ 11).
For accepting bribe, a case is registered under Sections 7, 11, 13(1) (a) and 13(1) (b) of PC
Act, 1988.
Section 7: Public servant taking gratification other than legal remuneration in respect of an
official act.
Section 11: Public servant obtaining valuable things, without consideration from a person
concerned in proceeding or business transacted by such public servant.
Section 13(1) (a): A public servant is said to commit the offence of criminal misconduct if
he habitually accepts or obtains or agrees to accept or attempts to obtain from any person for
himself or for any other person any gratification other than legal remuneration as a motive or
reward such as is mentioned in Section 7 of the PC Act.
Section 13(1) (b): A public servant is said to commit the offence of criminal misconduct if
he habitually accepts or obtains or agrees to accept or attempts to obtain from any person for
himself or for any other person, any valuable thing without consideration or for a consideration
which he knows to be inadequate from any person whom he knows to have been, or to be,
or to be likely to be concerned in any proceeding or business transacted or about to be
transacted by him, or having any connection with the official functions of himself or of any
public servant to whom he is subordinate, or from any person whom he knows to be
interested in or related to the person so concerned.
NICFS
CHAPTER 12
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
276
Section 13(1) (e): A public servant is said to commit the offence of criminal misconduct if he
or any person on his behalf, is in possession or has, at any time during the period of his
office, been in possession for which the public servant cannot satisfactorily account, of
pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Against a bribe giver, the case can be registered under Section 12 of PC Act, 1988.
Section 12: (Reverse trap): Punishment for abetment of offences defined in Section 7 or 11.
A case is registered against a tout under Sections 8 and 9 of PC Act, 1988.
Section 8: Taking gratification, in order by corrupt or illegal means, to influence public
servant is punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall be not less than six months,
but which may extend to five years and shall also be liable to fine is punishable with
imprisonment for a term which shall be not less than six months but which may extend to
five years and shall also be liable to fine.
Section 9: Taking gratification, for exercise of personal influence with a public servant is
punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall be not less than six months, but which
may extend to five years and shall also be liable to fine.
Section 17: Persons authorized to investigate
Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, no police
officer below the rank:
(a) In the case of the Delhi Special Police Establishment, of an Inspector of Police;
(b) In the metropolitan areas of Bombay, Calcutta, Madras and Ahmadabad and in any
other metropolitan area notified as such under sub-section (1) of section 8 of the Code
of Criminal Procedure, 1973, of an Assistant Commissioner of Police;
(c) Elsewhere, of a Deputy Superintendent of Police or a police officer of equivalent rank,
shall investigate any offence punishable under this Act without the order of a Metropolitan
Magistrate or a Magistrate of the First Class, as the case may be, or make any arrest
thereof without a warrant:
Provided that if a police officer not below the rank of an Inspector of Police is authorized by
the State Government in this behalf by general or special order, he may also investigate any
such offence without the order of a Metropolitan Magistrate or a Magistrate of the First Class,
as the case may be, or make arrest therefore without a warrant:
NICFS
CHAPTER 12
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
277
Provided further that an offence referred to in clause (e) of sub-section (1) of section 13 shall
not be investigated without the order of a police officer not below the rank of a Superintendent
of Police.
Section 18: Power to inspect bankers’ books.
Section 19: Previous sanction necessary for prosecution.
No court shall take cognizance trapping of an offence punishable under section 7, 10, 11, 13
and 15 alleged to have been committed by a public servant, except with the previous sanction
from the competent authority.
Methods of Trap
There are different methods of trap but phenolphthalein and sodium carbonate is most commonly
used
(i) Phenolphthalein powder (which is colourless) is smeared on currency notes provided
by the complainant and these are handed over to the bribe taker by the complainant
on demand.
(ii) Trap team catches the public-servant for taking bribe red-handed when the currency
notes are delivered to the accused public servant by the complainant on specific
demand.
(iii) According to Locard’s principle, when two materials come in contact with each other,
there is always some transfer of material. Phenolphthalein powder gets transferred
from currency notes to the hands of the accused upon handling the currency notes or
transferred to other items which come in contact with currency notes such as drawer,
file, table, briefcase, pocket, etc.
(iv) Hands of the accused are then washed in 2–3per cent of sodium carbonate solution.
Sodium carbonate solution colour changes from colourless to pink when phenolphthalein
is present.
12.1 Pre-trap Preparation
(i) Complainant is first asked to lodge a written complaint mentioning the money
demanded, the date, time and place of demand and the motive/reward for demanding
bribe by the public servant.
NICFS
CHAPTER 12
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
278
(ii) Complainant is not willing to pay the demanded bribe and requests the police authorities
to take legal action against the suspected public servant. Then after verification of
demand of bribe as motive/reward by the public servant, a FIR is lodged to set the
law in motion in order to catch the public servant red-handed while accepting the
demanded bribe amount.
(iii) Two independent witnesses are arranged, who ordinarily must not be from the same
department to which the accused belongs. The complainant is asked to arrange the
Government Currency (GC) notes which are to be delivered to the accused public
servant as bribe. The independent witnesses are introduced with the complainant by
the Trap Laying Officer (TLO). The facts of the complaint are also narrated to the
witnesses by the TLO.
(iv) The trap kit is bought from the Malkhana of the ACB branch. Phenolphthalein
powder is also brought separately.
(v) Demonstration of the use of phenolphthalein powder and the reaction of such item
smeared with phenolphthalein powder when it comes in contact with sodium carbonate
is given by a police officer. The solution which turned to pink in colour and the
cotton swab is thrown away/destroyed.
(vi) Denominations and serial numbers of government currency notes produced by the
complainant are noted down. Then such government currency notes are smeared with
phenolphthalein powder by the same police officer and then these tainted notes are
kept in an empty pocket of the complainant by the same officer. The excess of
powder is removed so that the powder is not visible on currency notes. It may be
added that before keeping the said tainted notes, the personal search of the complainant
is carried out by one of the witnesses and descriptions of minimum articles carried by
him are also noted down. Phenolphthalein powder is immediately returned to Malkhana
and stored in safe custody.
(vii) The police officer who gives demonstration should not be a member of the trap team
and he/she should remain in the office.
(viii) Complainant is asked to meet public servant with the shadow witnesses for delivering
the demanded bribe. A micro tape recorder having a brand new cassette is also placed
before the person of the complainant in a concealed manner so that the conversation
between the accused and the complainant about the demand, acceptance and motive/
reward for such bribe is recorded.
NICFS
CHAPTER 12
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
279
(ix) The TLO gives directions to the shadow witness to over-hear the conversation between
the complainant and the accused public servant. He also briefs the complainant to
give the specific signal as decided (like wiping his mouth with handkerchief, combing
hair with hands, giving missed call, etc.). He also briefs the team for taking position
nearby the spot in a discreet and scattered manner.
(x) The team should wash its hands with soap before leaving.
(xi) A pre-trap memorandum/panchnama narrating the sequence of events is prepared
which is duly signed by the panch witnesses, complainant and other trap team
officers.
12.2 Trap Kit
A trap kit should contain:
(i) Sodium carbonate-laboratory/analytical grade.
(ii) Currency notes smeared with phenolphthalein powder. The denomination and serial
numbers of GC notes are already noted down in a pre-trap panchnama.
(iii) Bottle containing distilled/mineral water (2×500 ml.).
(iv) Tea spoon, beakers (2×500 ml.).
(v) Glass bottles with leak-proof lids (minimum150 ml.).
(vi) Paper envelopes for keeping currency notes and marking cloth for sealing exhibits.
(vii) Labels for sticking on bottles, carbon paper, paper, candle and match box.
(viii) Laptop.
(ix) Cotton roll and disposable gloves.
(x) Sealing wax and seal of the IO.
(xi) Equipments for video recording and voice recorder.
(xii) TLO should carry a mobile phone with him for videography / photography.
(xiii) One set of (free size) clothes for the accused depending on whether male/female.
12.3 Team Required for Handling a Crime Scene
(i) TLO is leader of the team, i.e. Deputy Superintendent/Assistant Commissioner/
Inspector of Police and other police personnel.
NICFS
CHAPTER 12
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
280
(ii) Complainant and two independent witnesses.
(iii) If the suspect is female, then female witnesses to be arranged.
(iv) One or two teams with independent witnesses should be kept as standby in ACB
office or in the vicinity of the residential premises of the accused public servant so
that immediately after the acceptance of the demanded bribe amount, search can be
conducted which may result into registration of a separate offence, i.e. disproportionate
assets case against such public servant.
12.4 Actual Trap/Post Trap Panchnama/Memorandum
(i) After reaching the spot, the complainant along with shadow witness, i.e. Panch No.
1 goes to the office of the accused public servant. Simultaneously, the TLO along
with Panch No. 2 takes position in a scattered and discreet manner in the vicinity of
the office premises of the accused public servant and waits for a pre-decided signal
regarding acceptance of bribe amount by the accused public servant.
(ii) On receiving the pre-decided signal from the complainant, the TLO along with Panch
No. 2, i.e. recovery witness and other team members rush towards the office of the
accused public servant. Then the TLO introduces himself, witnesses, etc., to the
accused public servant. He challenges the accused public servant for having demanded
and accepted the bribe money from the complainant. His reaction/explanation/conduct
is noted down. His hands are caught hold of from the wrists by the team members.
Both the hands are washed one by one and the wash of each hand is collected
separately. The solution, which was otherwise colourless, turns to pink colour. It is
kept in separate glass bottles, duly labelled and sealed, under the signatures of both
the Panch witnesses and the TLO.
(iii) The tainted bribe amount is recovered from the accused or from the place he kept the
same in the presence of the recovery witnessess. The denomination and serial numbers
of the same are tallied with those mentioned in a pre-trap panchnama and noted
down in recovery memo which is part of the post trap panchnama. Tainted GC notes
are kept and sealed in a separate envelope under the signatures of both the panch
witnesses and the TLO.
(iv) The narrations of the complainant and the shadow witnesses are also noted down
one by one in the post trap panchnama about the events that took place after they
met the accused public servant.
NICFS
CHAPTER 12
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
281
(v) The cassette recorder is also taken out and the recorded conversation is listened to by
playing the recorder and the relevant gist (if feasible, complete conversation) of the
same is mentioned in the panchnama. Then, the cassette is sealed in a separate
envelope under the signature of the Panch witnesses.
(vi) The concerned file for which bribe was demanded and accepted, if found, in the
office of the accused, should be seized on the spot vide post trap panchnama or
separate seizure memo.
(vii) The site plan of the scene of offence/office of the accused is prepared on the spot
under the signatures of both the panch witnesses and the TLO.
(viii) The facsimile of the seal used for sealing the exhibits during trap proceedings should
also be taken on a separate sheet on the spot under the signatures of both the panch
witnesses and the TLO. The seal should be given to one of the two witnesses for safe
custody under proper acknowledgement.
(ix) The accused should be arrested vide separate arrest cum personal search memo by
following the guidelines as described in the D.K. Basu Case.
(x) The controlling officer of the arrested public servant should also be informed about
the events.
(xi) The post trap panchnama should contain the ‘chain of events’ right from reaching the
spot until the team leaves the spot for office/police station. These events are relevant
and admissible under Sections 6 and 157 of the Indian Evidence Act. The conduct/
reaction of the accused should be specifically mentioned in the panchnama which
would be relevant and admissible under Section 8 of the Indian Evidence Act.
12.5 Search for Evidences
(a) GC notes-their denomination and serial number are again noted down. The TLO
should be satisfied that the currency is genuine.
(b) Hand wash of bribe taker on which phenolphthalein got transferred.
(c) Wash of pocket of shirt/pants/coat/other clothes in which currency notes are kept.
(d) Wash of table/drawer of table, file or paper on which GC notes are kept.
(e) Videography, voice recorder for recording of conversation between the accused and
the complainant on the day of the trap and before the time of trap.
NICFS
CHAPTER 12
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
282
12.6 Collection of Evidence
(i) Use fresh disposable hand gloves while collecting each individual evidence to avoid
any contamination so that the accused should not take this defence in trial.
(ii) Wash both the hands of the accused separately in 2–3 per cent sodium carbonate
solution prepared in distilled/mineral water. The colourless solution changes to pink
colour due to presence of phenolphthalein powder. Note down whether the hand wash
is of left or right hand which was otherwise colourless has turned to pink colour or
faint pink.
(iii) The pink solution is transferred to a transparent glass
bottle and labelled under the signatures of both the
witnesses.
(iv) The GC notes smeared with phenolphthalein are recovered
and taken in possession from the place where the same
are kept by the accused like in the pocket of a shirt/coat,
drawer/briefcase/file paper of a drawer or table wherein
contact has taken place.
(v) Voice recording of details of conversation of accused
with the complainant at the time of demanding money
and at the time handing over the money should be
videographed, if feasible.
(vi) The traces of phenolphthalein from the suspected surface
may be lifted using a cotton swab soaked in sodium
carbonate solution, squeeze out the solution in a clean
glass bottle and put the swab in the same bottle duly
sealed.
(vii) Photographs may also be taken.
(viii) Control/specimen voice sample of accused should be taken as early as possible before
he consults with any advocate because he cannot be compelled to give his specimen
voice.
(ix) The sealed cassette having questioned voice of the accused and complainant along
with the specimen/sample voices of both the accused and the complainant duly sealed
along with the facsimile of the seal, questionnaire should be sent to CFSL/FSL within
one week or as early as possible.
Figure 13.1: Hand wash of
the accused being taken in
sodium carbonate solution;
pink colour developed
showing the presence of
phenolphthalein residues
NICFS
CHAPTER 12
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
283
(x) The premises (office and residence) of the accused should be thoroughly searched for
assets and incriminating documents.
Figure 13.2: Swab being taken from the place where the currency notes were kept by the
accused; Pink colour developed indicates the presence of phenolphthalein
12.7 Packaging and Forwarding of Evidences
(a) The above solutions of hand, wash,
pocket wash clothes and swab taken
in sodium carbonate solution are
transferred separately into narrowmouthed
leak proof bottles of glass
labelled with description as given
below-name of accused, date, time
and place, police station, crime
number, name and signature of
witnesses, complainant and TLO
along with the colour of the solution.
(b) First, cover the bottles completely with white cloth and then seal properly while
leaving a small window to see pink coloured solution. Write all the description again
on the cloth.
(c) The currency notes are sealed properly in a paper envelope, labelled with descriptions
as above and their serial numbers, denomination and total amount is noted.
(d) The cloth/coat/kurta/shirt or their pockets where the currency notes were kept is
marked, packed in good quality polythene packets and the package is sealed in a
cloth and a detailed description is written on it.
(e) Briefcase/file paper of a drawer or the table on which currency notes were kept are
packed properly and sealed while properly maintaining the ‘chain of custody’.
Figure 13.3: Small window showing the colour of the solution
NICFS
CHAPTER 12
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
284
(f) The bottles containing the hand wash/pocket wash are properly sealed, labelled and
are sent to laboratory for chemical analysis along with package of cloth and the
envelope containing the currency notes.
(g) Voice recording with control sample of voices are kept in box, labelled and sealed.
(h) All the exhibits must be sent for analysis within 72 hours of seizure or as early as
possible in order to get the best evidence.
12.8 Seizure List
(i) Pink coloured hand wash of the bribe taker in sealed bottle (minimum 150 ml.).
(ii) Pink coloured solution of pocket of clothes (minimum 150 ml.).
(iii) Briefcase/file paper of a drawer or on table where currency notes are kept.
(iv) Envelope containing currency notes.
(v) Clothes of accused from which GC notes are recovered.
(vi) Briefcase in which GC notes were kept.
(vii) File/paper on table or from drawer on which notes were kept.
(viii) Voice recording and standard sample/specimen of voice.
(ix) Video recording of trap on date, time and place.
(x) Relevant documents relating to the case pending with accused public servant or in his
office for which he has demanded and accepted bribe as a reward or motive.
(xi) File/document such as appointment/posting letter in order to prove his official position.
12.9 Queries from Forensic Laboratory
(a) Whether phenolphthalein and sodium carbonate are present in the hand wash of the
accused.
(b) Whether phenolphthalein and sodium carbonate are present in the wash from the
pocket of the cloth.
(c) Whether phenolphthalein powder is present on the currency notes and on the
file/paper sheet submitted for examination.
(d) Whether traces of phenolphthalein are present in the pockets of coat/shirt/pant and
briefcase when the wash is not taken and these are directly sent for examination.
(e) Whether the writing material matches with the standard writing of the accused.
(f) Whether voice recorded is identical with standard samples/specimen of voice of
accused, complainant and witness.
(g) Whether any residue of phenolphthalein is present on other exhibits.
NICFS
CHAPTER 12
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
285
12.10 Do’s and Don’ts
NICFS
CHAPTER 12
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
286
Note:
1. Sometimes, the pink colour of the solution becomes light or the solution becomes
colourless with passage of time as the stability of the pink colour decreases because of
degradation of phenolphthalein due to chemical changes.
2. Intensity of pink colour depends on the amount of phenolphthalein transferred in the
sodium carbonate solution.
3. While transporting the exhibits, the seal should remain intact otherwise it would lead to
break in chain of custody and thus affects the case.
Figure 13.4: Phenolphthalein in Sodium Bicarbonate solution gives no colour
12.11 Information Revealed After Forensic Examination
(i) Establish the presence or absence of phenolphthalein and sodium carbonate in the
pink solution.
(ii) Presence of phenolphthalein on currency notes.
(iii) Presence/absence of phenolphthalein residue in the pockets of clothes, briefcase, etc.
NICFS
CHAPTER 12
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
287
12.12 Case Study
Source: CBI Bulletin, vol.-XXII, April-June 2014.
S I
Source: CBI Bulletin, vol. XXII, April–June 2014
References
1. Prevention of Corruption Act 1988, Delhi, 2005.
2. Reading material on Trap, Central Bureau of Investigation Academy, U.P.
3. M.B. Rao, Handbook on Forensic Science for Police Officers, Sardar Vallabhbhai
Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad, 2008.
4. Handbook of Forensic Services, CFSL-CBI, 2009.
NICFS
CHAPTER 13
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
288
ACID ATTACK CASES 13
Sulphuric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid and Nitric Acid are the commonly used acids in acid attack
cases. Acids are corrosive in nature. They erode and destroy the skin tissues and may expose
or dissolve bones. The acids may damage eyes to the extent that the person becomes blind.
Acid on inhalation enters the esophagus and may cause renal failure also. The victim may die
due to excessive burns also. Treatment of burns is a long treatment involving plastic surgery
in different stages and the victim suffers both from anxiety and depression.
Figure 13.1: Acid attack survivors
Source: Hindustan Times, 18 July 2013
NICFS
CHAPTER 13
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
289
Table 13.1: Types of acids and its properties
Sulphuric Acid causes most severe burns followed by Nitric Acid and then by Hydrochloric
Acid.
NICFS
CHAPTER 13
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
290
Modus Operandi:
(i) When acid filled in bulb is thrown at the victim, it
spills on the face and other parts of body.
(ii) Acid can also be thrown directly from bottle/container/
syringe/jug.
(iii) Acid attacks are not only limited to women, but men
are also attacked for vendetta.
(iv) Acid is mostly used to deface the girl when she refuses
to continue with a love affair or marry.
(v) Mostl y two-wheelers (motorcycle/scooter) are used in
commitment of acid attacks to escape quickly from
the crime scene.
Crime Data
According to the NCRB data, acid attack cases during 2011–13 are as follows:
Table 13.2: Acid attack cases
Figure 13.2: Damage to
eyes and face as caused by
Sulphuric acid
Source: NCRB
13.1 Indian Penal Code Sections
Section 326-Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means
Whoever, except in the case provided for by section 335, voluntarily causes grievous hurt by
means of any instrument for shooting, stabbing or cutting, or any instrument which, used as
a weapon of offence, is likely to cause death, or by means of fire or any heated substance, or
by means of any poison or any corrosive substance, or by means of any explosive substance,
NICFS
CHAPTER 13
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
291
or by means of any substance which it is deleterious to the human body to inhale, to swallow,
or to receive into the blood, or by means of any animal, shall be punished with imprisonment
for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years,
and shall also be liable to fine.
Section 326 IPC was amended in 2013 with the passing of The Criminal Law (Amendment)
Act, 2013. The amendment resulted in insertion of Sections 326A and 326B for specifically
dealing with acid violence.
Section 326 A Whoever causes permanent or partial damage or deformity to, or burns or
disfigures or disables, any part or parts of the body of a person or causes grievous hurt by
throwing acid on or by administering acid to that person, or by using any other means with
the intention of causing or with the knowledge that he is likely to cause such injury or hurt,
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less
than ten years but which may extend to imprisonment for life, and with fine; provided that
such fine shall be just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses of the treatment of the
victim and that any fine imposed under this section shall be paid to the victim.
Section 326 B
Whoever throws or attempts to throw acid on any person or attempts to administer acid to any
person, or attempts to use any other means, with the intention of causing permanent or partial
damage or deformity or burns or maiming or disfigurement or disability or grievous hurt to
that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall
not be less than five years but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to
fine.
With a view of preventing acid attacks, the Supreme Court has completely prohibited overthe-
counter sale of acids unless the seller maintains a record register of the name and address
of the buyer. The seller has to submit the detail of sale to the local police within 3 days. No
acid should be sold to a person under the age of 18 years.
All the stock must be declared with the local Sub-Divisional Magistrate in 15 days. Undeclared
stock could be confiscated and defaulter will be fined up to Rs. 50,000. The Supreme Court
also directed in Writ Petition 129/2006 (Laxmi Vs Union of India) on 2 June 2013 that the
centre and the state should make this offence cognizable and non-bailable under the Poison
Act of 1919.
NICFS
CHAPTER 13
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
292
Section 307 IPC-Attempt to Murder
Whoever does any act with such intention or knowledge, and under such circumstances that,
if he by that act caused death, he would be guilty of murder, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be
liable to a fine; and if hurt is caused to any person by such act, the offender shall be liable
either to imprisonment for life or to such punishment as is mentioned.
13.2 List of Reagents and Kits Required
I. Detection Kit
(i) Whatman filter paper (circular)
(ii) Test tubes
(iii) Glass droppers
(iv) Funnel
(v) Blue litmus paper
(vi) Red litmus paper
(vii) Tools for cutting out the portion of road/floor with acid stains (e.g. chisel, hammer,
etc.)
(viii) Reagents for Detection of acids/other chemical
(a) For testing sulphuric acid:
Reagent A: 5–10 per cent solution of barium chloride in distilled water
(b) For testing nitric acid:
Reagent B (Acetic acid)
Reagent C (Brucine powder)
(c) For testing hydrochloric acid:
Reagent D—5 per cent solution of silver nitrate prepared in distilled water
Reagent E (Ammonia solution)
(d) For testing Aqua Regia:
Reagent B –Acetic acid glacial
Reagent C –Brucine powder
NICFS
CHAPTER 13
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
293
Reagent D–(Solution of silver nitrate)
Reagent E–(Ammonia solution)
(e) For testing Phenol:
Reagent F–(3 per cent solution of ferric chloride, i.e. 3g. of ferric chloride in
100 ml. of distilled water).
Kit Tests:
i. Test for Sulphate (Sulphuric Acid)
Addition of Reagent A to the sample (in container/swab from burnt area) gives
white precipitate.
ii. Test for Nitrate (Nitric Acid)
Addition of Reagent B to the sample solution (from container/swab from the
burnt area dissolved in distilled water) followed by Reagent C gives a blood red
colouration.
iii. Test for Chloride (Hydrochloric Acid)
Addition of Reagent D to the sample (in container/swab from the burnt area)
gives white precipitate which dissolves upon addition of Reagent E.
iv. Test for Aqua Regia: It gives positive tests of both Nitric Acid and
Hydrochloric Acid.
Addition of Reagent B to the sample solution (from container/swab from the
burnt area dissolved in distilled water) followed by Reagent C gives blood red
colouration.
Addition of Reagent D to the sample (in container/swab from burnt area) gives
white precipitate which dissolves upon addition of Reagent E.
v. Test for Phenol
Addition of Reagent F to the sample solution (from container/swab from the
burnt area dissolved in distilled water) gives violet or bluish-violet colouration.
These are presumptive tests and the sample should be sent to the laboratory for
confirmation.
NICFS
CHAPTER 13
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
294
II. Fingerprint kit
(i) Fingerprint powders (black, grey, anthracene, magnetic, fluorescent)
(ii) Brush (camel hair, ostrich hair, magnetic)
(iii) Light source
(iv) Adhesive tape
(v) Fingerprint lifting cards
(vi) Gloves
III. Footprint kit
(i) Footprint lifters
(ii) Electrostatic footprint lifting device
(iii) Plaster of Paris
(iv) Machine oil
(v) Talcum powder
(vi) Spirit
(vii) Shellac solution
(viii) Wire mesh
(ix) Frame for preparing plaster cast
(x) Magnetic compass
(xi) Glass sheet (35×20 cm)
(xii) Transparency sheet/tracing paper
(xiii) Fine tip permanent marker
IV. Digital Camera of minimum 16 MP
V. Evidence collection kit
(i) Cotton gauze cloth
(ii) Surgical cotton
(iii) Forceps
(iv) Gloves
(v) Hammer
(vi) Scissors
NICFS
CHAPTER 13
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
295
(vii) Evidence tag
(viii) Marking cloth bag
(ix) Sealing wax bar
(x) Candle
(xi) Matchbox
(xii) Metallic seal of IO
(xiii) Glass/plastic bottles (narrow and wide mouthed depending on the exhibit) with
rubber corks/airtight plastic lid
(xiv) Polythene zip-top bags
(xv) Distilled water
13.3 Team required for Handling the Scene
Prepare a list of persons to be associated for:
(i) Protection of scene
(ii) Searching the scene
(iii) Identification and collection of evidence
(iv) Fingerprint/footprint and forensic expert
(v) Measuring and sketching of crime scene
(vi) Photography of crime scene
(vii) Information gathering
(viii) Evidence custodian
13.4 Crime Scene Investigation
A. Protection of the crime scene:
The crime scene must be protected from entry by any unauthorized persons so
that physical evidence could not be altered, moved, destroyed, lost or
contaminated and to avoid any injury to any person due to accidental contact
with the acid spread over there. Following points should be kept in mind:
(i) Reach the location of crime as quickly as possible.
(ii) The victim should be provided with emergency medical help. Wash the
affected part with plenty of water and soap followed by sodium/potassium
carbonate or sodium/potassium bicarbonate.
NICFS
CHAPTER 13
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
296
(iii) All unauthorized persons (including relatives, friends, onlookers,
photographers, etc.) should be excluded from the scene.
(iv) Officer-in-charge of the case should determine when, why and who should
enter the scene.
(v) Police officer should not leave the scene unguarded.
(vi) The witnesses, suspects and informant should be detained for further
details.
(vii) Crime scene should not get altered; it should be barricaded, enclosing a
larger area then smaller one so that no clues are left out.
(viii) During examination the original condition of doors, windows, stair-case,
lighting, routes of entry/exit should be preserved.
(ix) Do not move anything from its place. It has to be described and located
by sketches and photographs.
(x) Scene should not be cleaned till thoroughly examined.
B. Photography of the crime scene
Photographs of following should be taken from different angles:
(i) Place where the acid attack took place.
(ii) Photograph of victim if present at crime scene covering the surrounding.
(iii) Clothes of the victim.
(iv) Acid stains at the scene of attack (on floor, soil, mud, wall etc.).
(v) Container from which acid was thrown, if found at the place of attack or
in the surroundings.
(vi) Photograph of the acid trail.
C. Sketching of the crime scene
Sketches are to be drawn by an expert/IO and following are to be included in
the sketch:
(i) The place where the acid attack took place and other places where the
acid got spread.
(ii) Inter-distances between relevant objects and evidences.
(iii) Place, date and time when the sketch was made.
(iv) Name of persons assisting in taking measurements.
(v) Directions (east, west, north and south) should be indicated.
NICFS
CHAPTER 13
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
297
D. Crime scene search
The crime scene should be searched thoroughly and carefully. The following
points should be kept in mind:
(i) The perimeters of the scene should be established and it should be properly
documented with the help of photographs and sketches.
(ii) Ascertain legal basis for the search prior to any seizure of evidence.
(iii) Establish method of search based on investigative theory, size of area to
be searched, and other factors. The following search methods are common:
(a) Zonal method: Area to be searched is divided into squares/sectors.
An officer is assigned to each zone.
(b) Spiral method: Also called circle method and is effective in a small
area. Searcher can begin in the center or the perimeter and moves in
a circular path.
(c) Wheel method: The searcher gathers at the center of the scene and
moves radially outwards. Drawback is the possibility of running
evidence when gathering at the center and ever increasing distance
between searchers as the investigation move outwards.
(iv) IO should collect information about the time of attack, mode of approach
of the perpetrator(s), type of vehicle involved (if any)and physical
identification of the acid attacker with the help of victim or witnesses.
13.5 Search for Evidences
(i) Stains of acid on floor, mud, soil etc. where attack has taken place.
(ii) Swabs of acid from the body of the victim to be collected at the time of medical
examination/post-mortem.
(iii) Container from which acid was thrown at crime scene or around the crime scene.
(iv) Fingerprints on the container from which acid was thrown.
(v) Pieces of glass bottle, bulb, plastic bottle/jar, etc.
(vi) Stains of acid found on the clothes, body, vehicle of the accused.
(vii) Sign of burnt injury on the body of the victim.
(viii) Burnt or partially burnt clothes of the victim/accused.
NICFS
CHAPTER 13
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
298
13.6 Collection of Evidences
(i) Investigating Officer should collect information of incident in detail from the witnesses
and the victim.
(ii) Apprehend the accused as soon as possible and collect the clothes he was wearing at
the time of committing the act.
(iii) If the container still contains some acid or the traces of acid, collect that acid in a
separate glass bottle.
(iv) Collect soil, mud where stains of acid are visible.
(v) If cases where the acid stains are on the floor made of bricks, concrete or coal tar,
the floor surrounding it be removed with the help of hammer and chisel. The control
sample is taken from some distance away.
(vi) Take photograph of crime scene along with the photograph of victim showing the
burnt parts.
(vii) Victim should be taken to a nearby hospital for medical examination and treatment
and for collection of clothes/hair having acid stain.
(viii) Doctor in the hospital should take swab from burnt part of body and collect washings
in a bottle.
(ix) Check the hands of the accused/ suspect if they contain any acid burns.
(x) Look for any marks of tyre, foot, shoes, etc., at the scene of acid attack and lift /
photograph.
(xi) Ascertain the exact place and direction from where acid was thrown.
(xii) Call an expert from Forensic Science Laboratory to assist in the collection of evidences
(xiii) Record the statement of victim.
(xiv) Collect CCTV footage, if available.
(xv) Mobile phone of victim to track the attacker and check e mail record for linking
purpose.
(xvi) Find out the source from where acid was purchased. IO should then check whether
the dealer had a valid license for selling acid and identification proof of the buyer
submitted to shopkeeper.
NICFS
CHAPTER 13
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
299
(xvii) At the instance of attacker if acid container or syringes are recovered, the photograph
of that place and signature of witness be obtained on recovery of items.
(xviii) Photograph of the vehicle seized and lifting of acid stain from the same.
(xix) If acid stains are found on road, take the swab of that acid stain using cotton in
distilled water to test for acid/other chemical in the resultant solution.
(xx) If acid stains are found on mud/soil, then, take that portion of mud/soil in a test tube,
add distilled water to it and filter. Collect the filtrate in another test tube. Test for
acid/other chemical in the filtrate so obtained.
13.7 Packaging and Forwarding of Evidences
(i) Exhibits should always be packed in glass container with plastic lid or in plastic
container and never in metal container.
(ii) Exhibits likely to have finger prints should be carefully packed and sealed.
(iii) Investigating Officer should direct the doctor to pack the clothes of the victim in
polythene bag and, then, in a plastic container.The plastic container should then be
covered/packed with cloth and sealed.
(iv) All the exhibits collected must be finally packed in a cloth bag and then sealed
properly.
(v) The exhibit container should be labelled with date and time of sample collection,
place of occurrence, police station, name and signature of witness and IO.
(vi) The exhibit should be sealed properly and sent to laboratory for analysis along with
sample seal duly signed.
13.8 Seizure List
(i) Prepare list of evidence material collected from the scene.
(ii) List should be signed by two public witnesses giving their full details including
permanent and temporary addresses.
(iii) The packets/parcels containing evidence material should be labelled giving description
of its contents (exhibits), case reference and should be signed by the IO.
(iv) Forwarding memo should be filled up giving a brief history of the case, details of the
parcels and their contents, nature of examination required and certificate authorizing
the Director, Forensic Science Laboratory for examination of the exhibits.
NICFS
CHAPTER 13
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
300
13.9 End of Search
Before leaving the crime scene, the IO should ensure that:
(i) The crime scene search has been done thoroughly.
(ii) All evidences collected at crime scene are properly packed, labelled and sealed.
(iii) All memos are duly filled in and all other formalities in respect of procedures
mandated by the law are completed.
(iv) Final photograph of the scene of crime and close photograph of evidences should be
taken
13.10 Queries
A. From forensic medicine expert
(a) Extent of injury i.e. the degree of burn.
(b) Is injury/burn caused by an acid or any other corrosive?
(c) In order to ascertain the age of suspect (in case of juvenile), he should be
produced before a designated medico-legal expert.
B. From Forensic Science Laboratory
(a) Whether any acid is present in the exhibits sent for analysis.
(b) Identification of the acid present.
(c) If not acid, then the identification of the corrosive chemical.
(d) Comparison of fingerprints on the container of the acid with the fingerprints
of the suspect.
(e) Whether the shoe prints found at the place of attack match with the
footwear of the suspect.
(f) Whether tyre prints/marks found at the place of attack match with the
vehicle seized from suspect.
NICFS
CHAPTER 13
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
301
13.11 Case Study
Source: www.indiankanoon.org/doc/73735/
Source: www.indiankanoon.org/doc/90959285/
NICFS
CHAPTER 13
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
302
References
1. Working Procedure Manual for Chemistry, Directorate of Forensic Science, MHA,
Delhi, 2005.
2. Working Procedure Manual for Forensic Toxicology, Directorate of Forensic Science,
MHA, Delhi, 2005.
3. Anil Aggarwal, Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, New Delhi, 2014.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
303
FIREARMS 14
It is well known that firearms like shotguns, rifles, pistols, revolvers and country-made
firearms, etc., are being frequently used in crime. In these crimes, several clues are present
which are useful in finding the truth. These clues may be physical evidence, both visible and
invisible, or some facts carrying evidential value. Proper evaluation of these clues helps in
linking the criminal with crime and with the victim. It helps in finding out whether it is a case
of homicide, suicide, accident, struggle, fabrication, etc. This chapter will provide guidelines
for investigation in cases involving firearms.
According to the statistics published in Crime in India, 2013 published by National Crime
Records Bureau, MHA, the number of persons murdered by firearms in India during 2013 are
as in Table 14.1:
Table 14.1: Number of persons murdered in India during 2013
Source: Crime in India 2013, (NCRB)
14.1 Safe Handling of Firearms at Scene of Crime (SOC)
(i) Be alert while handling any firearm at the scene of crime, it may be loaded, cocked.
Always point the muzzle upwards.
(ii) Firearms may be recovered at the scene of crime.
(a) It should always be treated as loaded.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
304
(b) It may be in cocked position.
(c) Safety may not be in place.
(d) Its mechanism may be faulty.
(e) Its trigger pull may be light and liable for accidental discharge.
(iii) For handling the firearms, wear gloves.
(iv) Be alert while handling firearms. Muzzle must be pointed upwards. Barrel should
never be pointed towards anybody.
(v) Unload the firearm. Remove the magazine, pull the bolt/breech block backwards so
that any fired cartridge case or live cartridge in chamber will come out.
(vi) Look through the barrel. If the chamber is empty the firearm may be considered safe.
(vii) If the hammer is in cocked position, it may be slowly lowered safely.
(viii) Never meddle with the firearm mechanism.
(ix) Never insert any rod, etc., in the barrel.
(x) Hold the firearm from the chequered portion of stock like grip or from trigger guard
or from sling.
(xi) Caution: It is likely that fingerprints of accused may be available at various parts of
the firearm. Look for any blood stained fingerprints. It may be examined for presence
and development of latent fingerprints prior to packaging it for forwarding to FSL.
14.2 Sections
The legal provisions covering these crimes are as follows:
1. Section 302 I.P.C:
Punishment for murder: Whoever commits murder shall be punished with death, or
imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.
2. Section 304 I.P.C:
Punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder: Whoever commits culpable
homicide not amounting to murder, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
305
be liable to fine, if the act by which the death is caused is done with the intention of causing
death, or causing such bodily injury as is likely to cause death; or with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to ten years, or with fine, or with both, if the
act is done with the knowledge that it is likely to cause death, but without any intention to
cause death, or to cause such bodily injury as is likely to cause death.
3. Section 307 I.P.C:
Attempt to murder: Whoever does any act with such intention or knowledge, and under
such circumstances that, if he by that act caused death, he would be guilty of murder, shall
be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten
years, and shall also be liable to fine; and if hurt is caused to any person by such act, the
offender shall be liable either to imprisonment for life, or to such punishment as is hereinbefore
mentioned.
Attempts by life convicts: When any person offending under this section is under sentence
of imprisonment for life, he may, if hurt is caused, be punished with death.
4. Section 308 I.P.C:
Attempt to commit culpable homicide: Whoever does any act with such intention or
knowledge and under such circumstances that, if he by that act caused death, he would be
guilty of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, shall be punished with imprisonment
of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both;
and, if hurt is caused to any person by such act, shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to seven years, or with fine, or with both.
5. Section 336 I.P.C:
Act endangering life or personal safety of others: Whoever does any act so rashly or
negligently as to endanger human life or the personal safety of others, shall be punished with
impris-onment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with
fine which may extend to Rs. 250, or with both.
6. Section 337 I.P.C:
Causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others: Whoever causes hurt
to any person by doing any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life, or the
personal safety of others, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to Rs. 500, or with both.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
306
7. Section 25 Arms Act:
This section provides for punishment for contravention of sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,
17, 24A, 24B, for acquiring, possession, carrying, manufacture, sale, transfer, conversion,
repair, testing, proving, import, export, shortening of barrel, etc.
8. Section 27 Arms Act:
Punishment for using arms, etc.:
(i) Whoever uses any arms or ammunition in contravention of section 5 shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may
extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine.
(ii) Whoever uses any prohibited arms or prohibited ammunition in contravention of
section 7 shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less
than seven years but which may extend to imprisonment for life and shall also be
liable to fine.
(iii) Whoever uses any prohibited arms or prohibited ammunition or does any act in
contravention of section 7 and such use or act results in the death of any other
person, shall be punishable with death.
14.3 Police as First Responder at Scene of Crime-Duties and
Responsibilities
(i) The success or failure of any crime investigation totally depends on the amount of
efforts instilled by the investigating officers in the examination of crime scene for
collection of physical evidence and for reconstruction of sequence of events. Thorough
and careful examination is required.
(ii) The officers must arrive at the scene as quickly as possible. Section 157 of CrPC lays
down that, having recorded the information and forwarded the report to the Magistrate,
the officer in-charge of the police station shall proceed in person (or send a subordinate)
to the spot to investigate facts.
(iii) Delay in reaching the scene of crime results in tampering of physical evidence.
(iv) All the observations must be documented at the scene of crime very meticulously,
paying attention to every detail. Reliance on memory should be strictly avoided.
(v) It must be kept in mind that whatever actions are taken by IO, he must not contaminate
the scene and destroy the potential evidence.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
307
14.3.1 Ensure Safety at the Scene of Crime
1. The safety of the responding officers as well as others present at the scene of
crime is very important.
2. Any potentially dangerous situation should be immediately tackled.
3. The whole area should be scanned for any potential hazards.
14.3.2 Arrange for Medical Assistance
1. The primary responsibility of any responding officer reaching at the scene of
crime is to preserve life.
2. Medical assistance should be immediately provided to the injured victim or
suspect causing minimum disturbance to the scene. His position should be
marked with chalk.
3. In case there is a possibility that the victim may die, dying declaration should
be attempted to be recorded.
14.3.3 Apprehend any Suspects
1. Effort should be made to apprehend the suspect immediately in accordance with
the law and recover the weapon of offence.
2. The statements of the suspects should also be recorded.
14.3.4 Secure the Scene of Crime
1. One of the most important responsibilities of the Investigating Officer (IO) is to
secure the scene of crime from any interference.
2. Crime scenes are an important source of material for investigation as the clues
present at the scene of crime (SOC) help in linking the criminal with crime/
victim and for finding out the truth.
3. The physical evidences present at the scene of crime are of fragile nature and,
therefore, to protect and preserve them from any contamination, securing and
protection of crime scene is must.
4. In order to maximize the chance of recovering the physical evidences from the
scene of crime, the IO needs to identify, secure and protect the evidence.
5. The crime scene should be immediately cordoned off, using tapes or by ropes,
etc.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
308
6. Access of people and vehicles into the crime scene should be blocked.
7. Nothing at the scene of crime should be moved or touched until it is identified,
measured and photographed.
8. Any person who is not part of the investigating team should not be allowed at
the SOC.
9. After securing the crime scene, the witnesses must be identified and relevant
information should be gathered from the persons who have witnessed the incident.
10. The motor vehicles present at the scene of crime and in vicinity should be
noted and description of any suspected vehicle must be recorded.
11. CCTV camera should be seized that may have recorded any relevant incident.
12. After an investigator arrives at the scene, he should prevent approach to the
scene by unauthorized persons including the inmates of the house.
13. The IO should protect traces of evidence present at crime scene from rain,
wind, etc.
14.3.5 Identify Victim/Victims
1. The identification of victims enables investigator to instigate actions which may
lead to early identification of suspects.
2. Persons reporting the incident and witnesses present at the scene of crime
should be questioned regarding the identity of the persons.
3. A record should be made of the clothings worn by the victim together with their
physical description.
4. In case the identity of the person is unknown, a search of missing persons
record should be undertaken to establish any of the descriptions matching the
deceased.
5. Visible tattoos, any piercing should be carefully noted and it may also be used
to search the local records.
14.3.6 Call for Specialized Forensic Crime Team
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
309
14.4 Crime Scene Management
14.4.1 Crime Scene Assessment
(i) Crime scene assessment helps in determining the nature of the incident and the level
of investigation necessary. Main sources of clue materials are:
(a) Scene of crime
(b) Victim
(c) Suspect
(ii) Thorough planning and examination of crime scene becomes essential because the
physical evidence involved in firearms related crimes may be visible, trace and
invisible.
(iii) Assess the additional manpower/expertise required to handle the scene effectively.
(iv) Assess the nature of evidence at scene of crime.
(v) Assess the area where the evidence can be available.
(vi) Assess focal point and area of strong disturbance.
(vii) The process of documentation should be done very carefully. The IO must observe
each and every thing at the scene of crime and following are the points that must be
attended to:
(a) Record the time of arrival at the scene and the name of the officer investigating
the scene.
(b) Record exact location of the scene of crime. It should be mentioned whether it
is a house, building or field or a highway, etc. Note down the address,
neighbourhood and landmarks. One can also use GPS.
(c) The investigating team should be equipped with a sensitive GPS to note down
the exact location in terms of longitudes, latitudes and co-ordinates.
(d) Record weather and light conditions.
(e) Arrange for witness interviews. It should be both written and audio-taped.
(f) The whole crime scene should be thoroughly assessed and entrance and exit
points should be properly examined.
(g) The area of the crime scene varies with the nature of crime committed. For
example, in a case of armed dacoity, the criminals come in a vehicle, leave it
on the main road, travel some distance, raid a house and while escaping fire
several rounds to prevent villagers from chasing them. This scene of crime
may extend over a very wide area with physical evidence like fired cartridge
cases, bullets, tire marks, etc. In burglary, the scene of crime may be limited.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
310
(h) All other conditions present at the crime scene must be documented. The
places where the witnesses have seen or could have seen anything should be
noted, e.g. whether windows and doors are open or close, lights/fans are on
or off, vehicles present at the scene of crime and their condition, etc.
(i) Examine the victim/victimes. Note down the conditions of the body/bodies.
(j) Safeguard all evidence and arrange for evidence collection. While collecting
and packing the physical evidences, care has to be exercised to see that the
evidence does not get contaminated. Always use clean containers, envelopes,
boxes, etc.
(k) The presence of blood marks, signs of struggle, etc., should be recorded
wherever necessary.
(l) Note down the exact state of things at the scene as at the time of occurrence,
to draw a proper conclusion.
(m) Find out, if scene of crime had been disturbed by the inmates of the house or
curious neighbours.
(n) Keep in mind that criminal might have left some hair, piece of clothing, tool,
fingerprints, and footprints, scratches at scene of crime.
B. Documentation of Scene of Crime
1. Documentation plays a vital role as the initial observations about the scene
establishes the scope of investigation.
2. It helps in identifying the location of evidentiary items that may later be lost,
contaminated or destroyed.
3. Photographs, sketches, notes and thorough videotapes showing the position of victim
(if dead) or position of victim marked by chalk (if alive) and other clues, close-up
of victim and of all physical evidence, photographs of injuries, etc., provide a
permanent record of the crime scene and these should be done in a professional
manner. Profuse notes should be taken of the surroundings. A thorough video record
preserves the scene in its original form.
4. All documents must be signed and witnessed.
5. The photographs may be marked by photo-data, date on which work was done,
details of crime, etc.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
311
14.4.2 Crime Scene Photography
An overall shot of the crime scene A close-up shot of the victim
A close-up shot of different exhibits
present at the scene of crime
2. Firearm 3. Cartridge case
4. Cartridge case 5. Cartridge case
A close-up shot of the gun-shot hole on
the clothes of the victim. Here three gunshot
holes are seen, around which
‘blackening effect’ is clearly visible
Figure 14.1: Documentation of simulated crime scene
1. Take overall shots of the crime scene, and then it should be followed by close-ups.
Photograph the location of the scene.
2. Close-ups of following should be done:
(a) Victim
(b) Wounds
(c) All relevant items present at the scene of crime
(d) Latent prints
3. Calibrated scale should be placed in the photograph to show the size of the item
photographed.
4. Photograph from distance, close-up from tops, sides, bottom, etc., details about cocking,
of the safety catch/serial number, or any evidence attached to firearm.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
312
5. Clear photographs of the scene should be taken. These will help the IO and the court in
visualizing the scene.
14.4.3 Crime Scene Sketching
1. A rough crime scene sketch should be prepared initially, indicating all the relevant
items present at the scene of crime.
2. With the help of a measuring tape, exact measurements of the dimensions of items,
their distances from one another as well as from the fixed points are taken. Positions
of various items from two fixed points may be given if the crime is committed in a
room and from a tree or trees or some other reference points if the crime is committed
in an open space. This reference point is also shown in the sketch.
3. The locations of each items present at the scene of crime should be mentioned
correctly.
4. Directions should be correctly mentioned and north direction should be properly
indicated.
5. A finished sketch to scale should be made later.
6. The legend box should be included giving details of the case number, name of the
IO, his signature, date, name and signature of other two witnesses.
7. Position of firearm with respect to victim’s body should be carefully noted and
marked on crime scene sketch.
8. The position of fired cartridge cases, bullets, pellets, wads, etc., should be correctly
noted and marked on crime scene sketch.
9. The position of the fired cartridge cases may help in determination of position of
firer.
10. No attempts should be made to draw a sketch partly from measurements with the
tape and partly from distances guessed at the scene of crime. Accuracy in the
measurements should be the primary rule.
11. Never forget to record the precise locations according to the points of the magnetic
compass.
12. The IO should take all the measurements himself.
Notes:
(i) Don’t forget to determine the direction of north.
(ii) Draw it on sketch.
(iii) Do not rely on others to give you dimensions.
(iv) Do not rely on recollections to make correction at the police station.
(v) Note the scale on sketch.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
313
Case details: A man of about 40 years was found dead with gunshot injuries. There was a
wound of entrance of about 8 mm., exit hole was also present. A 9 mm. bullet was found
lodged in the ceiling of the room. A ricochet mark was found on the western wall. The
gunshot injury was present on the forehead and the exit wound was found in the occipital
region of the head. A cartridge case of 9 mm. caliber was found at south-west corner of the
room, as shown in the sketch above.
Figure 14.2: Sample of a Crime scene sketching
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
314
A layout of a crime scene where a VIP was shot dead by indiscriminate firing
A VIP was shot dead by armed gunmen in an ongoing function of a school. The VIP and his
bodyguard were shot dead. The criminal used automatic firearms. From the scene of crime, a
number of rifle cartridge cases were recovered. There were a number of bullet marks on the walls,
windows and doors of the hall. These bullets were taken out, and the bodies were sent for postmortem
examination.
Figure 14.3: Illustration sketch of a layout of a crime scene
where a VIP was shot dead by indiscriminate firing
Courtesy: A.K. Bapuly
14.4.4 Crime Scene Search
(i) In case of indoor crime scene:
(a) The investigator must be careful, thorough, and systematic in his search for
traces.
(b) He must make keen observation and proceed methodically.
(c) The search should be conducted in a definite order—clock-wise or anti-clockwise
movement, taking a door as starting point, moving around the center, the entire
space should be searched by inspecting the floor, the roof and the walls.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
315
(ii) In case of outdoor crime scene:
(a) It will be convenient to employ a team of officers and distribute the search
work amongst them using any one of the following methods:
Strip method: The whole area is to be searched, and divided into a convenient number of
strips. Each strip is examined carefully (as shown in Figure 14.4). Whenever any item of
physical evidence is found, it is properly collected and preserved. The process is continued till
the entire area has been searched.
Spiral method: Here the search is started from one end of the crime scene, carried out in
spirals till the focal point of the crime scene.
Zone method: The scene is divided into small zones and each zone is examined in turn.
Grid Method: In the grid search method, the IO begins like a strip search. After completing
the search by horizontal lanes, he searches back at right angles to the original strip (as shown
in Figure 14.4). This search from two different angles helps in the recovery of evidence
which may be missed in simple strip method.
Pie or Wheel method: It is a search pattern in which the area is divided into pie slices or
sections of a wheel, usually six in number. Crime scene searchers start from a critical point,
such as body, and travel outwards along straight lines or rays.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
316
Strip Method Spiral Method
Zone Method Grid Method Pie or Wheel Method
Figure 14.4: Crime scene search methods
(b) The investigator must never miss the spaces behind the open doors, portion of
the floor covered by carpets, or mattresses or the space under the almirah
furniture, etc.
(c) If the investigator does not find something which he logically feels should have
been present, he must look for it specially, e.g., bullets.
(d) The scene must be observed by him for minute traces with rapt attention.
14.4.5 Kit
Initial responding officers must have the following items readily available. Officers may want
to consider keeping them in police vehicles:
(i) Cordoning tape
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
317
(ii) Tweezers
(iii) Hand safety gloves
(iv) Camera, with telephoto, wide-angle and normal lens
(v) Cellophane tape
(vi) Containers for handguns
(vii) Rectangular boxes-plastic and cardboard boxes of various sizes
(viii) Filter papers
(ix) Forceps with rubber tipped endings
(x) Magnifying glass
(xi) Magnetic compass
(xii) Measuring tape (calibrated)
(xiii) Drawing sheets
(xiv) Pencil, eraser and other stationary items
(xv) Tags
(xvi) Marking pen
(xvii) Spatula
(xviii) Flash light
(xix) Good quality sealing wax
(xx) Good quality envelopes-cellophane pouches of various sizes
(xxi) Brown paper
(xxii) Geometry box
(xxiii) Cellophane sheet
(xxiv) Cloth
(xxv) Chalk
(xxvi) Sextant
(xxvii) Drawing board
(xxviii) Electric engraver
(xxix) Johnson’s buds
(xxx) 5 per cent nitric acid
(xxxi) Cellotape used for lifting of fingerprints
(xxxii) Cotton
14.4.6 Lists of Exhibits Likely to be Found at Scene of Crime
(i) Firearms: It may be one or more of the following:
(a) Standard: These are factory-made firearms. It may be prohibited or nonprohibited.
(b) Country-made: Made by blacksmiths in their small workshops without following
any factory specifications.
(c) Freak: Firearms which give the appearance of some innocent objects, but fire
factory-made ammunition.
(d) Air-guns, toy firearms.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
318
Types Illustrations
.410 Musket
.315 Sporting Rifle
Carbine
12 Bore DBBL Shotgun
AK 47 Assault Rifle
Standard
Firearms
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
319
9 mm High Power
Browning Pistol
.32 Double Action
Revolver
A country-made firearm
(hammerless) meant for
firing 12 bore cartridge
A country-made firearm
(with hammer)
Stick-gun
Pen Pistol
Standard
Firearms
Countrymade
Firearms
Freak
Firearms
Figure 14.5: Types of firearms
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
320
(ii) Live Ammunition and Their Components: It is of following types:
A. Shotgun cartridge
Over-shot wad
Pellets
Under-shot wad
Air-cushion wad
Over-powder wad
Propellant
Cartridge Case
Figure 14.6: Cut section of a shotgun cartridge
The cut-section of a shotgun cartridge is shown in Figure 14.6. Cartridge case (made partly of
metal and partly of cardboard/plastic) has percussion cap in the center of its head. There are
over-powder, air-cushion, under-shot and over-shot cardboard wads. These wads are shown in
Figure 14.7.
Figure 14.7: Different wads used in a shotgun cartridge
The shots/pellets used as projectiles are shown as 1 of Figure 14.8. Some cartridge may be
loaded with single projectile like rifled slug as shown in 2 of Figure 14.8. In some cartridge,
instead of these cardboard wads, a power-piston, as shown in 3 of Figure 14.8, having number
of prongs is used, shots are loaded into this power-piston and the power-piston is then loaded
into the cartridge case.
Over-shot wads Under-shot wads Air-cushion wads Over-powder wads
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
321
Figure 14.8: Projectiles used in a shotgun cartridge
1. Pellets/shots 2. Rifled slug 3. Power-Piston
B. Rifle Cartridge
Figure 14.9: Cut section of a rifle cartridge
(iii) Fired Cartridge Cases May Contain Impression Of:
a. Firing pin
b. Breech face
c. Chamber
d. Extractor
e. Ejector
Bullet
Propellant
Cartridge Case
Primer
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
322
Figure 14.10: Fired cartridge cases
(iv) Fired Bullet May Contain Rifling Marks.
Figure 14.11: Fired bullets
(v) Firearm Discharge Residue Inside The Barrel.
This firing residue is contributed by priming composition, propellant and projectiles.
(vi) Clothes of the victim having gun-shot/bullet holes or spread of pellets. It may
contain firearm discharge residue around bullet hole.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
323
Figure 14.12: Clothes of the victim showing gun-shot holes
Around entry wound following may be present:
1. Burning (or scorching, charring, singeing of hair)
2. Blackening around gun-shot wound
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
324
3. Tattooing
4. Metallic particles/GSR
5. Lead/Dirt ring/Bullet wipe/abrasion collar
Invisible
Photograph taken by scanning electron microscope
(Magnified view of GSR particle)
Note: Around exit wound blackening, tattooing, GSR particle, lead/dirt ring, etc., are absent.
(vii) Gun-shot residue on hands,face, clothes of shooter.
(viii) Propellant gases–inside the barrel, cartridge case, at the scene of crime.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
325
(ix) Clothes of the accused.
(x) Gun-shot injuries:
(a) Injuries Caused by High Velocity Bullets
Close Range Shot (massive destruction) Distant Shot (small entrance wound at
chin, just below lower lip and large
exit wound below the ear)
Distant Shot-Entrance Wound
(dimension much larger than caliber of
bullet)
Distant Shot-Exit Wound
(dimension much larger than caliber
of bullet)
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
326
(b) Injuries Caused by Low Velocity Bullets (Handguns and Carbines)
Contact Shot at Right Temple
(star-shaped laceration)
Contact Shot at Right Temple
(blackening invariably found on bone
around wound of entrance)
Loose Contact Shot at Left Temple
(star-shaped laceration, burning present)
Contact Shot at Chin
(tissues become pink due to the presence
of carbon monoxide in propellant gases)
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
327
Contact Shot at Abdomen
(intestines coming out)
Contact Shot at Abdomen
(intestines pressed inside, burning and
blackening present)
Contact Shot
(muzzle impression present)
Contact Shot at Abdomen
Very Close Range Wound On Neck
(blackening at abdomen; burning, starshaped
laceration caused by propellant
gases at neck)
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
328
Close Range Shot
(blackening present)
Close-Range Concealed Wound of Eye
(blackening present)
Close-Range Entrance Wound
(blackening and tattooing)
Angled Shot
(left side: entrance wound showing
angled shot (see wide abrasion on
margin) exit wound: no abrasion)
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
329
Bullet Hole in Skull
(clear-cut hole on the spot of
bullet entry)
Bullet Hole in Skull
(hole is bevelled on the side of bullet’s
exit (see eruption of bone chips))
Exit Wound at Head (star-shaped) Exit Marks on Back (with bullets
still lodged, with bullets palpable)
Exit hole on Back (with bullet still
lodged within, bullet visible)
Entrance Wound (bullet penetration
not deep because of low velocity,
bullet visible at wound of entrance)
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
330
(c) Injuries Caused by Improvised Shotgun
Caused by a country-made shotgun at a range
of about 2 yards.
(Note wide dispersion of pellets forming a rat
hole surrounded by holes caused by
individual pellets whereas a factory-made gun
would cause only a single hole at this range)
Caused by a country-made shotgun at a range
of about 4 yards.
(Note the wide dispersion of pellets whereas
a factory made gun would cause a rat hole at
this distance)
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
331
(d) Injuries Caused by Shotguns
Contact Shot (the blast and the
heavy shot charge may cause
massive destruction of tissues)
Tight Contact Shotgun Wound of
Chest (abrasion present around the
edges, muzzle impression also visible)
Contact Shotgun Wound of Chest
(may not cause massive destruction
but a circular hole)
Close- Range Firing
(if range within a few centimeters,
large hole may be caused)
Close-Range Firing
(blackening present if fired from a
range of 12 inches)
Close- Range Firing
(blackening present and tattooing
found if fired from up to 4 feet.)
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
332
Single Hole
(a single hole is caused in case of
range of firing up to about 2 yards)
Rat Hole Wound
(caused by 12 bore shotgun from
about 2 to 5 yards)
Distant Shot
(dispersion of pellets, making their own holes in
case of range of firing of more than about 5 yards)
One or more of the following features may be present around the entrance hole:
(a) Burning, scorching, charring, singeing of hair around gun-shot holes.
(b) Abrasion/dirt-ring/elements left by the rubbing of the bullet around gun-shot holes.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
333
(c) Bullet particles
(d) GSR particles (lead, barium, antimony)
(xi) Bullet holes, marks, ricochet marks, pellet patterns, etc., on inanimate objects.
(xii) Blood, soil, glass particles, pieces of bone, wooden particles, etc. that may be
sticking to the firearm and bullet.
If the firearm is fired in contact with human body, the presence of blood/tissues may be
found in the region of muzzle.
14.5 Various Clues Likely to be Found in Crime Involving Firearms,
Their Recovery, Collection, Labelling, Packaging, Sealing and
Transportation
The physical evidence available in crime involving firearms is of two types: visible and
invisible. If the evidence is invisible, it is generally thought to be absent. One has to be very
careful about this evidence. Below, we discuss about various physical evidence:
14.5.1 Firearms
Firearms like shotguns, rifles, revolvers, pistols, carbines, country-made firearms are being
increasingly employed in the commission of heinous crime. The frequency of country-made
firearms is quite high. Sometimes muzzle-loading firearms, toy firearms or air-guns may also
be involved.
Figure 14.13: Firearms
Country-made firearm (hammerless) meant
for firing 12-bore cartridges is one of the
most commonly used firearms.
A .32 revolver (non-prohibited) made by
Indian Ordnance Factories
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
334
(A) Recovery of Firearms at SOC
(i) The firearm may be recovered from scene of crime
(a) In cases of suicide, the firearm may be found lying close to body/thrown away
from body/firmly grasped in hand by cadaveric spasm.
(b) In cases of suicide committed in open area, the firearm may or may not be
found. It may be taken away by any passerby.
(c) In case of murder, the firearm may be planted into the hands of victim or
placed close to victim. Fingers may not be circling around the grip of hand-gun.
Note: The configuration of firearm when found and recovered should be photographed with
respect to other articles at the scene. It may be helpful in finding out the nature of shooting,
i.e homicidal, suicidal, accidental.
(ii) Victim
(iii) Accused
(iv) House of accused
(v) Route taken by accused after crime–
(a) maybe found hidden in bushes
(b) corn-bins
(c) buried in ground
(d) thrown in well, pond, river, lake,
over-head tank, etc. In this case
the firearm can be recovered with
the help of a strong magnet.
(B) Collection of Firearm
(i) Always consider the firearm to be loaded.
(ii) Note down whether the firearm was cocked. If cocked, hammer should be safely
lowered.
(iii) Note down whether the safety was on or off.
(iv) The IO may like to get the firearm examined for the presence of fingerprints of the
suspect. For this, hold the weapon from grip or chequered portion of the firearm or
from trigger-guard or from sling. Any fingerprint in blood should be photographed
first.
Cadaveric spasm
Holding of the firearm when the person is
in tension. (Muscles that were in contraction
at the moment of death remain in
contraction after death without passing
through the stage of primary relaxation).
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
335
(v) Note down the type of firearm correctly–shotgun, rifle, revolver, pistol, carbine or a
country-made firearm. If there is a revolving cylinder behind the barrel, it should be
written as REVOLVER. Record description with sketch.
(vi) While unlocking the cylinder and barrel in a revolver, care should be exercised to see
that the cylinder does not rotate. Also note down the positions of live and fired
cartridge cases in different chambers of cylinder.
(vii) Unload the firearm. Remove the magazine first, take out and note down the number
of live cartridges in the magazine, reinsert the magazine.
(viii) Move the breech-block or bolt backwards.
(ix) If there is any live cartridge or a fired cartridge case in the chamber it will come out.
Collect it.
(x) Look into the chamber, if there is any live cartridge/fired cartridge case, take it out.
(xi) Note down, if chamber was empty or there was live cartridge or fired cartridge case
in chamber.
(xii) Note down the caliber, make, model, and serial number of the firearm correctly. In
the case of factory-made firearms these details are mentioned on the barrel, breechblock
or bolt, action, fore-end, magazine of the firearm.
(xiii) Note down the names of the parts on which these details of the firearm and serial
numbers are mentioned.
(xiv) Any foreign material such as blood, hair, tissues, skin, flesh, fibers, paint, soil, bone
particles etc. attached to any part of the firearm may be collected in cellophane
pouches after drying, without scratching the inside of the barrel with knife. Nothing
should be inserted into the barrel. Plug the breech and muzzle ends and also the
chambers (in case of revolvers) with clean cotton or cloth.
(xv) Note down any operational characteristics of the firearm. Is there any deficiency or
peculiarity like hard or weak trigger-pull?
(xvi) The clues should be collected in the presence of witnesses.
(C) Packaging and Labelling of the Firearms
(i) In the case of long-barrel firearms, following details should be written with permanent
marker or on medicated tape affixed on stock or action-block and not on
interchangeable parts of the firearm like fore-end/magazine.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
336
(a) Put FIR number
(b) Police Station
(c) District
(d) Item number
(e) Name of IO with signature and date
(f) Signature of witnesses
(ii) Wrap the long-barrel firearm in a cellophane sheet and seal it in a clean cloth cover.
(iii) The above details are also put on the cloth cover. In fact, each packed box or
container should be labelled as regards to contents also.
(iv) The firearm should be sealed at the scene of crime.
(v) The collection and sealing must be authenticated by at least two independent witnesses.
Note down the addresses of witnesses.
(vi) In case of handguns, place it in a cellophane envelope and seal in a clean box. Give
cotton padding so that the firearm does not rattle inside the box. The details may be
put on parts like frame, receiver, back-strap, barrel, etc.
(vii) In the case of handguns the identifying details may be scratched on the firearm and
also put on the box containing firearm.
(viii) Note down the number of seals on the parcel.
(ix) After packaging, labelling, and sealing the firearm, its photographs should be taken.
(x) In case of firearm recovered from any water source, it should not be dried. Attempts
should be made to send this as such to the laboratory, otherwise it may rust.
(D) Important Points Regarding the Seals
(i) The seals used should be the authorized seals of the IO.
(ii) Original seal should be preserved. It should be in safe custody at all times.
(iii) Seals should not be put with coins.
(iv) An attested specimen impression of the seal used should be sent to the expert.
(v) Number of seals put on each parcel should be noted.
(vi) A superior quality of sealing wax should be used so that the seals do not peel off.
(vii) Be careful that the seals do not break, mutilate, or peel off while transporting the
exhibits to FSL.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
337
(E) Important Points Regarding Stitching
(i) Stitching of the parcels should be such that the messenger is not able to open the
parcels without disturbing the seals and change the exhibits.
(F) Transportation of the Firearms
(i) The sealed firearm should promptly be transported to Forensic Science Laboratory
from scene of crime.
(ii) Proper care of the parcel should be taken.
(iii) They should not be left unguarded.
(iv) They may be stolen by interested party.
(G) Queries to be raised to the Ballistic Expert
The firearm provides answers to the following questions:
(i) Whether the given device is a firearm as defined by the law.
(ii) Whether it is a standard or improvised or country-made firearm.
(iii) If it is standard firearm, what is its caliber, make and model?
(iv) Is the firearm in working order?
(v) Is it liable to fire accidentally?
(vi) Has it been fired? If so, when?
(vii) Whether any biological fluids, tissues, hair, etc., are present on the weapon. If yes,
(a) The location of such tissue.
(b) Origin of species of the biological material.
(viii) Has it been used in some other crime? (IO may need to give reference as the firearm
could have been used in other offences also).
(ix) Whether the erased serial numbers, etc., on the firearm can be restored and its owner
can be traced.
(x) Has the firearm been tampered with? If so, how?
(xi) How many firearms have been used in this case?
(xii) Linkage with fired ammunition.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
338
Do’s and Dont’s
Caution: Don’t send loaded firearms
(I) Muzzle-Loading Firearm
In the case of muzzle-loading firearms, the following problems arise:
(i) Were the recovered fired percussion caps fired from the suspected firearms?
(ii) Were the shots recovered from the body of the victim cast in the mould recovered
from the suspect?
(iii) Were the shots recovered from the victim and accused prepared in the same mould?
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
339
(iv) Did the shots (or lead) recovered from the body of the deceased (or of the injured)
and those recovered from the accused have the same elemental profile?
(v) Did the wad material, paper pieces or rags recovered from the accused and those
recovered from the scene (or from the body of the victim) have a common source?
(vi) Was the gun-powder found at the scene or on the body of the victim similar to the
powder recovered from the accused?
14.6 Fired Cartridge Cases, Percussion Caps
The fired cartridge cases if recovered are very helpful in linking them to the firearm recovered
from the suspect thereby linking the suspect to crime scene.
(A) Recovery of Fired Cartridge Cases and Percussion Caps
(i) Cartridge cases are recovered from:
(a) Scene of crime.
(b) Accused.
(c) House of the accused/suspect.
(d) Chamber of the suspected firearm.
(e) Previous owner of the firearm.
(ii) Percussion caps
(a) Percussion caps may be found if the muzzle-loading firearms have been used to
commit the crime.
(b) Percussion caps may be found at the scene of crime after thorough search.
(c) Inside the action of firearm. In country-made firearms, the percussion cap may
not be properly supported by bolt and because of firing may get dislodged from
cartridge case and may enter into the action of firearm through firing-pin hole.
(d) Care should be exercised to see that they are not lost.
(B) Collection, Labelling and Packaging of Fired Cartridge Cases and Percussion Caps
(i) Note down the position of the fired cartridge cases and percussion caps from where
found.
(ii) Any legends on cartridge cases may be noted.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
340
(iii) Labelling should not be done on the cartridge cases as these are very small exhibits
and fine marks on them left by firearm may get damaged.
(iv) Note approximate caliber of the cartridge cases.
(v) Each cartridge case may be put in cellophane envelope separately and then packed
collectively in a box. The fired cartridge cases recovered from different locations
should be similarly packed in different boxes. Use cotton to avoid their rattling.
(vi) The following details should be mentioned on the box:
(a) Put FIR number
(b) Police station
(c) District
(d) Item number
(e) Name of IO with signature and date
(f) Signature of witnesses
(vii) The contents should also be mentioned on the box.
(viii) The box is now sealed with a cloth. The cloth should be labelled with the above
information.
(ix) All the precautions about sealing mentioned in the case of firearms should be
followed.
14.7 Projectiles-Bullets, Bullet Fragments, Pellets, Wads
Figure 14.14: Projectiles
Bullets Bullet fragments Wads Pellets
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
341
(A) Recovery of Projectiles-Bullets, Bullet Fragments, Pellets, Slugs, Wads, etc.
(i) These projectiles may be recovered from:
(a) Scene of crime-it may be lying loose at the scene of crime or embedded in
ground, walls, trees or some articles like furniture, etc.
(b) Body of the victim.
1. Bullets, bullet fragments, pellets, slugs, wads in the body of the deceased
are recovered by medical officers.
2. The body should be x-rayed in various positions to locate the bullet and the
bullet should be recovered.
3. There is a ruling of the Supreme Court of India that an IO can ask medical
officer to take x-ray of the body and recover the projectiles (state of Orissa
vs. Ramachandra AIR, 1965 Orissa 175).
4. The medical officer should take out the bullets from body by hands or with
plastic-tipped tweezers. The fine striations on the bullet should not be
damaged at all.
5. In case the bullet is found embedded in bone, the bone should be broken
and bullet taken out. Avoid prying out the bullet from the bone.
(c) Testing place of the accused-lodged in trees, walls, etc.
Note down the positions from where it is found.
(ii) From scene of crime, the bullets are recovered by IO. The IO should recover bullet
in such a way that the striation marks on its surface are not damaged.
(iii) If the bullet is found lodged in some object, the object containing the bullet may be
sent as such to the laboratory after properly packing it. Or a small piece of the object
may be cut and sent to FSL. Be careful that the cutter does not touch the bullet.
(iv) In case of pellets, the medical officer may not be able to take out all the pellets from
the dead body.
(v) The x-ray of the body showing the spread of pellet should be taken.
(vi) The medical officer may be asked to take out some 15—20 pellets.
(vii) After exit from body, the bullet may not exit from clothes and may be found lodged
in the clothes. The IO should be careful to see that the bullets are not lost while
taking the body for PM examination or while collecting the clothes after PM
examination.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
342
(viii) Help of the ballistic expert may be taken to locate and recover the bullets at the
scene of crime.
(ix) The recovery of bullet fragments, slugs, large sized buck-shots and wads may also be
similarly made from victim’s body/scene of crime.
(B) Collection, Labelling and Packaging of Projectiles-Bullets, Bullet Fragments, Pellets,
Wads
(i) Note down the position of bullets, bullet fragments, wads, pellets from where found.
(ii) Note approximate caliber of the bullet.
(iii) The path traversed by the bullet inside any target may be noted.
(iv) Labelling should not be done on the bullets as these are very small exhibits and fine
marks on them left by firearm may get damaged.
(v) Keep each bullet in a piece of paper, put in a cellophane pouch and pack them in
a suitable box, sufficient padding of cotton may be given to avoid rattling. The box
is sealed under cloth cover and labelled.
(vi) The bullet fragments, wads, pellets recovered should be separately put in plastic
pouches and then packed in a box, sealed and labelled. Use cotton to avoid their
rattling.
(vii) The bullets, bullet fragments, wads, pellets recovered from different bodies/locations
may be separately packed in a similar manner.
(viii) The following details should be mentioned on the box:
(a) FIR number
(b) Police station
(c) District
(d) Item number
(e) Name of IO with signature and date
(f) Signature of witnesses
(ix) The box should be sealed with a cloth. The cloth should be labelled with the above
information. Describe the exhibits in the box.
(x) All the precautions of sealing mentioned in the case of firearms should be followed.
(C) Transportation of the Cartridge Cases, Bullets, Pellets, Wads
(i) The boxes containing the exhibit should be carefully transported to the FSL.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
343
(D) Queries Regarding Ammunition
The fired ammunition (cartridge cases, bullets, bullet fragments, wads, pellets) gives the
following information:
(i) Whether the given cartridges, cartridge cases/bullets/pellets/wads are ammunition or
components of ammunitions as defined in the Arms Act 1959.
(ii) Whether the given cartridge cases/bullets/pellets/wads are fired ones.
(iii) What is the shot size of the given shots/pellets?
(iv) Were the fired cartridge cases, fired percussion caps, bullets or mis-fired cartridges
fired from the suspected firearm?
(v) Whether the percussion caps have been fired from the suspected muzzle-loading
firearm?
(vi) In case the muzzle-loading firearms have been used in crime;
(a) Whether the shots recovered from scene of crime or from body of victim have
been cast in the mould recovered from suspect.
(b) Whether the shots recovered from victim and suspects are cast in the same
mould.
(c) Whether the shots and wads recovered from victims or scene of crime have the
same source as the shots recovered from suspect.
(d) Whether the gun powder recovered from scene of crime/body of the victim
and accused are similar.
(vii) Have the buckshots been fired from the given shotgun?
(viii) What is the caliber, make of fired ammunition, and of the firearm from which the
cartridge cases/bullets were fired? How many firearms have been used?
(ix) Does the recovered fired/misfired ammunition bears multiple indentations?
(x) Is the source of fired ammunition recovered from scene of crime and the live
ammunition recovered from suspect, the same?
(xi) Is the fired ammunition recovered from the scene and that recovered from the suspect
fired from the same firearm?
(xii) Ejection pattern of fired cartridge cases may help in finding location of the shooter (if
expert is called for SOC visit).
(xiii) Whether the given ammunition is factory made, improvised or reloaded.
(xiv) Whether the given exhibit is black powder or smokeless powder.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
344
(xv) Whether the tools recovered from a suspect can be used to manufacture firearms/
cartridges.
(xvi) Are there any propellant particles sticking inside the fired cartridge case?
(xvii) What is the range of firing assessed by the presence of various shotgun wads at the
scene of crime (if the expert has visited the SOC)?
(xviii) What is the bore size of the gun assessed by wads present at scene of crime?
(xix) Position of cartridge cases/bullets help in reconstruction of sequence of events.
Do’s and Don’ts
(F) Importance of X-Rays
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
345
Likewise, x-ray of body becomes extremely important in the following cases: -
(i) A bullet may fragment inside the body. One fragment may come out, causing exit
wound. Other fragments may be inside the body. Thinking about the presence of exit
wound, the medical officer may not take out other fragments.
(ii) Lead core and jacket may separate. Lead core may come out, but the jacket which
carries important individual characteristics of the firearm may remain inside the body.
(iii) Sometimes, the bullet does not cause exit hole but a piece of bone may cause exit
wound.
14.8 Live Ammunition (Cartridges or Black Powder/Shots/ Wads in
Case of Muzzle Loading Firearms
(A) Recovery of Live Ammunition
(i) From scene of crime.
(ii) From the firearm recovered from scene of crime.
(iii) From accused.
(B) Collection, Labelling and Packaging Of Live Ammunition
(i) Note down the location of the cartridges from where found.
(ii) Note down any distinctive features of the cartridges.
(iii) Note down bore/caliber and any other legend on the cartridge.
(iv) Enclose the cartridges in a cellophane pouch and seal in a box giving sufficient
padding of cotton between two cartridges to avoid the cartridges from colliding with
each other during transit.
(v) The box in which the cartridges are packed should be labelled. Do not put any
details/signatures on the cartridges.
(vi) Describe the quantity and condition of live ammunition.
(C) Queries to be Raised to The Ballistic Expert
(i) Whether the given ammunition is ammunition as defined in the Arms Act 1959.
(ii) Whether the given ammunition is live or not.
(iii) Whether it is a reloaded one or a modified one.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
346
(iv) What is type, caliber, make, etc., of the given ammunition?
(v) Whether the bullets/jackets recovered from scene of crime/body of the victim are of
the same lot as ammunition recovered from the accused.
(vi) Whether it is prohibited or non-prohibited.
Note: The live ammunition may be made available to the expert for test firing.
14.9 Home-Made Ammunition
(i) The Investigating Officers should be aware that the criminals can also use homemade
ammunition similar to the standard ammunition.
(ii) The fired cartridge cases may be reused or made of pipes, plastics, cardboard,
metals like copper, steel or aluminium may be used.
(iii) The percussion caps may be taken out of fired cartridge cases and may be replaced
by live percussion caps available in the market with arms/ammunition dealers.
(iv) The propellants used are black powder, crushed match-heads, potassium chlorate plus
sugar, potassium per-chlorate plus sugar, sodium chlorate plus sugar, powders used in
various crackers etc.
(v) The bullets may be cast in moulds. Also shotgun pellets, nails, metallic balls, paperpins,
drawing board pins, metal pieces, blade fragments, ball bearings, nibs of ballpoint
pens, sulphur cast may be used as projectiles.
(vi) Wads made of paper, cork, cardboard may be used.
(A) Queries to be Raised to the Ballistic Expert
(i) Is the recovered ammunition standard ammunition or home-made ammunition?
(ii) What types of projectiles are used?
(iii) Whether the ingredients used in the preparation of home-made ammunition match
with the ingredients recovered from the house of accused.
(iv) Whether the bullets recovered from the body of the victim were cast in moulds
recovered from the house of the accused.
14.10 Clothes of Victims
These clothes carry gun-shot holes and firearm discharge residue, i.e. burning, blackening,
tattooing, etc.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
347
(A) Recovery of Clothes of Victim
(i) The clothes of the victim should be properly collected. Each cloth should be properly
air-dried.
(ii) Each garment should be separately packed.
(iii) Locate the gun-shot holes in the clothes and paste a brown paper on the holes
covering the blackening, and tattooing. Avoid folding of the clothes near the area of
gun-shot holes.
(iv) Now it should be properly wrapped.
(B) Labelling and Packaging of Clothes of Victim
(i) The labelling should be done on the clothes, and they should be properly sealed in
cardboard boxes.
(ii) Each garment should be separately packed in separate boxes and sealed.
(iii) The boxes containing clothes should also be labelled from outside.
(iv) Clothes should not be cut at the holes or near the holes.
(v) The clothes of victim/victims becomes a very important piece of evidence.
(C) General Observations
(a) The clothes should be carefully collected.
(b) The clothes should not be cut at the holes or near the holes.
(c) Air dry the clothes, if wet. Properly wrap the clothes after placing brown paper
over the suspected holes and seal these clothes in boxes.
(d) The identifying details should be put on clothes as well as on sealed parcels.
(e) The blackening, tattooing (stippling), bullet wipe (lead ring/dirt ring) may be
visible around the suspected holes. Sometimes the tattooing is not visible, then
it should not be concluded that it is absent. It may be present, but may not be
visible. Tests may be conducted by experts.
(f) In firings within a few inches, the margins of the fibers of the clothes,
at entrance, may show bulbous appearance indicating their burning by
flame. Presence of this bulbous appearance indicates contact or very close range
firing.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
348
Notes:
1. The IO should be present at the time of post-mortem examination of deceased for proper
collection of clothes/bullets.
2. In case the bullet is found at scene of crime with dried blood, the blood on bullet may be
linked to victim through DNA.
(D) Queries to be Raised to the Ballistic Expert/Medical Officer
(i) Were the holes caused by projectiles discharged through a firearm?
(ii) Is there any bulbous appearance on the margins of fibers of clothes of victim? Is
there any blackening/tattooing present around the hole in clothes?
(iii) Whether the holes present on clothes are caused by a jacketed bullet or not.
(iv) Which is entry hole and which is exit hole on clothes?
(v) What was the range of firing?
(vi) What was the direction of firing?
14.11 Clothes of Suspects
(i) In case of firings through glass, glass particles also flow towards the shooter. Blood
of victim may also flow towards the shooter, hence, clothes of suspect may also carry
physical evidence like hair, fibers, blood of victim, glass fragments, etc.
(ii) These clothes should also be collected, labelled, packed and sealed properly.
(iii) Suspect can be connected to the victim through DNA analysis of blood.
(iv) The suspect can also be connected to crime scene by matching glass particles present
on his clothes with glass available at scene of crime.
(v) The clothes of the suspect should be collected and packed in cardboard boxes, sealed,
labelled and sent to FSL.
(vi) Some small glass pieces from windows, etc., through which the suspect had fired
should be sent for comparison.
14.12 Gun-Shot Residue (GSR)
(i) GSR helps in identification of shooter.
(ii) Helps in deciding between homicide and self-infliction.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
349
(iii) In India, the identification of shooter is carried out by some laboratories by a test
called ‘dermal nitrate test’. Now this test has been discontinued.
(iv) In this test, a layer of molten paraffin is spread on the hands of the suspect or victim.
(v) When this layer dries, it is peeled off and tested for the presence of nitrates. If
positive, it is concluded that the person had fired the firearm.
(vi) There are several situations when the dermal nitrate test gave positive results on the
hands of persons who have not fired the firearm.
(vii) For example, if a person has worked in the fields handling ammonium nitrate or is
a smoker or has passed urine, his hands give positive test for nitrates.
(viii) This test has been discontinued and should not be conducted.
(ix) The GSR consists of invisible spheroids of lead, barium, antimony. These may be
found on the hands of persons firing revolver/pistol. These spheroids may be present
on the firearm and from the firearm they may come on the palm of the shooter. These
may also be found on the face or clothes of the shooter.
(x) These may be found on the persons standing near the firearm or on the objects lying
near the muzzle.
(A) Recovery of GSR
Method I:
(i) The best method to recover GSR is by cello-tape used to lift fingerprints. Or it may
be lifted by a specially designed metallic stub shown in Figure 14.15. This stub
has adhesive coating. There is a plastic cover also to avoid contamination.
(ii) Wear the gloves.
(iii) A piece of this tape or a stub is pressed against trigger finger and web portion of the
hand and thumb of right hand. The GSR sticks to the tape or stub as it is lying loose
on the hand.
(iv) Separate pieces of cello-tape or separate stubs are pressed on back of right hand,
palm of right hand, web portion of left hand, back of left hand and palm of left hand.
(v) These pieces of cello-tapes or stub are marked as web of right hand, back of right
hand, palm of right hand, web of left hand, back of left hand, palm of left hand, etc.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
350
(vi) Each piece of cello-tape is folded in such a manner that the adhesive sides join
together.
(vii) Each of the stubs is covered with its cover.
Stub with
coating of
adhesive
Cover
Gloves
Figure 14.15: GSR recovery kit
Method II:
(i) These tapes or stubs are examined under SEM/EDX. If this instrument is not available,
then the second method should be followed, as given below.
(ii) Ascertain the occupation of the suspect. If he is a mechanic, electrician, etc., or
dealing with batteries, paints, glass, x-ray, photo goods, metals, insecticides, etc., then
on his hands the residue should be lifted by cellotape or stub only, but if his
occupation is different, then the following method should be used:
(iii) Prepare 5 per cent of nitric acid solution.
(iv) Wear surgical gloves.
(v) Take Johnson’s buds.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
351
(vi) Dip the cotton in 5 per cent nitric acid.
(vii) Take swabs from trigger finger, web-portion and thumb of right hand.
(viii) Similar swabs may be taken from back of right hand, palm of right hand, trigger
finger, web and thumb of left hand, back of left hand and palm of left hand.
(ix) These swabs are air-dried and then put each in a separate polythene pouch.
(x) A control swab from part of the body away from the hands is also taken.
(xi) A blank swab, i.e. cotton with acid only is taken.
Method III:
(i) Sometimes, the investigator may be certain that it was a case of homicide. Here the
accused may take the plea of struggle. In such cases, the hands of suspect and victim
are washed in 50 cc of 5 per cent nitric acid taken in a polythene bag.
(ii) Washing of both the hands should be done separately.
(iii) This method is also followed if the occupation of the suspect or victim is not that of
mechanic, etc.
NHRC Order: NHRC D.O. No. 4/7/2008 PRPNP dated 12th May 2010 on the subject
‘Revised Guidelines/Procedures to be Followed in Cases of Death Caused by Police
Action’. Para G (b) 3(iii) of guidelines states as follows:
“Results of forensic examination of ‘hand wash’ of the deceased to ascertain the
presence of residue of gunpowder to justify exercise of right to self-defense”.
Notes:
1. The ejecta consisting of smoke, propellant particles, bullet elements, primer
residues are called Firearm Discharge Residue (FDR) whereas the primer
residue is called Gunshot Residues (GSR).
2. Help of the forensic expert may be taken for proper collection of GSR.
3. Analysis of swabs/washings in FSL by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer and
Inductively Coupled Plasma techniques have proved very useful in identification
of shooter.
(B) Labelling and Packaging of GSR
1. Each lift is separately marked with portion of the hands from where taken. All these
lifts by cello-tape are packed and sealed in one cardboard box. The box should be
labelled with identifying details.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
352
2. Each swab is put in a polythene pouch which should be appropriately marked about
the place from where it is swabbed and these are then sealed in a box or bigger
polythene bag. The box is labelled with identifying details.
3. The hand washings is taken in 50cc of 5 per cent hydrochloric acid or nitric acid and
put in a plastic bottle and the plastic bottle is then labelled with identifying details.
Some amount of blank acid is also similarly packed.
(C) Queries to be Raised to the Ballistic Expert
(i) Whether the gun-shot residue, lead, barium, antimony is present or not on the lifts or
in wash.
(ii) What is the amount of these elements on lifts/swabs taken from different parts of the
hands as well as in control and blank lifts /swabs?
(iii) What are the other elements present in the lifts/swabs?
(D) Notes:
(i) Here the pattern of gun-shot residue on the hands is determined.
(ii) More amount of residue on the trigger finger, web-portion and thumb than other
places indicates firing.
(iii) If it is found on victim, correct interpretation is required.
(a) The victim might have fired. More amounts are found on trigger-finger, web,
and thumb of firing hand.
(b) Or, he may be standing near the firer.
(c) Or, he had touched the fired firearm.
(d) Or, it may be the case of struggle when this residue may come on his hands.
(e) It may also happen that when the accused started firing, he might have raised
his hands and some residue comes on his hand or any police officer might have
touched his hands.
(iv) In the case of 12 bore guns and bolt action rifles, no residue may be found on the
back of the hands of the shooter.
(v) If the firearm is planted into the hands of victim to simulate murder as suicide, more
GSR will be found on the palm of the victim.
(vi) The GSR is lying loose on the hands, if the hands are washed or rubbed against the
clothes, the GSR gets lost. So it should be collected as soon as possible.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
353
(vii) The following information is required for proper interpretation:
(a) Date and time of shooting.
(b) Date and time of taking swabs/washings.
(c) Last time the suspect washed his hands.
(viii) In case there is going to be delay in the collection of GSR, protect his hands by
paper envelopes.
(ix) Do not allow the suspect to wash his hands or urinate or drink water prior to
collection of residue. Do not drag the suspect. Avoid touching suspects hands with
your own.
14.13 Gun-Shot Injuries
(i) Gun-shot wounds are the wounds produced by impact, entry and travel of projectiles
discharged from firearms into human body.
(ii) The gun-shot injuries are lacerated wounds, caused by passage of blunt projectiles.
(A) Shapes of Entrance Wounds:
(i) The discharge of 12 bore guns and high velocity rifles from close distance causes
massive destruction of tissues.
(ii) Star-Shaped: In the case of contact shots at sites where there is bone under the skin,
it may be star-shaped.
Figure 14.16: Star shaped entrance wound
(iii) In the case of close-range firings say within a few cm.,clothes may tear in a starshaped
manner.
(iv) It may be an elongated hole. It is called key-hole wound.
(v) The wound of entrance is smaller and exit is larger than the caliber of the bullet.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
354
(vi) Sometimes, the bullet may pass through some intermediate target or may ricochet
from a surface. In this situation, the wound of entrance may be larger than the caliber
of the bullet and irregular.
(vii) Sometimes, the wound of entrance may be larger than the caliber of the bullet.
(viii) The bullet may strike the skin at an angle and may cause grazing injuries.
(ix) Gutter-wound.
(x) Contusions on skin.
(B) Exit Holes
(i) Generally, the exit hole is larger than the caliber of the bullet. The dimensions of
wounds of entrance and exit may also be equal.
(ii) It may be star-shaped, elliptical, circular or crescent.
(iii) Sometimes the bullet may be found lodged in the exit wounds.
(iv) Sometimes the bullet may be palped inside the skin at the point of exit.
(C) Track
(i) The track may be irregular, sometimes at certain places its diameter may be larger
than the caliber of the bullet.
(ii) The damage to body around the track and away from the track should be assessed.
(D) Presence of Firearm Discharge Residue at Wound of Entrance
(i) Burning effect
(a) Burning
(b) Scorching
(c) Charring
(d) Singeing of hair
(ii) Blackening
(iii) Tattooing
(iv) Shotgun pattern
(v) Bullet wipe/lead-ring/abrasion collar
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
355
(vi) Dirt-ring: This ring contains bullet elements. If it is lead bullet, then lead may be
present. If it is jacketed bullet then copper, nickel, etc., are present. In the case of soft
point bullet lead and copper both are present.
(vii) Margins of the wounds of entrance are going inside the body, these are called
‘inverted margins’. Margins of the wounds of exit are going outside, these are called
‘everted margins’.
(viii) In the case of perpendicular hit, the abrasion collar may be uniform around the gunshot
hole. In the case of angled shot, the abrasion is wider on the entry site.
(E) Characteristics of Contact Entrance Wounds:
(i) At temple, forehead, etc., where there is bone under the skin
(a) Star-shaped tearing.
(b) Margins everted.
(c) Diameter larger than caliber of bullet.
(d) Pink nature of tissues.
(e) Presence of muzzle-impression.
(f) Blackening on bone, etc.
(ii) At abdomen, i.e. at sites where there is no bone under the skin
(a) Abrasion-collar present.
(b) Inside tissue damage is greater.
(c) Tissues may come out through the entrance hole. Intestines may protrude.
(d) Muzzle impression of non-firing muzzle may be found in case of DBBL guns.
(F) Shotgun pattern by firing a two and a half inch 12 bore cartridge
from cylindrical barrel:
(i) Regular 12-bore gun
(a) Single hole upto about 2 yards.
(b) Diameter of this hole is about 2 cm. at a distance of 30 cm. from muzzle,
3 cm. at a distance of 1 yard or 4 cm. at a distance of 2 yards. From 2-5 yards
there is formation of rat-hole, i.e. there is a central hole. It is surrounded by
holes caused by individual pellets.
(c) Beyond about 5 yards all the pellets make their own individual holes.
(ii) Spread from country-made shotguns
(a) Tattooing may be found up to 15-20 feet.
(b) Pellets start spreading very soon.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
356
Notes:
1. At wounds of exit, the above mentioned characteristics of close-range firings around
entrance wound are absent.
2. The bullet may hit some objects at the scene. This object may become projectile and
may cause injuries. Or the projectile may fragment and the various fragments may
cause separate injuries.
3. Gun-shot injuries may be caused to by-standers also.
(G) Queries to be Raised to Medical Officer
(i) What was the path of the projectile in the body from wound of entrance to the end?
(ii) Which one of the wounds was fatal? Are the injuries fatal individually or collectively?
Or death was due to some other cause?
(iii) How long the victim could have survived after being shot?
(iv) What was the age of injuries?
(v) X-ray of the body may be done to locate the bullet(s)/projectiles(s).
(vi) Which is the wound of entrance and which is the wound of exit?
(vii) What was the range of firing?
(viii) Whether the multiple wounds could have been produced by one bullet?
(H) Do’s and Don’t’s
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
357
by warming.
Figure 14.17: Lead splash Figure 14.18: Blackening
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
358
Figure 14.19: Tattooing as seen after the Walker’s Test
(I) Collection, Packing, Sealing-Few Points for Medical Officers
(i) The medical officers should get the gun-shot injuries photographed. The photographs
must show the presence or absence of burning, blackening, tattooing, etc., around the
gun-shot holes and directions of margin. These photographs should be taken before
and after cleaning the injuries. Describe the injuries fully.
(ii) The dimensions of the holes should be appropriately taken by measurements and not
guessed.
(iii) Get the body x-rayed to locate and recover the bullets without damaging any marks
on them. The doctor should seal the projectiles himself with his own seals and label
the container prior to handing them over to IO. The medical officers must also sign.
(iv) The injuries and path of bullet should be plotted on body diagram.
(v) The clothes of the victim should be collected and marked with identification marks,
signature with dates at places away from the holes.
(vi) The number of bullets recovered should be noted.
(vii) Arrangement for recording of dying declaration should be made.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
359
14.14 Firing Through Glasses
An 8 mm plate glass hit by a .22 bullet
(non-jacketed); the side shows the Entry hole
An 8 mm plate glass hit by a.22 bullet
(non-jacketed); the side shows the exit hole
A 5 mm plate glass hit by a .32 bullet
(non-jacketed); the side shows the entry hole
A 5 mm plate glass hit by a .32 bullet
(non-jacketed); the side shows the exit hole
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
360
A 5 mm plate glass hit by a 9 mm bullet
(jacketed); the side shows the entry hole
A 5 mm plate glass hit by a 9 mm bullet
(jacketed); the side shows the exit hole
Figure 14.20: Samples of firing through glasses
(i) Firing through glass fitted in households, vehicles.
(ii) There are 3 types of glasses:
(a) Plate glass fitted in house-hold windows
(b) Tempered glass fitted on the side and rear windows of vehicles
(c) Laminated or safety glass on the windscreen
(iii) Passage of bullet causes radial and concentric cracks.
(iv) Mark inside/outside of glass on house-hold and vehicles.
(v) In plate glass the rib marks on the edge of glass are perpendicular to one edge and
parallel to the other.
(vi) The direction of force, in radial cracks, is on the edge opposite to the edge at which
the rib marks are perpendicular.
Figure 14.21: Radial cracks
Direction of force
Rib marks
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
361
(vii) The direction of force, in circumferential cracks, is on the edge at which the rib
marks are perpendicular to the edge.
Figure 14.22: Circumferential cracks
(viii) Sequence of shots–The radial cracks originating from the hole caused by subsequent
shot stop at the radial cracks caused by first shot.
(ix) Tempered glass–When the bullet strikes it, it cracks in small square or rectangular
pieces, difficult to determine direction of firing. First shot may provide some radial
cracks. It may or may not be possible to find direction of firing.
(x) Laminated glass–Direction may be determined from rib marks as mentioned above.
Also from cone-fractures. Here, the entry side of the hole has smaller diameter
whereas exit sides has wider diameter.
(xi) Lead splash–When a lead bullet passes through glass, more lead is found on entry
side and less lead on exit sides. This lead is invisible.
(xii) In plate glass and tempered glass, the determination of direction of firing may be
possible from cone fractures.
(xiii) In close range firings through glass, the glass particle also flies towards the shooter
and may be found on his clothes.
(xiv) Bullets passing through laminated glass may deflect. Line joining entry and exit may
not be true direction of firing.
(A) Collection, Labelling and Packaging of Glasses
(i) If the window glass, although broken is not shattered and the pieces are found
adhering to the frame, the whole window should be transported to the lab properly
packed in wooden crate, pieces joined together by brown tapes and with ample cotton
to prevent damage. Labelling may be done on the wooden crates.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
362
(ii) IO may collect some small glass pieces lying at the scene of crime, label and seal in
a cardboard box.
(iii) Large pieces may be protected by packing between layers of cotton, sealed in a box.
The box is labelled.
(iv) The inside and outside surface of the glass, i.e. inside, outside of vehicles, buildings,
etc., should be marked.
(v) The clothes of the culprit may be collected, properly wrapped, labelled and sealed in
cardboard boxes.
(vi) The glass particles can also be found on shoes of suspects. This possibility should
also be considered by IO.
(B) Questionnaire
(i) Whether the holes in glass have been caused by the passage of bullets/shots.
(ii) If so, type of bullets/shots causing the hole.
(iii) What was direction of firing?
(iv) What is the sequence of shots?
(v) Whether the glass particles collected from the scene of crime and the glass particles
found on the clothes of the culprit match with glass bearing holes.
(vi) If glass particles are found on the clothes of the suspect, then what was the range of
firing?
(vii) What was angle of firing?
14.15 Bullet Holes/Marks/Ricochet Marks on Inanimate Targets
(i) Found in trees, furniture, doors, windows, walls, roads, tiles, concrete floors, soil,
ground, granites, metal sheets, steel wheels, rubber tire, leather, plastics, etc.
(ii) Caused by both lead and jacketed bullets. Lead/copper is found in marks.
(iii) In ricochet, a bullet strikes at a low angle and gets deflected. Entry point is very
sharp than exit point.
(iv) The materials like soil, paints, wood, fibers, etc., from where the bullet ricochets may
be found sticking to the bullet. Link the bullet with place of impact through this
material. It may indicate accidental nature of injury.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
363
(v) After ricochet, a bullet produces elongated hole in body of victim.
(vi) After ricochet from walls, etc., the bullet travels very near to the surface. It is helpful
in recovery of fired bullet. The point of maximum depth is near the entrance.
Figure 14.23: Ricochet from walls – the point of maximum depth is near the entrance.
The angle of ricochet (r) is smaller than the angle of incidence (i).
(vii) In ricochet marks on metal, the point of maximum depth is near the exit side.
Figure 14.24: Ricochet from metals – the point of maximum depth is near the exit.
The angle of ricochet (r) is greater than the angle of incidence (i).
(viii) Entrance holes in tires are smaller than the caliber of the bullet. In firings through
tires, the positions of four wheels of tires should be noted.
(ix) Bullet may punch out a plug of metal or tire. Without penetration of bullets, a scab
from rear side of metal may come out.
(x) Holes in some materials like trees, furniture, doors, metal sheets (vehicles) may show
margins coming out. In the case of wooden materials, these margins are on the exit
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
364
sides. Their directions may be noted. In metal sheets, these margins may be found on
entry as well as exit sides. The volume of metal of these margins is more on exit side
than on entry side.
(xi) In thin metal sheets, the diameter of the hole may be larger than the caliber of the
bullet.
(xii) Around the entry hole, blackening/tattooing may be present.
(xiii) In plastics, the cone-fractures may be present.
(A) Collection, Labelling, Packaging and Transportation of Bullet Holes/Marks/
Ricochet Marks
(i) Fully record the shapes, sizes, nature of margins, beveling, etc., of various holes/
marks.
(ii) In ricochet marks, the sharpness of edges and the distance of point of maximum
depth from the edges may be recorded.
(iii) Prepare sketches of all the marks showing all details and their position on the objects.
The object bearing the hole should be cut and sent to the laboratory.
(iv) All the marks/ricochet marks should be photographed. Close-up shots should be taken
with scale and identification chit.
(v) If the object/vehicle can be brought to the FSL, it may be done so.
(vi) The object bearing the hole should be cut, labelled, appropriately sealed and sent to
the laboratory.
(vii) Objects should be labelled with details of the case.
(viii) Sometimes, say on granite floor, these marks are not visible. An examination under
near darkness may reveal the marks, photograph it.
(ix) If the object cannot be taken to the lab, swabs with 5 per cent nitric acid may be
collected for testing of lead/copper, dried, sealed in cellophane envelopes and labelled.
It should be done after wearing gloves. Control swabs from areas away from the
mark should be collected. Also collect blank swabs. Dry these swabs and put in
separate polythene envelopes.
(x) Labelling should be done on the object as well as on the parcel.
(xi) Photograph of position of the vehicle and also four wheels should be taken.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
365
(B) Questionnaire
(i) Whether the hole/mark/ricochet mark has been caused by the passage of bullet/pellets
fired from firearms.
(ii) If so, the type of projectile. What is it’s caliber?
(iii) What was the direction of firing, i.e. angle of firing? In the case of gunshot holes in
vehicles, the direction of firing should be determined with the help of spokes passing
through entry/exit holes.
(iv) What was range of firing?
(v) What is the path of bullet?
(vi) Whether the bullet had ricocheted from smooth or rough surface.
(vii) These are helpful in overall reconstruction of sequence of events. Visit of experts
would prove helpful.
(viii) Any trace material carried by bullet like glass, bone, paint, soil, concrete, etc., helps
in proving that the bullet made the impact at this point.
14.16 Whether a Hole in Human Body is A Gun-Shot Hole or Not.
(i) May be ascertained by the presence of burning, blackening, tattooing, abrasion collar,
lead-ring, and dirt-ring around the suspected holes.
(ii) May be ascertained through bullets present in the body.
(iii) May be ascertained through diverging nature of injuries.
(iv) Can be ascertained by detection of lead or copper from around the suspected holes.
Collection, Labelling and Packaging
(i) Take swabs by 5 per cent nitric acid from around each suspected hole separately by
Johnson’s bud. Dry and seal these swabs in separate cellophane envelopes.
(ii) Label the envelopes properly.
(iii) Also take control swab from parts of the body away from the suspected holes and
pack separately. Label it.
(iv) Also pack a blank swab and label it.
(v) Pack these swabs in bigger cellophane envelope and label it.
Note: Any cutting of skin bearing gun-shot hole may not be sent in any saline solution, etc., to lab.
Instead of skin, the swab as mentioned from around the suspected hole may be sent to the lab.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
366
14.17 Shot-Gun Patterns
(i) Shot-gun patterns caused by firings of regular 12 bore guns and country-made firearms
are found on victims, walls, doors, etc.
(ii) These patterns are helpful in range estimation and reconstruction of sequence of
events.
(iii) Scaled photographs of these patterns should be taken.
(iv) If possible, the object bearing the shot-gun pattern should be sent to FSL after
properly labelling it.
14.18 Chain of Possession
(i) For successful prosecution of the accused, it is very essential that the above instructions
about recovery, collection, preservation, packing, sealing and transportation of evidence
to FSL be strictly followed.
(ii) These instructions prove that the exhibits being presented in the court are the actual
exhibits which were collected from scene of crime and which were examined in FSL.
(iii) Place of recovery should be photographed along with evidence and sketched.
(iv) Evidence should not be loosely packed. Rattling, rubbing may damage the evidence.
(v) The recovery should be witnessed by independent witnesses.
(vi) The labelling is done on the exhibits, if feasible, otherwise on the parcels.
(vii) The medical officer should hand over the bullets to IO in sealed condition only.
(viii) The identification marks should not be rubbed off.
(ix) For purity of the evidence, it is essential to use clean containers.
(x) The exhibit should be sealed at the scene of crime itself and taken to FSL.
(xi) The seals should not get peeled off.
(xii) The exhibits should never be left unguarded. They may be stolen away.
(xiii) The chain of custody of the evidentiary clues should be established from the time it
is recovered or from the time it is taken into custody till produced in court.
(xiv) There should be no time gap for which the possession of clue material could not be
accounted for.
(xv) So a date wise chart of the possession of each clue material should be kept in
records.
(xvi) In case there is any time gap which cannot be accounted for, the cases have resulted
in acquittal.
(xvii) While handing over the exhibits, the IO must obtain signatures of the person to
whom the exhibits are handed over. They must also give signature while receiving the
exhibits.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
367
Number of firearms-one or
more than one, may or may
not be found at SOC
-
(xviii) There is urgent need for the IOs to carefully collect various invisible evidence and
be aware of various facts carrying evidential values..
(xix) As soon as the clue materials like cartridge cases, bullets, pellets, wads, etc., are
recovered these should be sent to the lab immediately without waiting for firearm to
be recovered. As and when the firearms are recovered, these may be sent to the
laboratory.
(xx) If it is not done, then at the time of trial, the defense counsel may take the plea that
the exhibits were changed. No such chance should be given to the defense counsel.
(xxi) All the precautions followed by IO in the handling of clue materials should be
recorded, which may prove helpful at the time of trial.
14.19 Differentiation between Homicide, Suicide and Accidental Firing
Table 14.2: Differences between homicide, suicide and accidental firing
Note: Visit to scene of crime by expert proves useful for reconstruction of sequence of events, for
determination whether the scene is fake or real or to verify versions like suicide, homicide, accident,
self-defense, etc.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
368
Accidental Shot:
1. Measure the trigger pull. An easy trigger pull indicates that the firearm is liable for accidental
discharge.
2. In case it is very hard to pull the trigger, then also the firearm may fire accidently.
14.20 Case Studies
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
369
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
370
Figure 14.25: Blood and bullet marks present at the scene of crime
Bullet marks were marked using chalk and numbered accordingly. Their close-up shots were
taken. Dimensions of the bullet holes, marks were recorded. Exit and entry holes were
carefully noted in car, for determining the true direction of firing. Several bloodstained
shoeprint marks were also located at the scene of crime.
Figure 14.26: Blood stained footprint marks at the scene of crime, photographs taken
Courtesy: Dr. A.K. Bapuly
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
371
14.21 Unusual Practices Followed by Criminals in Committing Crimes
by Firearms-Inviting Attention of IOs
I. Firing of Pistol Cartridge from Revolver
(i) The revolver cartridges are rimmed and pistol cartridges are rimless.
(ii) Sometimes, in order to mislead the investigation, the criminals insert a thin clip in
the extractor groove of rimless pistol cartridge, chamber the cartridge in cylinder of
revolver with clip at the rear of the cylinder and fire it.
Lead bullet
Rimmed cartridge Rimless cartridge
Jacketed
bullet
Extractor
groove
Figure 14.27: Different types of cartridges
(iii) Now, a rimless cartridge case may be found at the scene of crime.
(iv) The IO may look for a pistol involved in the crime. However, during investigation,
if a revolver is recovered, it may be got examined from the expert to find out if the
pistol cartridge case has been fired by the suspected revolver.
II. Firing of Lead Bullet from Pistols and Jacketed Bullets from Revolver
(i) Lead bullets are fired from revolvers. However, from .38 revolvers, either lead or
jacketed bullet is fired. Sometimes the criminals may load lead bullet in pistol
cartridges and jacketed bullets in revolver cartridges.
(ii) Recovery of a lead bullet from a body normally indicates the use of revolver, but
actually pistol was used.
(iii) So again, if a pistol is found during investigation, it may be examined from expert
for possible linkage of recovered lead bullet with pistol.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
372
III. Revolver/Pistol Cartridges Fired from Rifles
(i) Sometimes, the criminals fire revolver/pistol cartridges from rifles with the help of
adaptor or supplemental chambers. Now, IO may recover a revolver/pistol bullet
from the body/scene of crime which has actually been fired from the rifle.
(ii) So, during investigation, if IO recovers a rifle, its linkage with bullet may be
requested to the expert.
IV. .22 Long Rifle Cartridge/Revolver or Pistol Bullet Loaded in 12 Bore Cartridge
(i) Criminal cases have occurred when criminals have loaded .22 long rifle cartridges or
a handgun bullet in a shotgun cartridge.
(ii) From the body, the recovery of .22 cartridge may mislead the investigation. Similarly,
the recovery of a handgun bullet from body may show that a handgun has also been
used in crime along with 12 bore cartridge.
V. Pistol or Revolver Bullets, or Lead Balls or Steel Balls may be Loaded in Rifle
Cartridges and Fired from a Rifle
(i) Though pistol/revolver bullets may indicate the use of handguns, and balls, etc., may
indicate the use of shotgun, but if, a rifle is found during investigation, then pistol or
revolver bullet may be linked with this rifle.
(ii) It is not possible to link the pellets with rifles.
VI. Interchange of Barrel after Committing the Crime
(i) This is possible in the case of 9 mm pistols and earlier models of carbines.
(ii) The criminals used to change the barrels but the police investigation found out the
true facts by finding the true barrel.
VII. A Pistol Cartridge of One Caliber May be Fired from Pistol of other Caliber
VIII. A Firing Pin may be Easily Replaced
IX. Filing of Firing Pins and Breech Faces of Firearms
(i) The filing of firing pins and breech faces may change individual characteristics on
them.
(ii) Making the linkage of fired cartridge case with suspect firearm difficult.
(iii) The filing may be obvious from bright appearance but these parts can be easily
oxidized or reblued.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
373
X. Replacement of Revolver Barrel after Committing Crime
XI. Check Lists
Checklist on Homicide Investigation
(i) Whether dead or still alive
(ii) If alive, mark the position of victim with chalk, etc., and send to hospital
(iii) Dying declaration
(iv) If dead, whether sudden or unnatural death
(v) Who was the first to see the dead body?
(vi) Who and when saw living last?
(vii) Position of the dead body
(viii) Locality and location
(ix) Sign of struggle
(x) Blood splatter pattern
(xi) Details of the dress including colour, cotton/terry-cotton, and make/tailor/dhobi mark
(xii) Ornaments
(xiii) Cash
(xiv) Visiting card
(xv) Letter
(xvi) Receipt
(xvii) Occupational dust
(xviii) Dust adhering to the clothes and shoes
(xix) Type of shoes
(xx) Handkerchief
(xxi) Height
(xxii) Build
(xxiii) Age
(xxiv) Male/female
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
374
(xxv) If female, whether married
(xxvi) Whether pregnant
(xxvii) Complexion
(xxviii) Colour of hair
(xxix) Colour of eye
(xxx) Identification mark
(xxxi) Brand cigarette/bidi
(xxxii) Tattoo mark on the body
(xxxiii) Nail and nail bed
(xxxiv) Any peculiar smell
(xxxv) Discolouration of the face and other body parts
(xxxvi) Colour and condition of the teeth
(xxxvii) Any discharge from nostrils/mouth
(xxxviii)Condition of the eyes
(xxxix) Condition of the mouth-whether open/closed
(xl) Post-mortem staining
(xli) Rectal temperature
(xlii) Rigor mortis present
(xliii) State of decomposition
(xliv) Whether homicide/accidental
(xlv) If homicide, whether death is caused by poisoning or otherwise
If Death is due to Gunshot Injury
Examination of Victim:
(i) How many persons sustained firearm injury in the incident?
(ii) How many dead?
(iii) How many injured?
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
375
(iv) Examination of wounds
(a) Which part(s) of the body injured (location)?
(b) Whether there is any wound with massive destruction or any part of the body
blown off.
(c) Whether there is any star-shaped wound on temple, head, forehead with everted
margins, burning present.
(d) Whether there is any key-hole with inverted margins.
(e) Any irregular hole with inverted margins.
(f) Any clean hole with inverted margins.
(g) Any grazing injury.
(h) Any gutter wounds.
(i) How many exit wounds are present?
(j) Locations of wounds of exit.
(k) Are these injuries firearm injuries?
(v) Whether there is any hole in clothes with number of tears starting from hole. Are
there any tissues protruding from the wound of entrance?
(vi) Are there any injuries superfluous – not deep?
(vii) Whether there is any bullet protruding from skin/clothes.
(viii) Dimensions of the injuries.
(ix) In case of multiple wounds of entrance whether all the wounds look alike or different.
(x) Whether all the wounds are caused by shots fired from one or different firearms.
(xi) What is the size of the area in which injuries/wounds of entrance are spread?
(xii) Whether there is blackening around the injuries.
(xiii) Whether there is tattooing around the injuries. Whether any tattooing is present on
others part of the body or not.
(xiv) Whether there is burning, scorching, charring, etc present on the injuries.
(xv) Whether strands of hair are singed.
(xvi) Whether there is abrasion collar/dirt ring/lead ring, etc., present around the holes.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
376
(xvii) Whether there is wad impression in the body/clothes. Is there any muzzle-impression
around the wound of entrance? Is there any impression of non-firing muzzle in case
of DBBL guns?
(xviii) What type of firearm/firearms was used?
(xix) From what distance of firing?
(xx) Approximately how many shots fired?
(xxi) Which injury/injuries appear to be fatal? Did the victim die due to gun-shot injuries
or was there any other reason?
(xxii) Extent of damage caused to the organs.
(xxiii) Extent of bleeding.
(xxiv) Which other organs of body show the presence of blood.
(xxv) Corresponding to exit holes in skin, are there exit holes in clothes?
(xxvi) Is there any other portion of the body showing burning effect?
Examination of the Scene
(i) Is it an indoor or outdoor crime?
(ii) Is it inside a house, building, vehicle such as bus, car, railway compartment, airplane,
ship, etc?
(iii) Type, colour, make and condition of the vehicle.
(iv) Whether shots were fired from outside or from inside the vehicle.
(v) If fired from outside, approximate distance of firing.
(vi) What other evidences were found outside or inside the vehicle?
(vii) If shots were fired from inside what was the position of the suspect and the victim?
(viii) What other evidence was found inside the car?
(ix) Extent and location of damage caused to the vehicle.
(x) Fracture pattern on the tempered glass – i.e. on the side windows or rear of the
vehicles.
(xi) Fracture pattern of the windshield.
(xii) Position and location of dead body inside the vehicle.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
377
(xiii) Margins of holes in metal sheets-direction of firing.
(xiv) Diameters of holes in metal sheets.
(xv) Swabs from around the holes in metal sheets.
(xvi) Are there any holes in the tires?
(xvii) Any plug of tire may be present inside the tire.
(xviii) Position of the four wheels.
(xix) Recovery of bullets from tires-whether the bullet is intact/damaged/fragmented.
(xx) Is there any bullet hole in steel wheel?
(xxi) Are there any ricochet marks on the vehicles?
(xxii) If so, the direction of firing.
(xxiii) Fracture pattern of plate glass fitted to households-directon of firing from rib marks.
(xxiv) Bullet holes inside the house-walls, door, furniture, and other objects.
(xxv) Are there any bullet ricochet marks on the walls?
(xxvi) Pellet pattern on walls, etc., size of these pellet patterns.
(xxvii) Is it an open area such as road, field, park, sea beach etc?
(xxviii) What was the position of dead body?
(xxix) How far is it from the main road?
(xxx) Is there any firearm lying near the body or held in hands?
(xxxi) Distance of firearm from body.
(xxxii) Any other article(s) seen lying near the dead body such as cycle, motor bike, firearm,
fired bullet, empty, any other weapon.
(xxxiii) Fired bullet found at the scene-if yes, how many and their locations?
(xxxiv) Number, type and make of the bullet.
(xxxv) Number, location and type of the empties found.
(xxxvi) Number, make and type of firearm found.
(xxxvii) Condition of the firearm.
(xxxviii) Whether firearm belongs to the class of prohibited bore.
(xxxix) Whether the firearm found is a country made.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
378
(xl) Whether the firearm found at the scene can produce the type of injuries present on
the dead body.
(xli) Whether the bullet and empty recovered from the scene match with the firearm
found.
(xlii) Extent of bleeding from the dead body.
(xliii) How blood is distributed at the scene?
(xliv) Is there any sign of struggle before shots were fired?
(xlv) Position of the suspect.
(xlvi) Positions and dimensions of holes, ricochet marks in various targets at scene of
crime.
(xlvii) Whether the bullet had struck some object at the scene of crime. Is there any injury
caused by this object.
(xlviii) Are there any glass particles found near the glass windows?
(xlix) Are there particles inside or outside the house?
(l) Presence of blackening/tattooing/lead ring/dirt ring around the holes.
(li) Are there any blood, tissue, soil, glass, hair, etc., sticking to the bullet?
(lii) Type of wads recovered from scene of crime.
(liii) Whether improvised firearm was used.
Actions to be taken
A. At the scene of crime
(i) Secure the scene
(ii) Close observation of the scene
(iii) Detailed description of the scene
(iv) Photography of the scene in undisturbed condition showing the location, every possible
details of the scene such as position of the body as marked with chalk, firearm,
empty cartridge cases and their number, holes where the bullets are lodged, ricochet
marks, wads, pellet patterns, blood stains, signs of struggle, position of the furniture,
etc.
(v) Search of the scene, marking and numbering of the physical evidence including the
dead body.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
379
(vi) Photography, videography of the processed scene.
(vii) Measurements-preparation of sketch.
(viii) Inquest of the dead,identification, location, nature and dimension of each wound, time
since death, matching the corresponding injuries on the cloth with the injuries on the
body, search of the dead body for other evidences such as hair, fibres, etc.
(ix) Sealing and sending dead body for post-mortem examination.
(x) Collection and packaging of physical evidence.
(xi) Observation note.
(xii) Reconstruction of the sequence of events.
(xiii) Documentation.
(xiv) Interview of the witnesses.
(xv) Decide follow-up actions.
(xvi) Interpretation of PM report/injury report.
(xvii) Forensic reports.
(xviii) Decide line of further investigation.
B. Physical evidence to be collected: From the scene of crime
(i) Firearms-with or without live or spent ammunitions.
(ii) Fired bullets dislodged from the bullet holes of the scene.
(iii) Empty cartridge cases.
(iv) Live ammunitions.
(v) Wads.
(vi) Pellets.
(vii) Holes and ricochet marks on various targets/or swabs from holes/ricochet marks.
(viii) Determination of direction of firing from holes in glass doors/windows.
(ix) Glass particles.
(x) Gun-shot residue from hands of victim.
(xi) Blood-stained clothing with gunshot holes.
(xii) Blood stains.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
380
(xiii) Swabs from the nails.
(xiv) Hair and fibres.
(xv) Tire tread impressions.
(xvi) Foot impressions and suspected shoes.
(xvii) Fingerprints on the firearm surface or other places of the scene.
(xviii) Documents such as suicide note, threatening letters, etc.
(xix) Firearm in the possession of the victim or in his house and ammunitions, both live
and used ones.
From the dead/injured person
(i) Extracted bullets.
(ii) X-ray of the body showing lodged bullets/pellets.
(iii) Sample blood.
(iv) Hair sample.
(v) Swab from the private part if the victim is a women.
(vi) Swab from the gunshot holes for firearm discharge analysis.
(vii) Fingerprints of all the ten fingers recorded on standard fingerprint recording form.
(viii) Foot impressions.
From the suspect
(i) Firearm and document related to the purchase, if any.
(ii) Live and spent ammunitions and document related to the purchase, if any.
(iii) Swab of the hands for gunshot residue analysis.
(iv) Sample hair.
(v) Sample blood.
(vi) Any bloodstained clothes.
(vii) Clothes for possible comparison of blood and glass particles on clothes with blood of
victim and glass particles later from window.
(viii) Fingerprints of all the ten fingers recorded on standard fingerprint recording form.
(ix) Foot impressions.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
381
(x) Suspected shoes.
(xi) Clothing suspected to have seminal stains.
(xii) Standard writings to match with any document found at the scene or in the possession
of the victim to establish the origin of writing and link the suspect.
(xiii) All the above from his accomplices.
Packaging instructions
1. Firearms
(i) Photograph the firearm with ammunition.
(ii) Inspect for live ammunition; if any, remove them.
(iii) In the case of revolvers, while unlocking the cylinder, care should be exercised to see
that the cylinder does not rotate. Note down the positions of live and fired cartridge
cases.
(iv) Take out the empty cartridge casings, count and keep them on soft surface.
(v) Inspect the firearm for latent fingerprints or blood stains.
(vi) Develop the fingerprints, photographs and lift them if the technique and expertise are
available.
(vii) Otherwise take care that the fingerprints are not destroyed during handling or packaging.
(viii) Dry the bloodstain.
(ix) Write some identification mark in an inconspicuous place so that you may identify in
the court during the trial.
(x) If there are fingerprints, pack in such a manner that the fingerprint surface does not
come in contact with the packaging material.
(xi) Wrap the long-barrel in a cellophane sheet and seal in a clean cloth.If the firearm is
a hand gun, place in a cellophane envelope and seal in a clean box.
(xii) Label the evidence properly entering exhibit number, FIR number, police station,
name and signature of the IO, name and signature of the witnesses, date, place,
details of the exhibit such as make, type, trade mark, etc.
(xiii) Ensure that seals were applied at appropriate places to prevent tampering at any stage
till it is handed over to Forensic Science Laboratory.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
382
2. Empty Cartridge Cases
(i) Each cartridge case may be put in a cellophane pouch and then packed collectively in
a box.
(ii) Protect the base of the case with cotton wool to prevent any scratch, which might
develop on the percussion cap during the transportation. This is essential to protect
the firing pin mark, chamber mark, and the ejector mark present on the empty shell.
(iii) Write some identification mark in an inconspicuous place of the case so that you may
identify it in the court during the trial.
(iv) The fired cartridge case recovered from different locations should be similarly packed
in different boxes.
(v) Label the evidence properly entering exhibit number, FIR number, police station,
name and signature of the IO, name and signature of the witnesses, date, place,
details of the exhibit such as make, type, trade mark, manufacturing batch/lot number,
etc.
3. Live Cartridges
(i) Enclose each live cartridges in a cellophane pouch separately and seal collectively in
a box giving sufficient padding of cotton between two cartridges to avoid cartridges
from colliding with each other during transit. The box should be labelled.
(ii) Clearly indicate the condition of the ammunition on the main container so that
adequate care is taken while unpacking the exhibit.
4. Extracted Bullets, Pellets, Bullet Fragments, Wads from the Dead Body or from Other
Areas of the Scene of Crime
(i) X-ray examination of the injured person or a dead body should be done before
extracting the bullet. After examining the actual position of the bullet in the human
body, it should be extracted taking utmost care that no additional scratches are
developed during the process of extraction. Rubber/latex tipped forceps are ideal to
handle such evidence.
(ii) Write some identification mark in an inconspicuous place so that you may identify
the particular bullet/pellet when shown in the court.
(iii) Keep each bullet in a piece of paper, put in a plastic envelope and pack them in a
suitable box. Sufficient padding of cotton may be given to avoid rattling. The box is
sealed under cloth cover and labelled.
NICFS
CHAPTER 14
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
383
(iv) Label the evidence properly entering exhibit number, FIR number, police station,
name and signature of the IO, name and signature of the witnesses, date, place,
details of the exhibit type, condition whether damaged or intact, etc.
5. Clothes of victims
(i) The clothes of victims bearing gun-shot holes should not be cut at holes or near the
holes.
(ii) Air dry the clothes, if wet.
(iii) Properly wrap the clothes after placing brown paper over the suspected holes, and
seal these clothes collectively in a box.
6. Gun-shot Residue
Method I: Different stubs or cello-tapes (each with GSR lifted from different areas of
hands and appropriately labelled) may be tightly packed collectively in a box. The box is
sealed with cloth and labelled.
Method II: Different swabs taken with Johnson’s buds, dried and each put in a cellophane
pouch and appropriately labelled, may be tightly packed collectively in a box. The box is
sealed with cloth and labelled.
Method III: The washings of each hand taken separately in cellophane pouch may be
separately packed in plastic bottles and appropriately labelled.
References
1. B.R. Sharma, ‘Firearms in Criminal Investigation and Trials’, New Delhi, 2011.
2. A.K.Bapuly, Forensic Science-Its Application in Crime Investigation, Hyderabad, 2006.
3. Crime in India, 2013, National Crime Records Bureau, MHA, New Delhi.
4. A Handbook on Police Investigation, Government of Tamil Nadu, 1990.
5. Chester Mueller and John Olson, Shooter’s Bible-Small Arms Lexicon and Concise
Encyclopedia, South Hackensack, N.J. 1st edn, 1968.
NICFS
CHAPTER 15
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
384
FORGED DOCUMENTS 15
Forged documents are used for financial or extraneous gains causing wrongful loss to others.
A number of corporate frauds and scams have been perpetrated in the past causing huge loss
to government exchequer. Forged documents are produced to substantiate false claims. These
documents generally relate to the cases pertaining to cheating, embezzlement, misappropriation,
disproportionate assets, anonymous complaints, extortion or criminal misconduct and corporate
frauds. Collection of proper standards for comparison with disputed documents, markings,
packing and forwarding of these forensic documents to CFSLs/FSLs becomes important.
As many as 649 vigilance cases were registered by CBI and 4246 by state/UTs during 2013
under the Prevention of Corruption Act. About 5.45 crore Indian bank notes and 2.10 crore
foreign currency were seized in cases falling under FERA (Foreign Exchange Regulation Act)
and FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) related to money laundering. There has been
enormous about 350% increase in the number of searches and raids during 2013 than in 2012
as per the NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau) Annual Report 2013, which was published
in 2014.
15.1 Relevant Sections under the IPC
1. Section 29 of the Indian Penal Code ‘Document’—The word ‘document’ denotes any
matter expressed or described upon any substance by means of letters, figures, or marks, or by
more than one of those means, intended to be used, or which may be used, as evidence of that
matter.
Explanation 1.—It is immaterial by what means or upon what substance the letters, figures or
marks are formed, or whether the evidence is intended for, or may be used in, a court of
justice, or not.
NICFS
CHAPTER 15
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
385
Illustrations
(i) A writing expressing the terms of a contract, which may be used as evidence of the
contract, is a document.
(ii) A cheque upon a banker is a document.
(iii) A power-of-attorney is a document.
(iv) A map or plan which is intended to be used or which may be used as evidence is a
document.
(v) A writing containing directions or instructions is a document.
Explanation 2—Whatever is expressed by means of letters, figures or marks as explained by
mercantile or other usage, shall be deemed to be expressed by such letters, figures or marks
within the meaning of this section, although the same may not be actually expressed.
Illustration
A writes his name on the back of a bill of exchange payable to his order. The meaning of the
endorsement, as explained by mercantile usage, is that the bill is to be paid to the holder. The
endorsement is a document, and must be construed in the same manner as if the words ‘pay
to the holder’ or words to that effect had been written over the signature.
2. Section 120B in the Indian Penal Code: Punishment of criminal conspiracy—
(i) Whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy to commit an offence punishable with
death, 2 [imprisonment for life] or rigorous imprisonment for a term of two years or
upwards, shall, where no express provision is made in this Code for the punishment
of such a conspiracy, be punished in the same manner as if he had abetted such
offence.
(ii) Whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy other than a criminal conspiracy to
commit an offence punishable as aforesaid shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term not exceeding six months, or with fine or with both.
3. Section 407 in the Indian Penal Code: Criminal breach of trust by carrier, etc.—
Whoever, being entrusted with property as a carrier, wharfinger or warehouse-keeper, commits
criminal breach of trust in respect of such property, shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
NICFS
CHAPTER 15
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
386
4. Section 408 in the Indian Penal Code: Criminal breach of trust by clerk or servant—
Whoever, being a clerk or servant or employed as a clerk or servant, and being in any manner
entrusted in such capacity with property, or with any dominion over property, commits criminal
breach of trust in respect of that property, shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
5. Section 417 in the Indian Penal Code: Punishment for cheating—Whoever cheats shall
be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year,
or with fine, or with both.
6. Section 418 in the Indian Penal Code: Cheating with knowledge that wrongful loss
may ensue to person whose interest offender is bound to protect—Whoever cheats with
the knowledge that he is likely thereby to cause wrongful loss to a person whose interest in
the transaction to which the cheating relates, he was bound, either by law, or by a legal
contract, to protect, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
7. Section 420 in the Indian Penal Code: Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of
property—Whoever cheats and thereby dishonestly induces the person deceived to deliver
any property to any person, or to make, alter or destroy the whole or any part of a valuable
security, or anything which is signed or sealed, and which is capable of being converted into
a valuable security, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
8. Section 463 in the Indian Penal Code: Forgery—Whoever makes any false documents or
false electronic record or part of a document or electronic record, with intent to cause damage
or injury, to the public or to any person, or to support any claim or title, or to cause any
person to part with property, or to enter into any express or implied contract, or with intent
to commit fraud or that fraud may be committed, commits forgery.
9. Section 465 in the Indian Penal Code: Punishment for forgery—Who ever commits
forgery shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
10. Section 467 in the Indian Penal Code: Forgery of valuable security, will, etc.—
Whoever forges a document which purports to be a valuable security or a will, or an authority
to adopt a son, or which purports to give authority to any person to make or transfer any
NICFS
CHAPTER 15
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
387
valuable security, or to receive the principal, interest or dividends thereon, or to receive or
deliver any money, movable property, or valuable security, or any document purporting to be
an acquaintance or receipt acknowledging the payment of money, or an a quittance or receipt
for the delivery of any movable property or valuable security, shall be punished with
imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend
to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
11. Section 468 in the Indian Penal Code: Forgery for purpose of cheating—Whoever
commits forgery, intending that the document or electronic record forged shall be used for the
purpose of cheating, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
12. Section 469 in the Indian Penal Code: Forgery for purpose of harming reputation—
Whoever commits forgery, intending that the document or electronic record forged shall harm
the repu-tation of any party, or knowing that it is likely to be used for that purpose, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years,
and shall also be liable to fine.
13. Section 470 in the Indian Penal Code: Forged document or electronic record—A false
document or electronic record made wholly or in part by forgery is designated ‘a forged
document or electronic record’.
14. Section 471 in the Indian Penal Code: Using as genuine a forged document or
electronic record—Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly uses as genuine any document or
electronic record which he knows or has reason to believe to be a forged document or
electronic record shall be punished in the same manner as if he had forged such document or
electronic record.
15. Section 472 in the Indian Penal Code: Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc.,
with intent to commit forgery punishable under section 467—Whoever makes or counterfeits
any seal, plate or other instrument for making an impression, intending that the same shall be
used for the purpose of committing any forgery which would be punishable under section 467
of this Code, or, with such intent, has in his possession any such seal, plate or other
instrument, knowing the same to be counterfeit, shall be punished with imprisonment for life,
or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and
shall also be liable to fine.
NICFS
CHAPTER 15
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
388
16. Section 473 in the Indian Penal Code: Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc.,
with intent to commit forgery punishable otherwise—Whoever makes or counterfeit any
seal, plate or other instrument for making an impression, intending that the same shall be used
for the purpose of committing any forgery which would be punishable under any section of
this chapter other than section 467, or, with such intent, has in his possession any such seal,
plate or other instrument, knowing the same to be counterfeit, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also
be liable to fine.
17. Section 489 in the Indian Penal Code 489(A-E). Tampering with property mark with
intent to cause injury—Whoever removes, destroys, defaces or adds to any property mark,
intending or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby cause injury to any person, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or
with fine, or with both.
18. Section 489A. Counterfeiting currency-notes or bank notes—Whoever counterfeits, or
knowingly performs any part of the process of counterfeiting, any currency note or bank note,
shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for
a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
19. Section 489B. Using a genuine, forged or counterfeit currency notes or bank notes.
20. Section 489C. Possession of forged or counterfeit currency notes or bank notes.
21. Section 489D. Making or possessing instruments or materials for forging or
counterfeiting currency notes or bank notes.
22. Section 489E. Making or using documents resembling currency notes or bank notes.
15.1.1 Pre-Search Planning and Preparation to Examine Scene of Offence:
Make a clear assessment about the place where search is to be conducted for collection of
physical evidence including documents.
15.1.2 General Guidelines for Carrying out Search at Scene of Crime:
(i) Collection of all possible, relevant and authentic information required for making
assessment about the planning and preparation for search.
(ii) Assessment of all available information for planning and preparing for the correct
timing of search.
NICFS
CHAPTER 15
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
389
15.1.3 Constituting Teams Required for Handling the Crime Scene
(i) Outer Cordon
(ii) Inner cordon
(iii) Search and seizure
(iv) Handling of witness
(v) Handling of suspects/accused
(vi) Law and order
15.1.4 Additional Guidelines
(i) Search should be led by a senior police officer.
(ii) Role of an informant/source/identifier must be clearly identified for an operation.
(iii) The roles and responsibilities of police and non-police personnel must be clearly
defined.
15.1.5 Briefing Team Members
Members of a search team, including police and non-police personnel, should be briefed on
following key points:
(i) The purpose of search.
(ii) The outlines of the plan of action.
(iii) The role and responsibilities of teams and individuals attending CS.
15.2 Basic Integrated Kit for Document Related Cases:
(i) Digital camera (min. 16 mega pixel)
(ii) High intensity light source
(iii) UV lamp-long, medium and short wavelength
(iv) IR light source
(v) Safety gloves
(vi) Safety masks
(vii) Marking crayon pencils (red and blue)
(viii) Lenses/magnifiers
NICFS
CHAPTER 15
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
390
(ix) Metallic scale
(x) Transparent/celluloid envelopes (various sizes)
(xi) Thin glass sheets
(xii) Gum sticks
(xiii) Marking black, blue and red pens
(xiv) A4 plane white sheets
(xv) Card board box
(xvi) Celluloid sheets
(xvii) Forceps and spatula
(xviii) Plastic tapes
(xix) Staplers
(xx) Cloth lined envelopes of all sizes
(xxi) Clean white clothes
(xxii) Wax sealing material (sealing wax, special seal, lighter, scissors, etc.).
(xxiii) Laptop
15.3 Crime Scene Investigation
Following three basic steps should be taken for effective crime scene investigation:
15.3.1 Protection and Security of a SOC:
The scene of crime should be protected with utmost care and precautions such as cordoning
of the area, restrict entry/exit and access to unauthorized persons, disallowing tampering of
evidence, photography and videography of the crime scene.
All telephones and mobiles must be taken charge of by team members.
15.3.2 Search for Evidence:
The search team should divide itself into sub-teams and systematically start searching the
place from one end to another in each room/open space, etc. Depending upon the nature of a
case, three types of evidences may be found at a SOC, namely, documentary evidence,
forensic evidence and material evidence.
NICFS
CHAPTER 15
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
391
15.3.3 Documentary Evidence:
(i) Registers carrying details such as money transaction, visitors, personal details of
victims, tasks assigned to people connected with the case
(ii) Letter head pads/practiced signatures on newspapers, children’s exercise books, etc.
(iii) Phone bills/electric bills/water bills/establishment bills etc.
(iv) Contact diaries/business cards
(v) Business related registers
(vi) Account related registers
(vii) Property documents
(viii) Employment papers
(ix) Identification documents (passport, ration card, voter’s card, PAN card, Aadhaar card,
I-card etc.)
(x) Educational documents
(xi) Bank documents
(xii) Bank draft booklets, removed pages from booklets
(xiii) Tender documents/supply orders
(xiv) Printed formats of the government stationary, banks, company, etc.
15.3.4 Material Evidence
(i) Instruments used for writing: Pen, ball pen, pencils etc.
(ii) Raw material used for writing: Tracing papers, plain papers etc.
(iii) Computers: Desktop, laptop, palm top, floppies/CDs/pen drives etc.
(iv) Mobiles
(v) Video or still cameras
(vi) CCTV footage
(vii) Photocopiers, printers, scanners, typewriters
(viii) Rubber stamps, seals, inkpads used by accused
NICFS
CHAPTER 15
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
392
15.3.5 Crime Scene Photography (Document Photography)
Aim of document photography:
The main objective of crime scene photography consisting of document photography includes
for records, analysis and demonstration purposes. The document photography includes
photography under ultraviolet light, infrared light, oblique light, transmitted light and filters to
enhance contrast. Trick photography is also used in some cases. The specialized photography
is required in case of forgery, writings, signatures, alterations, obliterations, indentations and
secret writings, etc. In a similar way, the photographs of disputed writings on wall, mirror,
etc., is also required. The writings in which either media (writing ink) is unconventional or
substrate (writing surface) is unusual are called unusual writings and should be photographed
in the presence of a document expert which are further used by the expert for examination in
the laboratory. Some examples of unusual writings are:
(i) Suicide note on palm
(ii) Suicide note on forearm
(iii) Writing on shoe
(iv) Writing on shirt
(v) Writing with blood on wall or floor
(vi) Writing with coal on wall
(vii) Writing on big stone boulders
(viii) Writing with lipstick on mirror/car front/rear glass panels
(ix) Writing on car chassis
(x) Writing on seat cover of vehicle, etc.
(xi) Writing with blood on palm, hand or clothes, etc.
15.4 Procedure for Preservation of Questioned and Standard
Documents and Collection of Standard Document for
Comparison:
(i) Examine paper quality and printing (if any) of the suspected document. If the same
does not appear original, seize it. Examine the text of the document and see that the
writings and signatures in it are original or photocopied or scanned or have been
obtained through tricks.
(ii) It is possible that some lines or words or even letters are subsequently added, deleted,
erased or obliterated from original text changing the meaning/value of the original
document considerably. IO must look for such evidence.
NICFS
CHAPTER 15
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
393
(iii) Abnormal size and colour of paper, location of text and signatures, anachronistic
features in the document should be carefully examined by IO.
(iv) Any feature suggestive of care and attention, slow and drawn signatures, re -touching,
overwriting, presence of hesitations and tremors in signatures should be examined for
forged signatures by IO.
(v) Features suggesting transplantation of signatures or signatures obtained by trickery are
to be examined in a suspected document.
(vi) Any feature suggestive of carelessness in its production, however, show sign of
genuineness.
(vii) If a relevant document show alterations in letters, words, lines, figures changing the
value or importance, it should be seized.
(viii) All suspected documents should be photographed /photocopied on, as is where is
basis. The questioned documents containing writing/signature/typewriting/stamp
impressions etc. should be enclosed with red pencil and marked with blue pencil in
‘Q’ series (Q1, Q2, Q3 . . . ) and sealed in one separate envelope duly labelled with
full case details and signed by the investigator.
(ix) Specimen or sample writing should be obtained from the suspect considering the
principle of ‘Comparison of Like with Like’.
(a) Similar text, writings/figures, signatures should be obtained by dictating on
similar type of paper with similar writing instrument, i.e. under similar parameters.
(b) Original disputed document should never be shown to the accused. The specimen
writings should be sufficient and suitable for comparison with disputed writing/
signatures.
(c) The specimen documents containing writing/signature/ typewriting/stamp
impressions etc. should be encircled and marked with blue pencil in ‘S’ series
(S1, S2, S3 . . . ) and sealed in separate envelope duly labelled with full case
details. If, IO feels that the accused is disguising the writings/signatures, suspect
should be called after 3–4 days to give further samples. He is likely to forget
about the nature of disguise that was performed earlier. The specimen writings
should be obtained in slow, medium and fast speeds. After the specimen have
been obtained, the suspect may be directed to write an endorsement ‘Given by
me voluntarily’ followed by his own signature with date on each of the specimen
sheet. All the specimen writings, thus taken, should be referred for examination.
In case of old persons their age/health conditions may also be specified.
NICFS
CHAPTER 15
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
394
(d) The rubber stamp/metallic seal impressions should be obtained with uniform
pressure under proper attestation. If sample rubber stamp is damaged/ defective,
contemporaneous impressions should be procured.
(e) The suspect should be made comfortable as far as possible for normal writings.
(x) Specimens of typewriting, computer printouts and printed matter should be obtained
carefully. Any correction/rectification or repair work in the printers, etc., should be
noted. Sufficient number of specimens should be obtained in such cases.
(xi) The admittedly genuine writings/signatures should be obtained from official records
of contemporaneous documents duly proved under section 47 IEA, These documents
should contain as far as possible similar pattern of signatures, text, letters, words,
figures and combinations as appearing in disputed documents. Such writings are
available in banks, government records, police records, business establishments and
from friends and relatives, etc. The admittedly genuine or contemporaneous documents
may be encircled and marked with blue pencil in ‘A’ series (A1, A2, A3 . . . ) and
sealed separately in an envelope duly labelled with full case details.
(xii) Personal diary, children’s exercise books should be collected for practiced forgery.
Newspapers and their cuttings may also be collected from crime scene and sealed in
separate envelope as admittedly genuine writings/signatures for proving simulated
forgery in some cases. Forgers generally use these materials for practice.
(xiii) In case of mechanically printed or duplicate documents, the suspect device itself
should be submitted. If it is not possible to submit the device, at least 20–30 standard
samples according to the questioned document along with entire range of alphabets,
numerals and special characters should be obtained and sent for examination. If the
suspected device has a number of settings, standards of comparable text of each
setting be obtained and sent to laboratory.
(xiv) Rubber stamps, writing instruments, inkpots, carbon paper, etc., if found at crime
scene should be sealed separately in envelope with full case details.
(xv) Each type of exhibit should be separately packed, sealed and labelled indicating the
serial number of the items. The sealed envelopes may bear signatures and specific
seal of the forwarding officer so that any tampering is immediately detected as it will
also mutilate or destroy the seal. The metallic seal so used should be kept in the safe
custody of the officer concerned. Sample seal impressions in a clean lined cloth or
coarse paper should be obtained and sent separately along with forwarding letter for
verification/tallying at CFSLs/FSLs. The requisition letter may contain Annexures–I,
NICFS
CHAPTER 15
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
395
Figure 15.1: Marking of documents
II, III and IV as list of questioned writings/signatures, specimen writings/signatures,
admittedly genuine writings and questionnaire.
(xvi) Original documents should be submitted to the FSLs/CFSLs. Photocopies or scanned
copies are not suitable for scientific examination as they do not show all details of
the original documents.
(xvii) The wax sealed parcel containing exhibits should be sent to the Forensic Science
Laboratory preferably through special messenger or alternatively by insured parcel.
(xviii) The forwarding letter should be signed by the Presiding Officer of a court or by a
Gazetted Officer duly appointed Inquiry Officer.
(xix) Lamination of document should not be done. Alternatively the documents may be
kept in plastic covers.
15.4.1 Marking of Documents
Questioned Documents
Admittedly Genuine Documents
Specimen Documents
NICFS
CHAPTER 15
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
396
15.4.2 Questionnaire for Genuine Signatures: Some of the Sample Queries
(i) Whether or not the disputed signatures marked Q1 and Q2 are written by the person
who wrote the specimen signatures marked S1 and S2 and admittedly genuine
signatures marked A1 and A2.
(ii) Whether Q1 and/or Q2 are transplanted signatures.
(iii) Any other observation relevant to the case may also be pointed.
Note: Specific queries would depend upon the nature of crime and exhibit seized.
15.4.3 Forgery
Forgeries in signatures can be classified into the following four general categories:
(i) Simple Forgery: Where signatures of fictitious person/non existing person are written
by the forger in his own style of writing. There is no physical or mental model of the
signature before the forger. These are freely written signatures with no signs of imitation. The
forger can always be identified in such cases.
(ii) Forgery by Tracing: Where genuine signature is used as model for tracing purpose.
There are evidence of outlines, indentations, hesitations and retouching in signatures. In such
cases, the forger cannot be identified as tracing is drawing and does not reflect writing habits
of the forger.
(iii) Simulated or Copied Forgery: In this type of forgery, accused person practice a
number of times by looking at the model signature and copying the model. The authorship of
such signatures can be fixed in some cases depending upon extent of imitation and disguise
by the forger and presence of individual writing features of the forger in the forgery.
(iv) Forgery by Trickery or by Using Built-up Documents: Where the genuine signature
is normally used and is either transplanted using photocopier, scanner and colour laser printer
or lifting the genuine signature written over revenue stamp or addition of a text over genuine
signature altering the meaning, value or importance of the document considerably, the signatures
are normally genuine. Intersection of signature and writing/typewriting also reveal the sequence
of strokes indicating which one (out of the two) was written first and thereby determining
genuineness or otherwise nature of the document.
The transplanted signatures obtained by using photocopier, scanner and colour laser printer
can be identified by conducting spot tests i.e. there will be no indentation marks on the
NICFS
CHAPTER 15
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
397
reverse of the document, no penetration of ink or pressure marks can be expected in the
paper, when viewed in strong light at different angles show presence of toner and normally
the ink (toner) is not soluble in water. The ink signatures can always be differentiated from
computer generated and printed signatures by microscopic examination.
Samples of Forged Signatures
Figure 15.2: A case of simulated forgery-obtained by copying admitted signature of Ms. S. Solanki
Addition of Strokes
Figure 15.3: Forgery by lifting two revenue stamps from some genuine document and refixing
them on the fraudulent document
Source: FSL, NCT, Delhi
15.4.4 Questionnaire: Some of the Sample Queries:
(i) Whether or not the disputed signatures marked Q1 is written by the person who
wrote the specimen signatures marked S1 to S10 and admittedly genuine signatures
marked A1 to A8.
(ii) If not, whether the writer of signatures marked S11 to S20 or S21 to S32 also wrote
the disputed signature marked Q1.
NICFS
CHAPTER 15
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
398
(iii) Whether Q1 is a transplanted signature.
(iv) Whether the signature marked Q1 is written with the same ink as that of the body
writings.
(v) Whether the signatures were done prior to writing (or printing) of the document or
after the document was written (or printed).
(vi) Any other observation relevant to the case may also be pointed out.
Note: Specific queries would depend upon the nature of crime and exhibit seized.
Do’s and Don’ts
15.4.5 Basic Equipment for Examination of Genuine or Forged Writing/
Signatures:
Figure 15.4: Stereo zoom
microscope
NICFS
CHAPTER 15
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
399
Figure 15.5: UV lamp
Figure 15.6: Leica stereo zoom microscope
NICFS
CHAPTER 15
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
400
15.4.6 Wax Sealing of Documents:
A metallic seal of the department, a gas stove or burner, lac sticks (wax), are essentially
required for sealing of cloth-lined or inside laminated envelopes containing exhibits. The
sealing should be neat, clean and tamper-proof. A sample seal should be sent separately,
preferably on a white cloth.
15.5 Seizure List:
The seizure list and memo must be prepared on the spot itself in the presence of two
independent witnesses. The witnesses should sign the lists and memos giving their full details
including temporary and permanent addresses in their own handwriting, signature and date.
15.6 End of Search
Before announcing the formal termination of a search operation the officer-in-charge must
ensure that;
(i) Every potential witness is safely escorted to a police station with an officer deputed
for the task.
(ii) All evidence collected at a SOC are properly packed, sealed and marked.
(iii) All memos are duly filled in and all other formalities in respect of procedures
mandated by the law are completed.
Source: FSL, Delhi
Figure 15.7: Docubox
NICFS
CHAPTER 15
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
401
15.7 Scrutiny of Evidence Collected from the SOC:
A thorough evaluation of the evidence collected from a SOC provides highly relevant and
useful information for the purpose of investigation including crucial information about:
15.7.1 Accused
(i) Identity of accused (photo, genuine documentary record, testimony)
(ii) Information and/or details about other members (photo, genuine documentary record,
testimony).
15.7.2 Crime
(i) Items and/or description of items used for commission of crime (documents,
instruments, etc.).
(ii) Nature of exploitation (record, testimony).
(iii) Modus operandi.
15.8 Confiscation of Proceeds of Crime:
(i) Any financial crime is committed for generating illegal and illegitimate money. A part
of it is utilized to create other legal and/or illegal businesses/commercial establishment.
(ii) It is therefore, necessary to confiscate the proceeds of crime.
(iii) The IO should track the proceeds of crimes with required documentary evidence
establishing clear links with the assets owned by a member.
15.9 Submission of Charge Sheet/Complaint
Depending on the nature of a case, a charge sheet/complaint should be filed at the end of
investigation. A legal review of the charge sheet or complaint should be obtained from the
concerned public prosecutor before filing.
A complaint should include details about all the offences made out in a case including the
ones under IPC, and must only be filed after securing authority from a competent authority as
identified or appointed under the relevant Act.
NICFS
CHAPTER 15
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
402
15.10 Case Studies:
Source: https.//www.kingslaynaply.co.uk
2. Poyais, the Bogus Nation
Source: http.//Theoddmentemporium tumbir.com
References
1. Albert S. Osborn, Questioned Documents, 2nd edn., Delhi,1998.
2. Ordway Hilton, Scientific Examination of Questioned Document, New York, 1982.
3. Wilson R. Harrison, Suspect Documents: Their Scientific Examination, Delhi, rpt,
2001.
NICFS
CHAPTER 15
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
403
4. Ellen David: Questioned Documents: Scientific Examination, Taylor & Francis,
Washington, 1991.
5. Jan Seaman Kelly & Brian S. Lindblom, Scientific Examination of Questioned
Document, 2nd edn., Taylor & Francis Group, London, 2006.
6. R.E. Jacobson, S.F. Rar, G.G. Attridge, N.R. Oxford, The Manual of Photography:
Photography and Digital Imaging, 9th edn., 2000.
7. Roy A. Huber & A.M. Headrick, Handwriting Identification: Facts and Fundamentals,
Washington D.C., 2000.
8. Ron N. Morris, Forensic Handwriting Identification: Fundamental Concepts and
Principles, Academic Press, London, 2000.
9. Katherine M. Koppenhaver, CDE, Forensic Document Examination: Principles and
Practise, New Jersey, 2007.
10. B.R. Sharma, Forensic Science in Criminal Investigation and Trials, 4th edn., New
Delhi, 2005.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
404
SECURITY DOCUMENTS 16
Currency and passport/visa are the most important security documents that a country issues to
its citizens. Other important and valuable security documents include educational documents,
property documents, postal documents, employment related documents, bank documents, etc.
Counterfeiting of bank notes and use of forged travel documents are most common crimes
related to illegal immigration, work permits, fire arms, terrorism, drug trafficking, prostitution,
etc. Similarly, other security documents like identity cards, judicial/ non-judicial stamp papers,
postal and bank documents are also very frequently forged.
Security documents, including Indian passport and visa, are printed in India Security Press
(ISP), Nasik and other security documents in Security Printing Press, Hyderabad. Indian bank
notes are printed at Currency Note Press (CNP), Nasik; Bank Note Press (BNP), Dewas; New
Note Presses under Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited (BRBNMPL) at
Salboni and Mysore. The security paper is manufactured at Security Paper Mill (SPM),
Hoshangabad.
16.1 Applicable IPC Sections:
In case of counterfeiting of currency, sections 489 (A–E) I.P.C are applicable. Currency also
includes foreign currency.
1. Section 489 B in Indian Penal Code:
Whoever sells to, or buys or receives from, any other person, or otherwise traffics in or uses
as genuine, any forged or counterfeit currency-note or bank-note, knowing or having reason to
believe the same to be forged or counterfeit, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or
with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall
also be liable to fine.
For fake passports and other security documents, usual sections of IPC are applicable.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
405
2. As many as 2349 cases were reported, with 37.8 per cent conviction in cases relating to
counterfeiting during 2013. There have been 1203 cases of counterfeiting in 2013 as per
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report booked under Sections 489 A-E IPC.
3. Relevant para from ‘THE GAZETTE OF INDIA REGD.NO. D.L.- 33004/99 dated 27TH
SEPT. 2013’ (Part–II-Section 3-Sub Section(i)).
Investigation of High Quality Counterfeit Indian Currency Offences Rule
I. Short title and commencement:
(a) These rules may be called the Investigation of High Quality Counterfeit Indian
Currency Offences Rules 2013.
(b) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the official Gazette.
II. Notification of forensic authority: For the purpose of section 15, the following
shall be authorized or notified forensic authorities, namely:
III.
(a) Laboratories under the Bhartiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited or
Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited.
(b) Forensic Laboratories under the Government of India and the State Governments.
(c) Any other establishments having necessary facilities and trained personnel so notified
by the Central Government from time to time.
IV. Procedure for applying the provisions of sub-clause (iiia) of clause (a) of subsection
(1) of section 15 read with section 16: -
(a) When a case has been registered upon seizure of currency suspected to be high
quality counterfeit Indian currency, the Investigating Officer shall forthwith send
the seized currency or sample thereof to the authorized or notified forensic authority
and the said authority shall forward a preliminary report, as to whether the seized
currency is ‘high quality counterfeit Indian currency’ or not within 15 days of
receipt of such samples.
(b) The IO shall forward the seized currency by the quickest means to the notified
forensic authority, not later than 48 hrs. of the seizure, and the notified forensic
authority shall communicate the results of the examination to the requisitioning
officer by the quickest possible means including an e-mail or facsimilie:
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
406
Provided that the preliminary report may not contain a detailed forensic report but
may restrict itself to the question of whether the key security features as specified
in the III Schedule to the Act have been imitated or compromised in the seized
counterfeit currency and the complete report for the purposes of prosecution shall
be provided before completion of the investigation:
Provided that the procedure referred to in sub-rule 1 shall not preclude the
continuation of investigation under any other law for the time being in force.
V. As per clause 6.4(h) whether the high quality counterfeit Indian currency is mixed with
genuine currency in currency chests, Automated Teller Machines.
16.2 Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
Relevant legal provisions for search should be followed for CSI. The IO should conduct CSI
at each such location to collect complete evidence.
A SOC can be investigated in more than one ways—depending on the circumstances of a
case. However, the following basic guidelines for CSI should always be followed.
16.2.1 Basic Guidelines for CSI
(i) Defining control boundaries of a SOC for protecting and securing it.
(ii) Preserving a SOC with minimum possible contamination and disturbance of any
physical evidence.
(iii) Safety and security of all persons in and around a SOC.
(iv) Limiting the number of persons accessing a SOC and recording their movement.
(v) Controlling, identifying, verifying and removing persons from a SOC after proper
recording of their details (name, address, etc., preferably in their own handwriting,
signature and date).
16.2.2 Pre-Search Planning and Preparation to Examine Scene of Offence:
Make a clear assessment about the place where search is to be conducted for collection of
physical evidence. It may be closed or open places.
16.3 Basic Integrated Kit Meant for Forged Document May be Used
(refer to Chapter 15; para 15.2 for details)
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
407
16.4 General Guidelines for Carrying out Search at Scene of Crime
(i) Collection of all possible, relevant and authentic information required for making
assessment about the planning and preparation for search.
(ii) Assessment of all available information for planning and preparing for the correct
timing of search.
16.4.1 Constituting Following Teams Required for Handling the Crime Scene:
(i) Outer cordon
(ii) Inner cordon
(iii) Search and seizure
(iv) Handling of witness
(v) Handling of suspects/accused
16.4.2 Role of Team Members:
(i) Search should be led by a senior police officer.
(ii) Role of an informant/source/identifier/decoy must be clearly identified for an operation.
(iii) The roles and responsibilities of police and non-police personnel must be clearly
defined.
16.4.3 Briefing Team Members
Members of a search team, including police and non-police personnel, should be briefed on
the following points:
(i) The purpose of search.
(ii) The contours of the plan of action.
(iii) The role and responsibilities of teams and individuals.
16.4.4 Protection and Security of a SOC
The scene of crime should be protected with utmost care and precautions such as cordoning
of the area, restrict entry/exit and access to unauthorized persons, disallowing tempering of
evidence, photography and videography of the crime scene.
All telephones and mobiles must be taken in charge by team members.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
408
16.4.5 Search for Evidence
The search team should divide itself into sub-teams and systematically start searching the
place from one end to another in each room/open space. Depending upon the nature of a case,
three types of evidence may be found at a SOC, namely–documentary evidence, forensic
evidence and material evidence.
1. Documentary Evidence
(i) Registers carrying details such as money transaction, visitors, personal details of
victims and suspect, tasks assigned to people connected with the case.
(ii) Phone bills/electric bills /water bills/establishment bills.
(iii) Contact diaries/business cards
(iv) Business related registers
(v) Account related registers
(vi) Employment papers
(vii) Identification documents
(viii) Educational documents
(ix) Bank documents
(x) List of past records/registers of bank/financial documents
(xi) Bank notes
(xii) Passports
(xiii) Visa stickers
(xiv) Airline tickets, identity cards, boarding cards
(xv) Judicial and non-judicial stamp papers of different denominations
(xvi) Aadhaar card/voter identification card
(xvii) Vehicle registration certificate and driving license
(xviii) Plastic cards: credit cards, debit cards, smart cards, etc.
2. Material Evidence
(i) Instruments used for work
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
409
(ii) Raw material used for work
(iii) Computers: desktop, laptop, palm top, floppies/CDs/pen drives
(iv) RAM for volatile memory
(v) Mobile phones
(vi) Video or still cameras
(vii) CCTV footage
(viii) Colour photocopiers
(ix) Scanners
(x) Colour printers (inkjet/laser jet)
(xi) Memory stored in photocopiers, colour printers, scanners and fax machines
(xii) Rubber stamps, seals and inkpads
(xiii) Printing inks
(xiv) Bundles of paper
(xv) Cutting and packaging material
(xvi) Adhesives
16.5 Procedure for Collection/Preservation of Security Documents
All security documents should be collected and preserved carefully using water-proof celluloid
or cloth-lined envelopes. Packaging and forwarding of all Questioned Security Documents is
similar to other routine documents referred for examination to Forensic Science Laboratory.
Note: All questioned Security Documents may be marked with ‘X’ or ‘Y’ series with blue
pencil and should not be encircled.
16.6 Suspected Counterfeit Currency/ Bank Notes (FICN):
For Field Officers: Checking Genuine/Counterfeit Indian Bank Notes
I. Genuine Security Document: All the security features are present in a Genuine
Security Document.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
410
II. Counterfeit/Fake Security Document: Even if a single security feature is absent or
improper in a security document, then it is a counterfeit/fake security document.
Security Features of Genuine Bank Notes
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
411
Genuine Bank Note
High Quality Counterfeit Bank Note
Printing on security thread absent
Figure 16.1: Sample of Genuine and Counterfeit Indian Bank Notes (Rs.1000)
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
412
Examples of Genuine and Counterfeit Indian Bank Notes (Rs.500)
Genuine Bank Note
High Quality Counterfeit Bank Note
Printing on security thread absent
Figure 16.2: Sample of genuine and counterfeit Indian bank notes (Rs.500)
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
413
Genuine Bank Note
Counterfeit Bank Note
Security thread absent Micro printing absent
Figure 16.3: Sample of genuine and counterfeit Indian bank notes (Rs.100)
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
414
Figure 16.4: Genuine Indian Bank Notes Courtesy: RBI
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
415
Figure 16.5: UV features in bank notes
UV Dull paper Fluorescent security thread Optical fibres
Counterfeit Bank Note
UV Fluorescent paper UV dull security thread Fake marks, looking like
fibres introduced by
fluorescent ink pen
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
416
Figure 16.6: Latent image of denomination Courtesy: A K Bapuly
Deciphering Hidden Watermarks
Deciphered watermarks such as portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, hidden water marks ‘RBI’,
Denomination ‘1000’ and ‘1K’
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
417
Security Features of New 500 Rupee MG Series Bank Note
Note:
(i) For detailed examination of counterfeit currency, CNP Nashik or BNP Dewas/RBI/
forensic laboratories under the Government of India and the state governments may
be referred.
(ii) These security features are not permanent but are changed from time to time as per
RBI/Ministry of Finance Directions.
(iii) All foreign currencies suspected to have been counterfeited should be sent to the
respective embassies/high commissions/consulates for verification.
Some of the equipments used for examination of security documents
Figure 16.7: UV Lamp for Observing Fluorescence in Security Documents
Figure 16.8: Stereo Zoom Microscope
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
418
Questionnaire: Some of the sample queries:
1. Whether the questioned bank note is genuine or counterfeit.
2. If the questioned bank note is counterfeit, what is the methodology of producing it?
3. Whether there are any alterations in the series and serial number of bank notes.
4. Whether the given bank notes are assembled and consist of portions of different
genuine bank notes.
Note:
(i) Specific queries would depend upon nature of the crime and exhibit seized.
(ii) IO should monitor that the preliminary report for all high denomination counterfeit
bank notes (Rs.100, 500 and 1000) are verified for their fake nature by CNP Nashik,
BNP, Dewas or state/central FSLs within 15 days.
16.7 Forged Passport
Indian passports can be classified into three main categories:
A. Diplomatic
B. Official
C. General Citizen Passports.
In addition, Jumbo and Hajj passports are also issued.
Figure 16.9: Indian Passports
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
419
The following are different types of Travel Documents:
(i) Machine Readable Passport (MRP): Ordinary Passport of 36 pages (dark blue cover).
(ii) Machine Readable Passport (MRP): Jumbo Ordinary Passport of 64 pages (dark blue
cover).
(iii) Machine Readable Passport (MRP): Official Passport (off white cover).
Machine Readable Passport (MRP): Diplomatic Passport (maroon cover).
(iv) Machine Readable Passport (MRP): Indo-Bangladesh Passport (light blue cover).
(v) Person of Indian Origin (PIO): Booklets (grey cover).
(vi) Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI): Booklets (sky blue cover).
(vii) Emergency Passport (white cover).
(viii) Indo-China Trade Travel Passport (saffron cover).
(ix) Certificate of Competency for shipping department (14 varieties).
(x) Continuous Discharge Certificates for shipping Department.
(xi) E-Passports.
Security features of Indian Passports:
(i) Substrate: Ashok Pillar cylinder water marks.
(ii) Cover page: Ashok Chakra printing (visible in 365 nm).
(iii) First page-body printing: Black in visible light and green in Luminescence.
(iv) Heat Activated Ultra Violet (HAUV) film: Printing visible in red and yellow in UV.
(v) Data page: Micro line, text, tint, design (Emblem, Govt. of India), Passport printing,
rainbow printing: Blue and orange printing, gothic numbering, bifluorescencent invisible
design, invisible fibers (green and blue).
(vi) Page numbering: Micro lines on all pages visa visible and invisible.
(vii) Passport number: 8 digit alphanumeric laser perforated conicals of passport booklet.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
420
16.7.1 Forgery in Passport
I. Data-Pages: In case there is change in the data/cover pages.
Actionable steps to be taken by police:
1. Thorough interrogation of ticket issuing agent (travel agent) including sub-agent should
be done by the police.
2. Thorough interrogation of the air staff who issued boarding card, duty manager of
airline staff should be interrogated.
3. Real passport holder be interrogated, otherwise his/her LOC be opened.
4. Family members of the person holding the passport should also be interrogated.
5. Police Custody Remand of the person holding the passport must be obtained.
6. A passport having genuine data-page with genuine stamps and visa but not in use by
the genuine holder of the passport.
II. Photo Substitute: In this case the original photo of the passport holder is replaced
Action to be taken by police:
1. Same process is to be followed as in the case of bio-data.
2. Actual identity of the passport holder who is using the fake passport is to be
established.
III. Impersonation: In this case no forgery exists in travel document. Some passport
holder uses passport, identity card, green card, resident permit of other person.
Action to be taken by police:
1. Police need to interrogate the real holder of the passport, in establishing facts,
whether he lost his passport or sold his travel documents to the present bearer.
IV. Forged Immigration Stamp: This is done in order to get entry in countries abroad.
Action to be taken by police:
1. The forged stamp can be verified through specimen of stamp in records of immigration
at the airport.
2. To establish the fact to whom the passport holder handed over his/her passport.Arrival/
departure to be confirmed through immigration records.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
421
V. Managed Stamp: - It is different from forged stamp. In this case the genuine stamp
is affixed on passport, but there is no record of Arrival/Departure of the passport holder
in immigration.
Action to be taken by police:
1. Verifications need to be done from flight records from the airlines.
2. It is generally seen when there is only one arrival stamp in passport (in this case
passport is issued from abroad).
3. Here travel agent plays an important role, whether the ticket is issued in India or
return ticket (issued from abroad).
4. Managed stamp is generally seen when fax arrived after overstaying abroad. Fax
arrived without knowledge of immigration. After that he could manage arrival stamp
so that he can obtain another fresh visa from the embassy.
VI. Re-stitching of Passport or Changes of Pages in Passport: This case is generally seen
when the passport holder tries to conceal material facts, e.g. some remarks passed in
the passport.
Action to be taken by police:
1. Generally such cases are detected on arrival and pax must be thoroughly interrogated.
VII. No Departure Stamp: In these cases, only arrival is registered; there is no departure
stamp in passport of the holder. This indicates, that the passport holder left India in the
name of some other person on forged document and later on obtained his/her own
passport either by poster carrying at the time of departure. Passports are generally
blank, i.e. no visa and departure stamp in this case.
Actionable steps to be taken by police: -
1. Whether passport is issued before departure or later on.
2. Efforts to be made to confirm departure.
3. Identification of the agent who arranged journey.
4. Section 419 & 420 IPC must be added as burden of proof on passport holder to prove
his/her departure as genuine.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
422
VIII. Obtaining Passport by Fradulent Means: Sometimes the passport holder obtains a
passport from some other place where he is not residing. In this case more than one
passport is in possession with the person. This is generally done by carrier. In this case
there is no forgery in passport.
Action to be taken by police:
1. Local enquiry of the passport holder.
2. Photocopy of all the papers including passport to be obtained from the concerned
R.P.O.
3. In case the passport holder has more than one passport, it should be seized.
4. LOC may be opened.
5. Verification is required in case the person holding the passport issued it from abroad
while living in India. The arrival stamp as well as the ticket is to be deeply verified.
(Carrier–a person whose own document is genuine but facilitates other person’s forged
document).
IX. Obtaining Passport of Other Nationality: In this case person of other nationality
obtained Indian passport,e.g. Sri Lankan, Nepali, Tibetan, Afghan national.
Action to be taken by police:
1. Joint interrogation.
2. Letter to their concerned embassy about the arrest.
3. Arrest report of foreigner to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
4. After disposal of the case, the person holding the passport must be deported back to
their respective country.
5. Role of C.I.D officer.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
423
E-Passport
Figure 16.10: Diplomatic e-Passport
E- Passports have symbols as shown in Figure 16.10 with 32 kb chip.
16.8 Indian Visa
Security features of visa stickers:
(i) Use of Optical Brightening Agent (OBA) free paper.
(ii) Rainbow and Guilloche pattern printing.
(iii) Presence of hexagonal shaped planchettes and invisible fibres (blue and red).
(iv) Chemical sensitive paper.
(v) Ashok Chakra in the background and Ashoka Pillar in the centre.
(vi) Micro lettering of visa in bilingual.
(vii) 2-D barcoding of ISP and date of printing.
(viii) Printing with UV fluorescent ink.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
424
Indian Visa
I. Forged Visa: Passport holder is having genuine passport but forged visa in passport.
Action to be taken by police:
1. Thorough interrogation with the ticket issuing agency to know the name of the agent.
2. Role of airline’s staff who issued boarding card along with the Duty Manager on that
day of airline.
3. Visa is to be identified by the embassy.
4. Thorough interrogation with the family members of the passport holder.
II. Chemical Wash Visa: In this case, visa is issued from the embassy to some other
person. With the use of chemical, visa is washed and name, date of birth, passport
number is changed.
Action to be taken by police:
1. Verification from the embassy by getting all the papers of visa application form.
2. Visa can be checked by smelling it.
3. Visa can be checked under UV light source for fluorescence.
4. Interrogation with genuine visa holder.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
425
III. Stolen Visa: Generally blank visa is stolen from the embassy without issuing to
anyone. The visa carries all security features.
Action to be taken by police:
1. Visa is to be verified from the embassy.
2. Interrogation with the airline staff.
3. Interrogation with the ticket issuing agency.
IV. Obtaining Visa from Abroad without Travelling to Abroad: It is an offence as the
passport cannot be sent abroad by post.
Action to be taken by police:
1. Person is to be identified who arranged the journey.
V. Obtaining Visa from Embassy by Fradulent Means : - In this case visa is genuine but
travel agent arranges the visa by submitting managed/forged document of the passport
holder like bank account, property paper, salary, etc.
VI. Change of Boarding Card
In such case, a person has domestic ticket and obtains a boarding card. Another person
possesses an international ticket and thus has an international boarding card. After immigration
clearance, they both exchange their boarding card in transit hall, e.g. sometimes in aircraft,
if flight is going to Delhi-Bombay-London. Pax possessing international boarding card will
drop at Bombay and domestic Pax will drop at London. The airline has full knowledge in this
case.
VII. Material Evidence at SOC
(i) The buckram material used for stiffening of the cover of the booklet, gold foils,
booklet size paper, computer, scanner and colour laser/inkjet printers should be searched
and seized.
(ii) Rubber stamps, ink pad and physical photograph should be searched and sealed. Pen
drive/storage media having digital photographs should also be searched.
(iii) Heat activated UV film, laser plate and passport laminator should also be searched
and sealed.
(iv) Cutters, packing materials and envelopes should be searched and sealed separately.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
426
(v) Logo, embossing stamps, stitching threads, guilloches, etc., if found at crime scene
should be sealed and preserved.
(vi) Numbering machine and security fibre may also be searched and sealed.
(vii) Look for mechanical or laser perforation machines and seize them, if found.
(viii) The metallic plate having criss-cross lines and Ashoka Emblem embossed in it may
be seized. This is used to create corresponding impressions on HAUV film during
lamination.
Note:
The above security features are not permanent but are changed from time to time as per
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) directions. The updates can be obtained from MEA/ISP (in
case of passports) and CNP/BNP/ RBI (in case of Indian bank notes).
Note:
(i) For detail examination of fake passports/visa and other security documents, ISP
Nashik/MEA may be referred.
(ii) All foreign passports/visa suspected to have been forged should be sent to the
respective embassies/high commissions/consulates for verification.
Questionnaire: Some of the sample queries:
1. Whether the passport is original or fraudulently prepared.
2. If it is fraudulent, what features have been tampered with? This information would be
useful to the IO for linking with the crime, modus operandi, etc., for detailed
investigation.
3. Whether any alterations have been done in the visa and data page of the passport and
in visa sticker.
Note: Specific queries would depend upon the nature of the crime and exhibit seized.
16.9 Judicial/Non-Judicial Stamp Papers:
1. The quality of UV inactive paper, windowed security UV fluorescent thread and
cylinder mould water marks of Mahatma Gandhi in the stamp paper may be checked.
Absence of these features will indicate fake document which should be seized.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
427
2. Presence of dual coloured security fibers (red-yellow and blue-green).
3. The base paper of Judicial/Non-Judicial stamp paper is sensitive to 14 different types
of commonly known ink-eradicators. Application of any one of such ink-eradicator on
paper will immediately detect alterations in these security documents.
4. Quality of printing (Rainbow and Guilloche pattern), presence of serial number, micro
perforation of high value and name of the state for which such non-judicial stamp
papers are being used should be verified and checked. The denomination of stamp
papers should be checked for any alterations.
5. Symbol for year of printing may be seen.
6. Look for mechanical/laser perforation machines and seize, if found in higher
denominations.
16.9.1 Fake Judicial/Non-Judicial Stamp Papers:
1. The quality of UV inactive paper, windowed security UV fluorescent thread and
cylinder mould water marks of Mahatma Gandhi in the stamp paper may be checked.
Absence of any of these features indicates its counterfeit nature.
2. Absence of dual coloured security fibres (red-yellow and blue-green).
3. Chemically non-sensitive to ink-eradicates.
4. Absence of printing (Rainbow and Guilloche pattern), absent or duplicate serial
number, absence of micro perforation of high value.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
428
Figure 16.11: Genuine non-judicial stamp paper
Name of
the State
Security
Thread
Rainbow
and
Guilloche
Pattern
Serial
Number
Questionnaire: Some of the sample queries
1. Whether the non judicial stamp paper is genuine or fake.
2. Whether there are any alterations in the non judicial stamp paper.
3. What type of printing process has been used?
Note: Specific queries would depend upon the nature of the crime and exhibit seized.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
429
16.10 Driving License
16.12: Driving license card
Security Features of Driving License
(a) Each card is the size and shape of a standard credit card but is more flexible and
has a somewhat different texture.
(b) On the front of the card, a virtual image of a loon appears to float above or sink
below the surface of the card as the viewing angle changes.
(c) A digital image of the cardholder is fused with heat into the card plastic. Fine line
printing over the image reveals tampering attempts. The image always appears on
the left.
(d) A holographic state seal that appears on the front of the card is visible only under
ultraviolet flight.
(e) If the cardholder is under 18, the date of 18th birthday appears in red.
(f) The new cards have a rainbow print pattern.
Questionnaire: Some of the sample queries
1. Whether the questioned security document is genuine or fake.
2. Whether there are any alterations in the questioned security document.
Note: Specific queries would depend upon the nature of the crime and exhibit seized.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
430
16.11 Registration Certificate
1. The vehicle can be driven or allowed to be driven in public place only after registration
by the registering authority under the provision of section 39 of the Motor Vehicles
Act 1988.
2. Since September 2001, Delhi and Maharashtra have instituted new cards known as
‘Registration Certificate (RC) Books’ for all existing and new motor vehicles.
3. The ‘RC Book’ vehicle registration document is a multi-technology, advanced card
incorporating optical media with a data capacity of 1MB and a 4KB IC chip. The
optical media digitally stores the vehicle owner’s portrait, demographics and fingerprint
image plus scanned images of certification and taxation documents, etc. This information
cannot be erased or altered.
16.11.1 High Security License Plate
16.13: High security license plate: Security Features
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
431
Questionnaire: Some of the sample queries
1. Whether the questioned security document is genuine or forged. If so, what features
have been tampered with?
2. Whether there are any alterations in the questioned security document.
3. Whether there is any physical tampering of data in the security document.
4. Whether the chip, if any has been tampered with or replaced.
Note: Specific queries would depend upon the nature of the crime and exhibit seized.
16.12 Plastic Cards-Master Cards
Figure 16.14: Master card
Courtesy: Master Card
Security Features on a Credit Card (Master Card)
(a) Account numbers begin with figure ‘5’.
(b) The pre-printed Bank Identification Number (BIN) must match the first four digits of
the embossed account number.
(c) The valid date lists the last day on which the card is valid.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
432
(d) Master Cards have a stylized ‘MC’ security character embossed on the right of the
valid dates.
(e) The back side of the card must bear signatures.
(f) A three dimensional hologram of interlocking globes should reflect light and seem to
change as you rotate the card.
(g) The magnetic stripe on the back of the card should appear smooth and straight with no
signs of tampering.
(h) The word ‘Master Card’ is printed repeatedly in multi-colours when viewed at an angle
on a tamper-evident signature panel.
Note :
(i) The visa card number starts with figure ‘4’ and American Express Card with ‘37’.
(ii) The visa and Master Cards have a total of 16 figures whereas American Express card
has 15 figures.
Questionnaire:
A. Some of the sample queries for the Issuing Bank/Card Provider:
1. Whether the given credit/debit card is original or fabricated/cloned.
2. If so, provide the information about the original card holder along with transaction/
location of the card used for the relevant period.
B. Some of the sample queries for the Forensic Science Laboratory:
1. Whether the signature on the signature panel of the card belongs to the card holder or
not.
2. Whether there are any alterations in the given security document.
Note: Specific queries would depend upon the nature of the crime and exhibit seized.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
433
16.13 ATM Card
Figure 16.15: Sample of an ATM card
Front side of an ATM
card
CVC of Verification Number
Magnetic strip
Signature
Panel
Back side of an ATM
card
Embossed
Characters
Security Features of ATM Cards:
(a) Card Design: The actual design of the card is upto the card issuer. It may have
features like flexibility, flammability, toxicity. It can be as unusual as they like.
(b) Chip: The microchip present in a debit or credit card provides highly secure processing
capabilities. This includes verification that the correct PIN has been used. The personal
data, i.e. cardholder’s name, card number and expiry date as found on the magnetic
stripe, provides additional security features to safeguard against counterfeiting. The
four digit PIN (Personal Identification Number) are not held as a set of numbers on the
chip.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
434
(c) Card Number: Generally 16 digits (but can be upto 19 on certain cards) – this
identifies the account, with the first six digits comprising what is known as the BIN
(Bank Identification Number) and this identifies your card issuer and the card scheme.
(d) Card Scheme Logo: This indicates which of the card scheme will be applicable
for clearing payments and that which retailers will accept your card.
(e) Hologram: An additional security feature to identify that the card is genuine.
(f) Expiry Date: The card number and the card’s expiry date are essential for processing
card payment.
(g) Name: The cardholder’s name is displayed at the bottom of the card.
(h) Magnetic Stripe: The magnetic stripe holds some of the same information as the chip.
(i) Card Security Code (CSC): This three digit number on the signature panel gives the
retailer indications that you actually have the physical card in your possession. In case
of an American Express Card, this code will be four digits on the front of the card.
16.14 Identity Card
The design and security features of I-cards of different organizations vary considerably. There
is no standard format of I-cards like passport and visa.
Figure 16.16: Sample of a fake card
Source : FSL, Delhi.
16.15 Aadhaar Card
(a) It has 12 digit unique number.
(b) Biometric feature consisting of thumb impression, photograph and iris.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
435
Questionnaire: Some of the sample queries for UIDAI in cases of impersonation/misuse:
1. Whether the given document/Aadhaar card belongs to the user or not.
2. If not, who is the original allottee of this Aadhaar number?
3. Details of the bank account/other utility account linked with this Aadhaar card may be
provided.
Note: Specific queries would depend upon the nature of the crime and exhibit seized.
16.16 Handling of Security Documents
After seizure of the security documents, they must be handled with care without disturbing
their original condition.
I. Photography or photocopying of the security documents should be done to know their
physical condition at the time of seizure.
II. They must be kept in celluloid envelopes and preserved properly.
III. The series and serial numbers of the security documents should be noted before wax
sealing in a proper envelope.
16.17 Do’s and Don’ts
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
436
16.18 Seizure List
I. The seizure list and memo must be prepared on the spot itself in the presence of two
independent witnesses.
II. The witnesses should sign (with date) the lists and memos giving their full details
including temporary and permanent addresses in their own handwriting.
16.19 Sealing of Security Documents
All security documents should be wax sealed in a cloth lined or celluloid envelope using
special metallic seal of the officer concerned. The metallic seal sample impressions should
also be sent in a clean wet cloth or coarse paper separately to the laboratory.
Wax sealing of case exhibits Sample Seal
FIR No: __________
PS: _____________
Exhibits#_________
Figure 16.17: Seals impressions
16.20 End of Search
Before announcing formal termination of a search operation, the officer-in-charge must ensure
that:
I. Every potential witness is safely escorted to a police station with an officer deputed
for the task.
II. All evidence collected at a SOC is properly packed, sealed and marked.
III. All memos are duly filled in and all other formalities in respect of procedures
mandated by the law are completed.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
437
16.21 Scrutiny of Evidence Collected from SOC
A thorough evaluation of the evidence collected from a SOC provides highly relevant and
useful information for the purpose of investigation including crucial information about:
16.21.1 Accused
I. Identity of accused (photo, documentary record, testimony).
II. Information and/or details about other members (photo, documentary record, testimony).
16.21.2 Crime
I. Items and/or description of items used for commission of crime (documents,
instruments, etc.).
II. Nature of exploitation (record, testimony).
III. Modus operandi.
16.22 Plan of Investigation
A thorough scrutiny of the evidence collected from a SOC provides highly relevant and useful
information for the purpose of investigation including crucial information about:
I. The process of re-construction of a scene of crime.
II. Developing understanding about the sequence of events.
III. Collection of relevant evidence in a systematic manner.
16.23 Submission of Charge Sheet/Complaint
Depending on the nature of offences, either a charge sheet or a complaint should be filed at
the end. A legal review of the charge sheet or complaint should be obtained from the
concerned public prosecutor.
The IO must adhere to the timeline stipulated in CrPC for investigation and submit a charge
sheet against an absconder only after completion of the entire process of proclamation by a
court. A complaint should include details about all the offences made out in a case including
the ones under IPC, and must only be filed after securing authority from a competent authority
as identified or appointed under the relevant Act.
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
438
16.24 Case Studies on Passports and Visa
Source: www.ibnlive.in.com
Source: Indiankanoon.org
:
Source: Indiankanoon.org
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
439
Source: Indiankanoon.org
Source: www.ibnlive.in.com
References
1. Covert and Overt Protection for Valuable Documents, ISSA, November 2006.
2. http://www.immihelp.com/visa-waiver-program/passport-requirements.html
3. Hilton Ordway, Scientific Examination of Questioned Document, Elsevier, New York,
1982.
4. Harrison R. Wilson,Suspect Documents: Their Scientific Examination, Delhi,
rpr.,2001.
,
NICFS
CHAPTER 16
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
440
5. Davin Ellen, Questioned Documents: Scientific Examination, Washington, 1991.
6. Kelly Seaman Jan & Lindblom S Brian: Scientific Examination of Questioned
Document, London, 2006.
7. Jacobson E.R., Rar F.S., Attridge G.G., N.R.Oxford, The Manual of Photography:
Photography and Digital Imaging, 9th edn, London, 2000.
8. K.A. Bapuly, Forensic Science: Its Application in Crime Investigation, 1st edn.,
Hyderabad, 2006.
9. Huber A. Roy & Headrick M.A., Handwriting Identification: Facts and Fundamentals,
Washington D.C., 2000.
10. Morris N. Ron, Forensic Handwriting Identification: Fundamental Concepts and
Principles, New York, 2001.
11. Koppenhaver M. Katherine, Forensic Document Examination: Principles and Practise,
New Jersey, 2007.
12. Renesse Van L. Rudolf, Optical Document Security, 2nd edn., 1998.
NICFS
CHAPTER 17
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
441
TORN DOCUMENTS 17
Any document which is deliberately made
into two or more pieces or fragments by
tearing, shredding it apart physically
constitutes a torn document. Examination
of the torn or serrated edges of paper
pieces and comparison with counterparts
helps in determining if the torn pieces had
once formed the same sheet of paper or
not.
Torn document can be expected in cases
of leaking of competitive examination
papers, intentionally destroying the
important document, etc., for excluding the
evidence, viz., anonymous/ransom letters,
suicide notes etc.
Ancient manuscripts may be damaged due to poor storage conditions, loss of moisture content,
mishandling or documents manually torn to make information unreadable.
17.1 Sections of the IPC
Sections 477 under IPC for tampering the document
Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly, or with intent to cause damage or injury to the public or
to any person, cancels, destroys or defaces, or attempts to cancel, destroy or deface, or
secretes or attempts to secrete any document which is or purports to be a will, or an authority
to adopt a son, or any valuable security, or commits mischief with respect to such document,
NICFS
CHAPTER 17
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
442
shall be punished with [imprisonment for life]*, or with imprisonment of either description for
a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
* Subs. by Act 26 of 1955, sec. 117 and sch., for “transportation for life” (w.e.f. 1-1-1956)
Section 204 IPC
Destruction of document or electronic record to prevent its production as evidence
Whoever secretes or destroys any document or electronic record which he may be lawfully
compelled to produce as evidence in a court of justice, or in any proceeding lawfully held
before a public servant, as such, or obliterates or renders illegible the whole or any part of
such document or electronic records with the intention of preventing the same from being
produced or used as evidence before such court or public servant as aforesaid, or alter, he
shall have been lawfully summoned or required to produce the same for that purpose, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years,
or with fine, or with both.
17.2 Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) in Case of Torn Documents
It is a thorough inquiry of the crime by conducting systematic study of various investigative
methods. It involves recovery of physical and documentary evidence for the purpose of
identifying and arrest of perpetrators for prosecution. It is an integral part of scientific
investigation and is a very important step for collection of evidence. The IO should conduct
CSI at each such location to collect scientific physical evidence.
A SOC can be investigated in more than one ways depending on the circumstances of a case.
However, the following basic guidelines for CSI should always be followed meticulously:
17.2.1 Basic Guidelines for Search at Scene of Crime (SOC)
(i) Defining control boundaries of a SOC for protecting and securing it.
(ii) Preserving a SOC with minimum possible contamination and disturbance of any
physical evidence.
(iii) Restricting the number of persons accessing a SOC.
(iv) Controlling, identifying, verifying and removing persons from a SOC after proper and
self-attested recording of their name, address, contact numbers, etc.
NICFS
CHAPTER 17
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
443
17.2.2 Pre-search Planning and Preparation to Examine Scene of Crime
Clear assessment of the place where search is to be conducted for collection of physical
evidence is utmost necessary. It may be in the form of closed or open spaces.
17.3 Crime Scene Kit
As per basic integrated kit for document related cases (as mentioned in Chapter 15).
17.4 General Guidelines for Carrying out Search at Scene of Crime
(i) Collection of all possible, relevant and authentic information required for making
assessment about the planning and preparation for search should include:
(a) Exact location and accessibility of a SOC
(b) Modes of communication, transport, CCTVs, private security at a SOC.
(c) Entry/exit from a SOC, and its nearby place.
(d) Population and community located in the neighbourhood.
(ii) Assessment of all available information for planning and preparing for the correct
timing of search.
17.4.1 Constituting Team Required for Handling the Crime Scene:
(i) Outer cordon
(ii) Inner cordon
(iii) Search and seizure
(iv) Handling of eye-witnesses
(v) Handling of suspects/accused
(a) Communication network suited for the area
(b) Forensic teams
(c) Logistical requirements
17.4.2 Composition of Team Members and their Role
(i) Search should be led by a senior police officer.
(ii) Role of an informant/source/identifier must be clearly identified for an operation.
(iii) The roles and responsibilities of police and non-police personnel must be clearly
defined.
NICFS
CHAPTER 17
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
444
(iv) The details including the timing and purpose of search should be informed to the
team members only on a need-to-know basis.
(v) The identity of an identifier must be established ascertaining from a genuine identity
card such voter ID card/aadhaar card, ration card, driving licence, etc.
17.4.3 Briefing Team Members
Members of a search team, including non-police personnel, should be briefed on following
points:
(i) The purpose of search.
(ii) The outlines of the plan of action.
(iii) The role and responsibilities of teams and its members.
(iv) The coordination among various team members.
(v) Maintaining complete secrecy about the operation.
(vi) Maintain confidentiality about the identity of persons involved.
17.4.4 Protection and Security of a SOC
The scene of crime should be protected with utmost care and precautions such as cordoning
of the area, restricting entry/exit and access to unauthorized persons, disallowing tampering of
evidence, photography and videography of the crime scene.
All telephones and mobiles must be taken charge by team member.
17.4.5 Documentation of the Crime Scene
Location of torn documents found at the scene should be documented by way of sketching
and photography at SOC.
17.4.6 Photography of the Crime Scene
The crime scene should be photographed from all corners and centre to cover each and every
objects present there. Wide angle photography should be used to cover area whereas close-up
photography should be used to capture minute details of objects of evidential value.
17.4.7 Search for Evidence
The search team should be divided into sub-teams which should systematically start searching
the place from one end to another in each room/open space as it is expected that the torn
NICFS
CHAPTER 17
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
445
pieces are scattered randomly. Depending upon the nature of a case, three types of evidence
may be found at a SOC, namely-
(i) Documentary evidence
(ii) Forensic evidence
(iii) Material evidence
Depending upon the case, following documents may also be searched:
(a) Documentary evidence
(i) Registers carrying details such as money transaction, visitors, personal details of
victims, tasks assigned to people connected with the case, etc.
(ii) Letters/memos/confidential correspondence
(iii) Contact diaries/business cards
(iv) Business related registers/documents
(v) Account related registers
(vi) Property documents
(vii) Employment papers
(viii) Identity documents (passport, ration card, voter’s card, aadhaar card, etc).
(ix) Educational documents
(x) Bank documents
(xi) Copies of leaked examination paper
(b) Material evidence
(i) Instruments used for work (scissors, knife, blade)
(ii) Shredders
17.4.8 Photography of the Torn Documents
After the crime scene is secured, photography of torned document is required for their
location. Each location containing torn pieces should be carefully photographed or videographed.
An enlarged photograph print (with magnification of 2X) provides the best evidence
of matching through the uneven tearing of perforations/serrations.
NICFS
CHAPTER 17
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
446
17.5 Collection, Handling and Packaging of Torn Documents
At the scene of crime, torn documents can be searched in and around the garbage bins; near
the working areas such as table, chair, drawers, etc; inside the narrow gaps between two
objects; in the collection bin of shredder (paper shredding machine).
(i) In case torn documents are located at the scene of crime then switch-off the fan and
carefully pick all the fragments of torn sheets. Gloves should be worn while picking
the torn pieces preferably with forceps. Even the blank pieces of paper should also be
collected.
(ii) Marking of torn document: Each torn/shredded piece of document should be carefully
marked in seriatim as p1, p2, p3 … pn.
(iii) The torn pieces should be collected and kept in a dry shallow box made of cardboard
or plastic. The box should be properly sealed and then sent to the laboratory for
further examination.
(iv) Before keeping the torn pieces in the box, a photograph of all the torn pieces should
be taken individually including markings.
(v) To reconstruct the document, each piece may be fixed to a glass or plastic sheet with
a tiny speck of adhesive and then another sheet of glass or plastic is kept over it to
hold the paper fragments sandwiched and placed between the two sheets.
17.6 Transportation of Torn Documents
All torn pieces should be collected and preserved from the place of occurrence and then
transported in a corrugated box or cardboard box.
17.7 Examination of Torn Documents
Paper rarely tears evenly along the perforations. The slight irregularities in tearing may prove
that a sheet was torn into pieces from a particular document. Combine approach of document
analysis and shape (contours) matching is necessary for solving this type of problem. In this
process, orientation of the fragments and content like paper colour, colour of the ink, images
and text is analyzed. Matching the serrated edges of paper containing texts and images is very
helpful in the reconstruction of torn documents. Reconstruction of torn documents is like
solving a puzzle. The wet pieces, if any, are dried, flattened, and then the time-consuming and
patient process of document reconstruction is started by matching serrated edges.
A few steps in some designer softwares can create a realistic look of the original paper.
NICFS
CHAPTER 17
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
447
Reconstruction of Shredded Document
Figure 17.1: Shredded documents and shredded pieces of different documents
Figure 17.2: Reconstruction of a shredded document into a sheet
17.8 Seizure List
The seizure list and memo must be prepared on the spot itself in the presence of two independent
witnesses. The witnesses should sign the lists and memos giving their full details including their
temporary and permanent addresses/contact numbers, etc., in their own handwriting including
signature and date.
17.9 End of Search
Before announcing formal termination of a search operation, the SHO must ensure that:
(a) Every potential witness is safely escorted to a police station with an officer deputed for
the task.
(b) All evidence collected at a SOC is properly packed, sealed and marked.
(c) All memos are duly filled in and all other formalities with respect to procedures
mandated by the law are completed.
NICFS
CHAPTER 17
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
448
17.10 Scrutiny of Evidence Collected from SOC
A thorough evaluation of the evidence collected from a SOC provides highly relevant
and useful information for the purpose of investigation including crucial information
about:
17.10.1 Accused
(i) Identification of accused (photo, documentary record, testimony).
(ii) Information and/or details about other members present at scene of crime (photo,
documentary record, testimony).
17.10.2 Crime
(i) Items and/or description of items used for commission of crime (documents,
instruments, etc).
(ii) Modus operandi.
(iii) Commercial transaction (record, testimony).
17.11 Plan of Investigation
A plan of investigation greatly facilitates:
(i) The process of re-construction of a scene of crime.
(ii) Developing understanding about the sequence of events.
(iii) Collection of relevant evidence in a systematic manner.
17.12 Submission of Charge Sheet/Complaint
Depending on the offences made out in a case, either a charge sheet or a complaint should be
filed at the end of investigation. A legal review of the charge sheet or complaint should be
obtained from the concerned Public Prosecutor before submission.
A complaint should include details about all the offences made out in a case, including the
ones under IPC, and must only be filed after securing authority from a competent authority as
identified or appointed under the relevant law/rules.
NICFS
CHAPTER 17
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
449
Figure 17.3: Matching the serrated edges of torn pieces of a document marked P1 to P21
17.13 Likely Queries to be raised
Some of the sample queries
(i) Whether the torn pieces marked P1, P2, P3 … Pn once constituted same sheet of paper.
(ii) What are the contents of the sheet on both sides of reconstructed paper?
(iii) What is the size of the paper so reconstructed?
(iv) Is the torn paper a security document?
(v) Whether the writings of the torn document marked P1, P2 … Pn are written by the
person who wrote the specimen writings marked S1 … Sn.
(vi) Any other observation related to the case.
Note: Specific queries would depend upon the nature of crime and exhibits seized from the
crime scene.
17.14 Precautions
(i) Protect the crime scene.
(ii) Don’t allow unauthorized persons to enter the crime scene.
(iii) Switch off the fans and close the windows of a place of occurrence in case of closed
room/area to avoid dislocation and misplacement of torn pieces.
(iv) As far as possible all pieces should be collected and preserved properly after thorough
search.
(v) Missing pieces may contain crucial information. Even blank pieces should be collected.
NICFS
CHAPTER 17
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
450
17.15 Case Studies
Source: B. R. Sharma, Forensic Science in Criminal Investigation and Trials,
4th edn., New Delhi, 1999.
NICFS
CHAPTER 17
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
451
Reconstruction of Torn Document Proved the Undisclosed
Source: http://indiankanoon.org/doc/333837/ (date of access 16 February 2015)
References
1. Albet S. Osborn, Questioned Documents, 2nd edn., Delhi,1998.
2. Ordway Hilton, Scientific Examination of Questioned Documents, New York, 1982.
3. Wilson R. Harrison, Suspect Documents: Their Scientific Examination, Delhi, 2001.
4. Ellen David, Questioned Documents-Scientific Examination, Washington, 1991.
5. Jan Seaman Kelly & Brian S. Lindblom, Scientific Examination of Questioned
Documents, Taylor Francis Group, London, 2006.
6. Wilson R. Harrison, Suspect Documents: Their Scientific Examination, Delhi, 2001.
7. Roy A. Huber & M.A. Headrick, Handwriting Identification: Facts and Fundamentals,
Washington, D.C., 2000.
8. Morris N. Ron, Forensic Handwriting Identification: Fundamental Concepts and
Principles, New York, 2001.
9. Katherine M. Koppenhaver, CDE, Forensic Document Examination: Principles and
Practise, New Jersey, 2007.
10. B. R. Sharma, Forensic Science in Criminal Investigation and Trials, 4th edn., New
Delhi, 1999.
.
NICFS
CHAPTER 18
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
452
CHARRED DOCUMENTS 18
A document that has become blackened and brittle by burning or exposure to excessive heat
is classified as charred document. Accidentally burnt documents or those intentionally destroyed
are referred to the forensic laboratories for restoration and decipherment of writings on them.
Burnt documents being highly fragile do not usually remain in their original shape and get
broken into small fragments. Curling is also observed around edges. It is, therefore, necessary
that utmost care should be taken in handling, preserving and transporting the charred documents
to the forensic laboratories.
Charred document can be expected in cases of accidental fire, intentional fire and arson,
insurance and financial matters and leaking of examination papers, etc.
Figure 18.1: A case of arson–Burning of important bank documents
NICFS
CHAPTER 18
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
453
18.1 Crime Scene Investigation in Case of Charred Documents
18.1.1 Crime Scene:
A place where the alleged crime/fire and arson has taken place or an effort made by an
accused to destroy the evidence through burning.
18.1.2 Crime Scene Investigation:
It is thorough inquiry of the crime by conducting systematic study of various investigative
methods. It involves recovery of physical and documentary evidence for the purpose of
identifying and arrest of perpetrators for their prosecution. Crime scene investigation shall
technically commence upon the arrival of first responder and conclude with the lifting of
security cordon and release of crime scene by IO.
18.1.3 Basic Guidelines for Carrying out Search at Scene of Crime
(i) Defining control boundaries of a SOC for protecting and securing it.
(ii) Preserving a SOC with minimum possible contamination and disturbance of any
physical clue material.
(iii) Safety and security of all persons in and around a SOC.
(iv) Taking custody of records, maintaining details of documents available or stored at the
scene of crime.
(v) Restriction on the number of persons accessing a SOC and recording their movement.
(vi) Controlling, identifying, verifying and removing persons from a SOC after proper and
self-attested recording of their details, names, addresses, contact numbers, etc.
(vii) First remove unburnt evidential documents from scene of crime and take them in
your custody.
(viii) Always photograph the document on arrival at the scene of crime, on ‘as it is and
where it is’ basis to prove in the court that these documents were actually recovered
from the scene of crime.
18.1.4 Pre-Search/Planning and Preparation to Examine Scene of Offence
Assessment of the place where search is to be conducted for collection of physical evidence.
It may be in the form of closed or open places.
NICFS
CHAPTER 18
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
454
Response to a Crime Scene
Procedure for the first police officer visiting the crime scene
(i) Call for the fire brigade.
(ii) Assistance to the injured person, if any, should be extended first.
(iii) Identification of witness and suspect.
(iv) Securing the crime scene.
(v) Documenting the condition of crime scene.
(vi) Identify and protect the documentary and material evidence.
(vii) Photography/videography of SOC.
The investigation officer visiting the crime scene subsequently should:
(i) On arrival contact the police officer who had attended the crime scene initially.
(ii) Collect evidence at crime scene.
(iii) Record statements of eye witness and suspects.
18.2 Crime Scene Kit for Collection of Evidence
(i) Forceps/flat bladed tweezers
(ii) Spatula
(iii) Cardboard boxes
(iv) Cotton
(v) Corrugated boxes
(vi) Polyvinyl acetate solution(2-3 per cent in acetone)
(vii) Sprayer
(viii) Safety gloves
(ix) Thin glass sheets
(x) High intensity light source
(xi) High resolution camera (minimum 16 megapixels)
(xii) Humidifier, if available
(xiii) Dehydrator, if available
(xiv) Marking pens of different colours
(xv) Plastic tape
(xvi) Staplers
NICFS
CHAPTER 18
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
455
18.3 General guidelines for Carrying out Search at Scene of Crime
(i) Collection of all possible, relevant and authentic information required for making
assessment about the planning and preparation for search.
(ii) Assessment of all available information for planning and preparing the correct time of
search.
18.3.1 Constituting Team Required for Handling the Crime Scene
(i) Outer cordon
(ii) Inner cordon
(iii) Search and seizure of physical clues
(iv) Rescue of victim, if any
(v) Handling of eye witnesses
(vi) Handling of suspects/accused
18.3.2 Composition of Team Members and their Role
(i) Search should be led by a senior police officer.
(ii) Role of an informant/source/identifier must be clearly identified for an operation.
(iii) The roles and responsibilities of police and non-police personnel must be clearly
defined.
18.3.3 Briefing Team Members
Members of a search team including non-police personnel should be informed on following
key points:
(i) The purpose of search
(ii) The outlines of the plan of action
(iii) The role and responsibilities of teams and its members
18.3.4 Protection and Security of SOC
The scene of crime should be protected with utmost care and precautions such as cordoning
of the area, restricting entry/exit and access to unauthorized persons, disallowing tampering of
evidence, photography and videography of the crime scene.
All telephones and mobiles must be seized.
NICFS
CHAPTER 18
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
456
18.3.5 Documentation of the Crime Scene
Location of charred documents found at the scene should be documented by way of sketching
and photography.
18.3.6 Photography of the Crime Scene
After the crime scene is secured, photography of charred document is required for their
location and neighbourhood. Close up photography of charred document using high intensity
light source and high resolution camera is also required.
18.3.7 Medical Assistance
In case of accidental fire, immediate assistance/first aid should be extended to the burnt or
injured person and then shifted to the nearest hospital for further treatment.
18.3.8 Search for Evidence
The search team should be divided into sub-teams which should systematically start searching
the place from one end to another in each room/open space depending upon the nature of a case.
Three types of evidence may be found at a SOC, namely
(i) Documentary evidence
(ii) Forensic evidence
(iii) Material evidence
18.3.9 Documentary Evidence
(i) Registers carrying details such as money
transaction, visitors, personal details of victims,
tasks assigned to people connected with the
case
(ii) Letters/memos
(iii) Marriage certificates
(iv) Contact diaries/business cards
(v) Business related registers/papers
(vi) Account related registers
(vii) Property documents
Figure 18.2: Charred document at
crime scene
Courtesy: A.K.Bapuly
NICFS
CHAPTER 18
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
457
(viii) Employment papers
(ix) Identification documents (passport, ration card, voter’s card, aadhaar card etc.)
(x) Educational documents
(xi) Bank documents
(xii) Copies of leaked examination paper
18.3.10 Material Evidence
(i) Material used for fire (fuels like kerosene/petrol/diesel, etc.)
(ii) Matchbox/lighter/electric wires, heaters, etc.
(iii) Computers, desktop, laptop, palm top floppies/CDs/pen drives
(iv) Mobile phones
(v) Video or still cameras
(vi) CCTV footage
18.4 Procedure for Handling and Transportation of Charred
Documents at the Scene of Crime
(i) Protect the crime scene.
(ii) Switch off the fans and close the windows of the room in case of indoor crime scene.
This will restrict flow of air and thereby burning of materials.
(iii) Do not disturb the container in which the document is burnt until and unless the
container is transported to the laboratory.
(iv) Stabilize the charred mass as far as possible using polyvinyl acetate in acetone
solution (2-3 per cent) by spraying it gently over the charred masses as the charred
documents are highly fragile.
(v) When there is a heap of charred mass, try to procure partially burnt documents from
the inner middle part of the heap as unburnt documents may be available due to lack
of oxygen/incomplete burning.
(vi) Do not try to remove the pages of stacks of paper. Lift them as it is. Scattered pages
should be lifted using spatula and transfer to the glass sheet. Keep cotton over it and
then transfer it to the cardboard box one by one.
(vii) Get archival plastic sheets for preserving.
NICFS
CHAPTER 18
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
458
(viii) Transport the cardboard box or corrugated box containing charred exhibits in the
middle of vehicle as there is least chance of damage in this position.
(ix) Great amount of patience is required to handle burnt or charred documents.
18.4.1 Collection and Packaging of Charred Documents
(i) At the scene of crime, charred documents can be found in the dust bins, garbage bins
in the backyard, inside the washroom or toilets, at the corner of the room, etc. In
cases of arson, charred documents can be found in drawers, cupboards, racks, on the
table or any other platform, on the floor or in the cupboard.
(ii) Close up photography of the charred document with high resolution camera should be
done on the spot.
(iii) The destructive effects of heat are often closely associated to excessive dryness as a
result, paper becomes very brittle and fragile. Not all papers can be regenerated after
suffering (mutilating) from excessive heat.
(iv) In case of wet and charred documents, transport it to a chilled storage to prevent
mould formation.
(v) To remove moisture, documents be put in dehydrator with controlled air circulation.
(vi) Documents are dried, restored and refiled.
Table 18.1: Effect of temperature on writing
18.4.2 Handling and Preservation of Charred Documents
In case the charred mass is difficult to handle, then it should be transferred to a glass sheet
pre-treated with silicon water repellent. A solution of 3 per cent polyvinyl acetate in acetone
(3 gm. polyvinyl acetate dissolved in 100 ml. of acetone) or methyl methacrylate (commercially
known as Bed acryl 40 per cent) should be sprayed on charred mass carefully. This solution
is a powerful adhesive and forms a transparent sticky layer on the document which gives
strength to the charred mass.
NICFS
CHAPTER 18
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
459
Figure 18.3: Charred document stabilized by Polyvinyl Acetate solution
(i) Charred document can be fixed either between two transparent sheets or between two
transparent glass sheets to carryout examination.
(ii) Practically all the charred documents consist of twisted fragile masses. These are
required to be separated and flattened out for further treatment. No forceful attempt
should be made to unfold the burnt papers or to flatten curled sheets.
(iii) Charred document should be kept in humidified chamber for a while in order to
replenish its moisture. This humidity treatment results in straightening of the curled
edges.
(iv) After this treatment the fragments of charred document would gain some weight to
form body and lose brittleness. These pieces may now be directly placed on the glass
plate for examination.
18.4.3 Transportation of Charred Documents
Figure 18.4: Charred documents
1. The charred pieces should be transported properly preferably
in a corrugated box whose bottom is covered with layer of cotton
and then with tissue paper to avoid any further damage.
2. To handle single burnt document, flat bladed tweezers are useful
for picking up the fragments. When only parts of whole documents
are found they may be segregated according to the area of
container in which they are found and then placed in flat boxes.
Stationary or candy boxes with top covers are very useful.
3. The charred pieces should be covered with a layer of tissue
papers. Pack cotton wool in between charred document and the
sides and bottom of the container forming a protective layer
against damage. The box is then filled with loose cotton and
followed by packing, sealing and transporting the box to the
laboratory for examination.
4. Transporting the container undisturbed to the laboratory is a
better option, wherever possible. Material of the original paper
has much to do with the fragility of the charred fragments.
NICFS
CHAPTER 18
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
460
18.5 Seizure List
The seizure list and memo must be prepared on the spot itself in the presence of two
independent witnesses. The witnesses should sign the lists and memos giving their full details
including temporary and permanent addresses/contact numbers, etc., in their own handwriting
including signatures with date.
18.6 End of Search
Before announcing formal termination of a search operation the officer-in-charge must ensure
that:
(i) Every potential witness is safely escorted to a police station with an officer deputed
for the task.
(ii) All evidence collected at a SOC is properly packed, sealed and marked.
(iii) All memos are duly filled in and all other formalities with respect to procedures
mandated by the law are completed.
18.7 Scrutiny of Evidence Collected from SOC
A thorough evaluation of the evidence collected from a SOC provides highly relevant and
useful information for the purpose of investigation including crucial information about: -
18.7.1 Accused
(i) Identity of the accused (photo, documentary record, testimony).
(ii) Information and/or details about other members (photo, documentary record, testimony).
18.7.2 Crime
(i) Items and/or description of items used for commission of crime (documents,
instruments, etc).
(ii) Nature of exploitation (record, testimony).
(iii) Modus operandi.
(iv) Commercial transaction (record, testimony).
18.8 Re-visit the Crime Scene if Required
It is possible that some pieces of charred paper or any other burnt material is lying stray in
and around the crime scene. This must be properly searched and collected for further evidence.
NICFS
CHAPTER 18
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
461
18.9 Flaws by IO
(i) Charred documents should be handled separately. In case of wet and charred documents,
moisture contents should be reduced as advised.
(ii) Transporting charred documents to a FSL after stabilizing them is a challenge for IOs
which is not taken seriously.
18.10 Plan of Investigation
A thorough scrutiny of the evidence collected from SOC provides highly relevant and useful
information for the purpose of investigation including crucial information.
A plan of investigation greatly facilitates:
(i) The process of reconstruction of the scene of crime.
(ii) Developing understanding about the sequence of events.
(iii) Collection of relevant evidence in a systematic manner.
18.11 Submission of Charge Sheet/Complaint
Depending on the offences made out in a case, either a charge sheet or a complaint should be
filed at the end of the investigation. A legal review of the charge sheet or complaint should
be obtained from the concerned Public Prosecutor before submission.
18.12 Few Cases of Charred Document
Figure 18.5: Various stages of charred documents. Some writings are visible
and legible (right) on charred document whereas the invisible writings on
completely charred documents (left) can be deciphered using IR photography
on the spot.
NICFS
CHAPTER 18
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
462
18.13 Likely Queries to be Raised (may vary from case to case)
(i) Detect and decipher the matter of the charred documents.
(ii) Is there any signature on the charred document? If yes, can it be identified?
(iii) Whether the document contains handwriting/printed or typed matter.
(iv) Whether the charred mass is a currency paper or ordinary paper.
(v) What is the size and colour of the burnt documents.
(vi) Whether the paper of the charred document is same as that of partially burned
document.
(vii) Any other observation related to the case.
Note: Specific queries would depend upon the nature of the crime and exhibits seized at crime
scene.
18.14 Relevant Sections
A instigates B to set fire to a dwelling. B, in consequence of the unsoundness of his mind,
being incapable of knowing the nature of the act, or that he is doing what is wrong or
contrary to law, sets fire to the house in consequence of A’s instigation. B has committed no
offence, but A is guilty of abetting the offence of setting fire to a dwelling, and is liable to
punishment, provided for that offence under section 108 (c).
Section 425 of the Indian Penal Code—-Mischief
425(a) X voluntarily burns a valuable security belonging to Y intending to cause wrongful
loss to Y. X has committed mischief.
NICFS
CHAPTER 18
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
463
18.15 Case Studies
Source: A.K.Bapuly, Director, FSL, Odhisa
Source: A.K.Bapuly, Director, FSL, Odhisa
Figure 18.6: Crucial documents intentionally set on fire. Partially burnt
documents can be seen
NICFS
CHAPTER 18
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
464
References
1. Albert S. Osborn, Questioned Documents, 2nd edn., Delhi,1998.
2. Ellen Ellen, Questioned Documents-Scientific Examination, Washington, 1991.
3. Jan Seaman Kelly & Brian S. Lindblom, Scientific Examination of Questioned
Document, London, 2006.
4. Ordway Hilton, Scientific Examination of Questioned Document, New York, 1982.
5. R.E. Jacobson , S.F. Ray, G.G. Attridge, N.R. Oxford, The Manual of Photography-
Photography and Digital Imaging, 9th edn, UK, 2000.
6. Wilson R. Harrison, Suspect Documents: Their Scientific Examination, Delhi Indian
Reprint, 2001.
7. Roy A. Huber & A.M. Headrick , Handwriting Identification: Facts and Fundamentals,
Washington D.C., 2000.
8. Ron N. Morris, Forensic Handwriting Identification: Fundamental Concepts and
Principles, New York, 2001.
9. Katherine M. Koppenhaver, CDE, Forensic Document Examination: Principles and
Practise, New Jersey, 2007.
10. R.B. Sharma, Forensic Science in Criminal Investigation and Trials, 4th edn, New
Delhi, 1999.
11. A.K. Bapuly, Forensic Science: Its Application in Crime Investigation, 1st edn,
Hyderabad, 2006.
NICFS
CHAPTER 19
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
465
FINGERPRINTS 19
19.1 Procedure for attending scene of crime
(i) The scene of crime requiring development of fingerprints should be kept undisturbed
and fingerprint expert is to be called for. Two independent witnesses may be identified.
(ii) On arrival of fingerprint expert with the photographer, the scene be photographed
without moving or disturbing anything. Expert examining the scene of crime should
also be photographed.
(iii) A description of the scene of crime preferably along with photograph is to be
documented.
(iv) A meticulous survey of the scene of crime in a scientific way, i.e. either clockwise or
anticlockwise direction should be made before starting the examination for prints.
(v) It is very important to observe anything unusual/disturbed. One of the most helpful
factors in criminal investigation is incongruity.
(vi) Fingerprints of the deceased, injured and the inmates should invariably be taken for
comparison and elimination.
(vii) Examination should start with strong light sources, e.g. polilight.
(viii) If prints are made on dust or by dust, it should be photographed straightaway. Any
development process may cause breaking of the ridges.
(ix) Dust prints may, however, be preserved by spraying a solution of cellulose acetate,
which after getting dried and firm may be peeled off and sandwiched between two
plastic sheets with signatures and preserved to be used as exhibits during trial.
(x) In case of blood stained prints, blood sample should be taken by the concerned expert
preferably without affecting the comparable area of the print for serological examination.
Direct photography is to be taken then.
NICFS
CHAPTER 19
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
466
(xi) Any weapon, tool for house-breaking, torch, etc., possibly left behind should also be
looked for.
(xii) The nature of the crime and the manner in which it was committed generally decide
the scope of examination for chance prints at the scene of crime.
(xiii) If the crime is a murder, the manner of committing murder may indicate the field of
search. Thus, in case of suspected poisoning, glasses, bottles, cups, saucers, spoons,
cupboard, etc., should be carefully examined for chance prints.
(xiv) If the victim was shot, fire arms, fired cartridge cases, unfired cartridges, cartridge
boxes, belts and tables where arms and ammunitions were possibly kept are to be
looked for.
(xv) If the victim was stabbed, all sharp pointed or sharp edged objects are to be examined.
All objects which may have figured in the quarrel preceding the crime or during the
commission of crime or objects used by the criminal to destroy evidence prior to or
during their flight from the scene of crime should be meticulously examined.
(xvi) In case of very old finger prints and special/complicated cases, experts from FSL/
CFSL/Finger Print Bureau may be contacted.
Figure 19.1: Chance fingerprints developed and lifted from a dish
NICFS
CHAPTER 19
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
467
19.2 Packing of Article
(i) For transit of articles for laboratory processing or photography, stout cardboard boxes
or cartons provide sufficient protection. Primary consideration of packing articles is to
safeguard the chance prints.
(ii) Articles should be labelled with particulars of offence, time and date of offence,
address where committed and officer in the case. When applying stick-on labels, care
should be taken not to obliterate or add imprints. Special kind of adhesive tapes are
also used for odd shape articles.
(iii) The necessary materials for packing should be kept available, viz., few spare boxes
of different sizes, assortment of screws and nails, corks, some pieces of corrugated
cardboard, a stick of sealing wax, rubber washers, a ball of string, circular tin lids,
and drawing pins. Cotton wool, tape, electric lamp holders of screw-on type, hammer,
saw, ruler, screwdriver, pincers, carpenter’s square and adhesive tapes.
Reference
1. Central Finger Print Bureau, National Crime Records Bureau, Ministry of Home
Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi.
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
468
DIGITAL EVIDENCE 20
Technological advancement in electronics resulted in complexity, sophistication and state-ofthe-
art in digital equipments. The low cost of digital equipments are not only attracting
common man but also criminals to use them and thus, crimes are becoming hi-tech today. A
digital media whether used to solve a crime or seized from a crime scene has to establish its
authenticity in the court whenever questioned. Digital evidence is fragile, sophisticated and
complex to understand hence the need to be handled carefully. On one hand, a properly
searched, identified and seized digital evidence in a case may lead to the conviction of
accused. On the other hand, improperly handled digital evidence may result in acquittal.
20.1 Types of Computer Frauds and Cyber Crimes
20.1.1 Computer as Target
(i) Computer and component theft
(ii) System intrusions
(iii) Software piracy
(iv) Software theft
20.1.2 Computer as Repository of Evidence
(i) Fraud and embezzlement
(ii) Narcotics trafficking
(iii) Other traditional crimes
(iv) Terrorism
20.1.3 Computer as the Tool
(i) Financial crimes
(ii) Child pornography
(iii) Solicitation of minors
(iv) Harassment and stalking
(v) Advance fee racket
(vi) Credit card fraud
(vii) Identity theft
(viii) Internet fraud
(ix) Counterfeiting
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
469
20.1.4 Crimes Due to the Use of Computers
(i) Theft of digital devices
The Common types of Cybercrimes are:
1. Hacking—A hacker is an unauthorized user who attempts to or gains access to a computer.
This is an invasion of privacy, hence, it is a crime.
2. Cyber stalking—Harassment of somebody using internet which includes false allegations,
threats, complaints, etc.
3. Spamming—Unsolicited bulk emails or commercial messages which cause damage such as
overloading of network and disrupting service to subscribers.
4. Cyber Pornography—The act of using cyberspace to create, display, distribute, import, or
publish pornography or obscene materials. Cyber pornography is a criminal offense, classified
as causing harm to persons. Section 67 of the IT Act is the most serious Indian law penalizing
cyber pornography.
5. Phishing—A kind of identity theft by process of acquiring sensitive information such as
username, passwords and credit card details by disguising as legitimate-looking website/portal.
6. Software Piracy—An illegal reproduction and distribution of software for business or
personal use. It is a type of infringement of copy right and a violation of a license agreement.
7. Embezzlement—Illegal misappropriation of anything of value including money or property
that has been entrusted to the offender’s care, custody or control is called embezzlement.
8. Money Laundering—It means, moving of illegally acquired cash through financial and other
systems so that it appears to be legally acquired. Internet banking may be one of the sources.
9. Password Sniffers—These are programmes that monitor and record the name and password
of network users as they log in, jeopardizing security at a site.
10. Spoofing—The act of disguising one computer to electronically ‘look’ like another computer,
in order to gain access to a system that is restricted.
11. Credit Card Fraud—Credit Card data is stolen from online databases or using a skimmer.
The stolen data is further used in online purchasing and payments.
12. Web Jacking—Forceful taking of control of a website by cracking the password or using
key-loggers.
13. Cyber terrorism—Violence resulted by any premeditated, politically motivated attack
against information using Internet.
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
470
Figure 20.1: Crime statistics in India (persons arrested under cyber crime during 2013)
Source: National Crime Records Bureau
20.2 The Information Technology Act, 2000 (As Amended in 2008)
(i) Tampering with computer source code: (S.65).
(ii) Hacking with computer system: (S.66).
(iii) Sending offensive or false information: (S.66A).
(iv) Receiving or retaining stolen computer resource or communication device: (S.66C).
(v) Cheating using computer, cell phone, etc.: (S.66D).
(vi) Capturing transmitting or publishing the image of a private area: (S.66E).
(vii) Cyber terrorism: (S.66F).
(viii) Publishing transmitting information which is obscene in electronic form: (S.67).
(ix) Publication and transmission of data containing sexually explicit act or conduct: (S.67A).
(x) Child pornography: (S.67B).
(xi) Penalty for misrepresentation: (S.71).
(xii) Penalty for breach of confidentiality and privacy: (S.72).
(xiii) Punishment for disclosure of information in breach of contract: ( S.72A).
(xiv) Punishment for publishing digital signature certificate false in certain particulars:
(S.73), (S.74.) and (S.75.).
(xv) Intermediaries not to be liable in certain cases: (S.79).
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
471
Table 20.1: Persons arrested under cyber crimes (IT and IPC sections) by age groups during
2013 (India)
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
472
Source: <http://ncrb.gov.in/CD-CII2013/CII13-TABLES/Table%2018.5.pdf> Statistics–National
Crime Records Bureau
20.3 Search Logistics
20.3.1 Considerations at Crime Scene
At crime scene be sure to consider the following:
(a) Layout: What is the layout of the location to be searched? What is the best way to
approach the location under search? What are the potential escape routes? Are there any
nearby structures that might pose security risks or contain evidence?
(b) Potential for Occupant Resistance: Do not assume that persons inside the place do not
pose a potential physical threat to those executing the search just because computers are
the focus of the search. Be sure to identify any potential threats before conducting any
search.
(c) Computer Network Design: Gather information whether one or more than one computer
exists. Whether networking exists, if yes, any server connected outside may be verified.
(d) Potential for Additional Searches: Are the computers likely connected to remote shares
or networks? Does the legal process that permitted you to search this location allow
searching another location once it is identified?
(e) Managing Search Team: The IO must be specific about the team, what it can do and
what it cannot do at the scene of crime. The IO may assign following roles to his team
members.
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
473
Table 20.2: Roles of Crime Scene Search Team
20.4 Pre-Search Considerations
Digital evidence: Any electronic evidence which can be stored and retrieved for demonstration
in the court room.
20.4.1 Classification of Digital Evidences:
(i) Volatile: Digital evidence which remains in the digital media till it is powered.
Volatile digital evidence vanishes as soon as the power supply is removed from the
storage device, e.g. Random Access Memory (RAM) Data, virtual drives.
(ii) Non-Volatile: A type of digital evidence which remains in the digital storage media
even after the power is removed from the non-volatile digital storage media. Examples:
Hard disk, CD/DVD, floppy, pendrive, multimedia card, mobile, tablets (PC), PDA, etc.
20.5 Aim of Analysis of Digital Evidence
(i) To retrieve the information from the suspect digital media.
(ii) To prove in the court room that the information gathered from the suspect digital
media is in it’s original form without any tempering.
(iii) Link the digital evidence with crime scene and with the accused person.
20.6 Important Steps at Scene of Crime
(i) Search of digital evidence
(ii) Identification of digital evidence
(iii) Seizure of digital evidence
(iv) Maintain the chain of custody during transportation of digital evidence.
(v) Search for physical evidence.
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
474
20.7 Crime Scene Kit
(i) Crime scene securing tapes
(ii) Digital camera
(iii) Extra batteries
(iv) Video camera
(v) Note/sketch pads
(vi) Blank sterile storage media: Portable USB hard disks and pen drives.
(vii) Labels
(viii) Pens, permanent markers
(ix) Storage containers
(x) Anti-static bags
(xi) Faraday bags
(xii) Anti-static wand to earth static charge of human body
(xiii) Line tester to check leakage of current in the chassis of computer
(xiv) Toolkit containing screwdrivers (non-magnetic), pliers, forceps, scissors, clips, pins,
cutters, etc.
(xv) Soft brush to remove dust from electronic parts in CPU chassis
(xvi) Torch and magnifying lens
(xvii) Rubber gloves
(xviii) Incident Response Toolkit (software)
(xix) Sterilized Storage Media: Hard disk and pendrives
(xx) Converter / Adapter: SATA to USB, IDE to USB, SCSI to USB
(xxi) Write Blocker : USB, SATA, IDE, SCSI
(xxii) Boot Software – used to start a computer for imaging and /or analysis without
making changes to the existing hard disk files
(xxiii) Forensic imaging software
(xxiv) Tools to collect volatile data, viz., Win32DD, Win64DD, FTK Imager, Crypt Hunter,
etc., (freeware tools, integrity may be verified by comparing hash value available on
company / developer website)
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
475
IDE Source
Hard Disk
Connector Write Blocker
IDE Host Hard
Disk Connector
High Speed Hard Disk Imaging
Device
SATA to IDE Adapter
Wrist wand
Connect with CPU
Chassis (unpainted
portion)
Figure 20.2: Tools used for Forensic
Imaging
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
476
20.8 How to Begin Search by First Responder
(i) Ensure you have authority to search.
(ii) Ensure you have permission to seize.
(iii) Ensure you have the appropriate power backup.
(iv) Ensure your tools are ready as per the Crime Scene Kit.
(v) Collect information regarding the role of computer in crime from complainant, witnesses
and informants.
(vi) Gather information about the suspect’s educational qualifications particularly in
computer.
(vii) Gather information whether a standalone or networked computer is involved in crime.
(viii) Prepare a comprehensive plan of action.
(ix) Decide the time when to raid the scene of crime to search.
(x) Decide what to seize.
20.9 Identification
20.9.1 Types of Exhibits
(i) Volatile Data
(a) Data in RAM
(b) Mounted virtual drives
(ii) Non-Volatile Data
(a) Internal hard disk
(b) USB portable hard disk
(c) Flash/pen/thumb drive
(d) Data storage card
(e) SD card/micro SD card
(f) CD-R/CD-RW/DVD/blue-ray disc
(g) Magnetic tapes (used for data backup in servers)
(iii) Other Devices and Peripherals
(a) Printer
(b) Scanner
(c) Camera
(d) USB portable Read-Write Drives : ROM/DVD burner/floppy drives.
(e) USB portable card reader/writer.
(f) FAX machines
(g) Ipod
(h) Mobile phones
(i) Tablets
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
477
20.9.2 Potential Digital Evidences (Storage Media)
CD/DVD
USB Portable Hard Disk inside Case
Mobile Phone as a storage media
with Pre-loaded Encryption and
Security Wipe softwares
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
478
USB Pen Drive A USB Wi-Fi Adaptor A USB software Dongle
IDE Connector Jumper Settings
Master/Slave/Cable Select
Power Supply
Connector
SCSI Connector Jumper Settings
Master/Slave/Cable Select
Power Supply
Connector
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
479
External USB Card Reader
Mobiles and Tablet
IMEI number inside a mobile
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
480
Cannot write
in lock mode
Data Storage Card (Non-Volatile data) Micro SD Card
(Non-Volatile data)
Micro SD card slot
SIM slot
Wireless USB data router
bearing IMEI number and
serial number of the device
Modified SIM with its adapter
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
481
If a computer is already switched off, use Pin or Gem Clip to open
ROM drive of the computer to check /remove DVD/CD disc.
Do not switch on already switched off computer
20.10 Documentation
☞ If you did not write it down, it did not happen
Crime scene documentation is a very important step of investigation. It is important to record
the physical arrangement of computers and peripheral and other evidences accurately. Sketch
the crime scene with scale. Record statements of all those present at the crime scene including
suspect. Use voice recorder to record statements, if possible. Photography (or videography, if
possible) is the best source to sketch/reconstruct the SOC.
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
482
20.10.1 Computer System Data Recording Form
(Prototype —Form A)
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
483
20.10.2 Seizure Note
(Prototype—Form B)
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
484
20.11 Document the Chain of Custody
Ensure that the evidence chain of custody is well documented and protected during all phases
of evidence collection.
20.11.1 Authenticity of the Digital Evidence
(i) Make forensic image
(ii) Verify by hash values of all digital information
(iii) Preserve digital information as originally acquired.
(iv) Use write blockers
(v) Note CD-ROMs with serial number
20.11.2 Security of Digital Evidence
(i) Logging of all actions must be part of the documentation
(ii) Describe possession of data, equipment, data carriers etc.
(iii) Use dedicated forms for documentation (Reference 20.10.1 and 20.10.2)
(iv) Have written statements of the company to declare the seized digital information is in
its original state
☞ Remember that entire sources of evidence can be invalid in a legal proceeding if the
evidence chain of custody is faulty.
20.12 Seizure of Digital Evidence
Once digital evidence is identified, it should be seized by First Responder/IO using appropriate
forensic tools. Seizure of evidence involves creating a digital fingerprint of the data by
calculating hash value of the suspect storage media at SOC so that any tempering with digital
data, after seizure to court room can be detected. It is also recommended that forensic image
of suspect hard disk should be made at SOC and hash value of both suspect and forensic
image should be computed.
Acquisition of data is the process of acquiring data by making a forensic image of suspect
storage media. A preferably new sterile hard disk should be used for making the image.
Always use higher capacity hard disk for forensic imaging purpose.
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
485
20.12.1 How Digital Evidence is to be Handled by IO from SOC to FSL
In the case of digital evidence also IO has to provide:
(i) Physical storage media, e.g. USB, CD, DVD, hard disk, etc. (Note: If you open any file
without using write blocker, time stamping will change and that would amount to
tempering of the evidence contents hence strictly avoid this). The new physical
storage media may be a permanent sterile storage media. In case a used hard disk is
taken as physical media for storage of alleged information, it is necessary to wipe off
the previous data from this hard disk.
(ii) Immediately after transfer of data image to the new physical media as per FLOW
CHART OF DATA ACQUISITION AND IMAGING, Figure 20.3., the first thing is to
give number to this new physical media (i.e. evidence/exhibit number).
(iii) The second thing for an IO to perform is to give a ‘unique number’ to the contents
of the physical storage media duly computed through Hash Algorithm, i.e. in terms of
hash value.
(iv) In order to give a ‘unique number’ to the contents of the physical media the IO
should transfer the alleged data to a new sterile permanent storage media as soon as
possible, as per FLOW CHART OF DATA ACQUISITION AND IMAGING,
Figure 20.3.
(v) Unique identification number to the contents of the physical media can be given by
use of a software called Hash Algorithm. [Unique identification number is software
generated fixed length number. Though it is a randomly generated number but it does
not change if read in any computer.] This number should be mentioned in panchnama
to authenticate the evidence subsequently.
(vi) Seizure and acquisition will be over if the hash value of evidence in original marked
as N1 and its imaged copies marked as N2, N3 and N4 are all same. [Refer to
Figure 20.3]
(vii) Finally, the seizure memo is to be prepared as follows and evidence is sent to FSL
after proper packaging and sealing along with seizure memo.
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
486
20.12.1.1 Seizure Memo
(PROTOTYPE-FORM C)
Figure 20.3: Data acquisition and imaging
1. Name of Investigator :
2. Rank of Investigator:
3. Police Station :
4. Crime Number :
5. Seizure Memo Number :
6. Place of Seizure :
7. Time of Seizure :
8. Suspect Name :
9. Address :
10. Name of Witness-1
11. Address :
12. Name of Witness-1
13. Address :
14. Evidence File Name:
15. Signature of Investigating Officer
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
487
20.12.2 Seizure of a Powered ‘ON’ Computer
(i) Photograph the screen.
(ii) Collect volatile data as per data in Table 20.5.
(iii) Collect data present in the ‘RAM’ of the computer.
(iv) Check for virtual drives: If yes, collect logical copies of mounted data.
(v) Label all connections and ports.
(vi) Photograph them.
(vii) Disable network connectivity to prevent remote access.
(viii) Disconnect the power/shutdown (as per decision making table 8.1).
(ix) Open CPU chassis to locate Hard Disk and disconnect it.
(x) Seize and package all evidence in bags.
(xi) Tag/label each bag.
(xii) Transport evidences to forensic laboratory.
(xiii) Maintain chain of custody.
20.12.3 Seizure of a Powered ‘Off’ Computer
(i) Photograph the screen.
(ii) Label all ports connecting peripherals/external devices.
(iii) Photograph them.
(iv) Open CPU chassis to locate hard disk.
(v) Collect non-volatile data, i.e. storage media (including, e.g. data storage cards, pen
drives, etc.) to be seized with hash value.
(vi) Collect peripherals and software CDs/DVDs.
(vii) Seize and package all evidence in bags.
(viii) Tag/label each bag.
(ix) Transport evidences to forensic laboratory.
(x) Maintain chain of custody.
20.12.4 Also Seize in Addition to Digital Evidence
To assist with the examination:
(i) Manuals and computer software.
(ii) Paper with passwords.
(iii) For comparison of printouts: printers, printouts and printer paper.
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
488
20.13 Collection of Digital Evidence
Figure 20.4: Inside a CPU chassis
Switch Mode Power Supply
(does not contain any data)
CD/DVD drive may contain disc
(Non-Volatile data)
Floppy drive may contain
floppy disc (Non-Volatile data)
Hard Disk (Non-Volatile Data)
Battery for CMOS clock of the
computer
RAM (Volatile Data)
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
489
Figure 20.5: Rear side of a CPU chassis
SMPS Socket
Parallel Port DB-25
(25Pin) socket
LAN Port RJ45
PS/2 Port to connect
keyboard/mouse
Serial Port RS232
(9 pin)
VGA Port
USB Port
Firewire Port
Audio/MIC Sockets
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
490
Figure 20.6: Search, seizure and transportation of electronic evidence
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
491
Figure 20.7: Steps for Imaging of a suspect hard disk
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
492
Figure 20.8: Steps for the seizure of mobile phone
Table 20.3: Precautions to be followed at the time of seizure of mobile phone
20.14 Photography at Crime Scene: (Especially Collection of Evidence)
(i) Ensure that memory card of camera use for photography does not contain remnants of
other crime scene.
(ii) Ensure to have extra batteries and memory cards.
(iii) Photograph crime scene from all angles including all corners and center. Use wide
angle lens.
(iv) Do not use flash light while photographing screen of a computer.
(v) Label all items which you are going to be seized.
(vi) Photograph items with label.
(vii) Use close-up photography to capture each and every detail of individual item.
(viii) Note serial number, make, model, item description and purpose of seizure (whether
contains volatile data, non-volatile data or any other physical evidence, viz., fingerprint,
blood, etc.).
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
493
Figure 20.9: Collection of evidences from simulated SOC
20.15 Decision Making Tables
Table 20.4: Decision making table: (Operating system and required action)
Disconnect power supply, in case of laptop, remove the battery
Table 20.5: Decision making table: Data acquisition
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
494
Table 20.6: Decision making table: Compatibility of forensic tools with operating software
Table 20.7: Decision making table: Blank screen-whether computer is actually off
P
Table 20.8: Decision making table: To know Operating System in case a computer is ‘on’
☞Remember ‘OFF LED’ does not mean that equipment is in switched off condition. (The LED
may be faulty)
☞ Do not ‘switch on’ already ‘switched off’ computer.
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
495
Table 20.9: Decision making table: Potential evidence in computer
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
496
Table 20.10: Potential evidence related to mobile devices
20.16 What should be seized?
20.16.1Aim of Seizure
(i) Exhibit should be preserved in safe custody to avoid any tempering in it.
(ii) Some information can be gathered or confirmed from the digital
device/storage media only in the forensic laboratory.
(iii) Reconstruction of criminal activity from seized exhibits.
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
497
20.16.2 What should be taken?
1. Hard Disk
2. Any external expansion units or cards
3. All connecting leads
4. Dongles, if any
5. Power adaptors of laptops and peripherals
6. External backup devices such as jaz, zip and tape drives
7. Printers with output documents
8. Modems with telephone memory
9. FAX units with memory and its printouts
10. Scanners with power adaptor and connecting cable
11. PCMCIA cards and leads
12. External hard disk with connecting leads
13. CD/DVD
14. Backup tapes
15. Personal Organizers
16. Palmtops
17. Tablets/Phablets
18. Mobile phones
19. Landline telephones with storage
20. Dictating machines and tapes
21. Printers, Scanners
20.17 Some of the Sample Queries
(i) Whether the suspect hard disk (or pen drive) contains any deleted text file on specific
dates relevant to this case, if yes retrieve the contents of the file or otherwise.
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
498
(ii) Whether the suspect hard disk (or pen drive) contains any renamed file on specific
dates relevant to this case, if yes what was the original file and what are the
contents of file or otherwise.
(iii) Whether the suspect hard disk (or pen drive) contains any password protected file of
specific dates relevant to this case, if yes what are contents of the file or otherwise.
(iv) Whether the suspect storage media contains any pornographic photo or video relevant
to this case, if yes what are the contents of the file or otherwise.
(v) Whether the suspect storage media contains any scanned image of banknote or
security document relevant to this case, if yes what are the contents of the file or
otherwise.
(vi) Whether the suspect hard disk (or pen drive) contains any spreadsheet file modified
on specific dates relevant to this case, if yes what are the contents of the file or
otherwise.
(vii) Whether the suspect hard disk contains email message(s) sent or received relevant to
this case, if yes what are the contents of the file or otherwise.
(viii) Whether the suspect hard disk contains chat logs relevant to this case, if yes what are
the contents of the logs or otherwise.
(ix) Whether the suspect hard disk contains any data relevant to this case.
☞ Specific queries would depend upon the nature of crime and exhibit seized from the scene of
crime.
20.18 Packaging of Digital Evidence
(i) Remove all connections.
(ii) Make sure CD/DVD ROM drives are empty.
(iii) Use Gem Clip or pin to open ROM drive.
(iv) In case of multiple computer systems, label each CPU system along with
their keyboard, mouse and attached peripherals in order to reconstruct the scene as
found.
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
499
Figure 20.10: Steps for packaging a digital evidence-hard disk
Step 1: Suspect Hard disk Step 2: Wrap in antistatic
envelope
Step 3: Wrap in bubble wrap
envelope
Step 4: Place in inner clothing/
laminated paper envelope. Fill
information in self-adhesive
labels and affix on envelope
along with instructions.
Step 5: Seal the envelope Sample seal impression
(v) Magnetic storage media should be packed in antistatic packaging plastic bags with bubble wraps.
(vi) Containers use to hold evidences including connecting wires should be properly labelled.
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
500
20.19 Transport and Preservation of IT Equipment
Preservation: The original digital evidence should be placed in secure storage to prevent it
from getting altered or tampered. An image copy should be stored into appropriate media or
reliable mass storage. Optical media can be used as the mass storage.
Do’s and Don’ts
For hard
20.20 Precautions
(i) Always use a good quality line tester to check any leakage of current to the equipment
chassis.
(ii) Use anti-static wand while opening chassis of a switched off CPU unit. Static charge
of human body is sufficient to damage CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semi-
Conductor) chips of the equipment.
(iii) Do not use aluminium powder for lifting finger prints from digital equipment as it is
good conductor of electricity. It can damage the equipment circuit.
(iv) Always use soft brush to remove dust from the electronic parts inside the CPU unit.
(v) Never boot a computer with its original hard disk, if it is already off.
(vi) Data collected should be stored only on external USB portable Hard disk/pen drive.
(vii) Do not remove any part of digital equipment forcefully.
(viii) While collecting volatile data from a ‘switched on’ computer use your own tools
from a trusted command prompt. Never log into a compromised system as root.
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
501
(ix) Do not switch on suspect computer which is already switched off.
(x) Before seizure of a computer ensure that drives/ports/slots do not contain any suspect
storage media, viz., CD/DVD disc, floppy, multimedia cards , SD cards, etc.
(xi) Ensure that CPU chassis seized contains suspect hard disk.
(xii) Before seizure of a mobile phone always check number of SIM present in it.
(xiii) In case of a modified SIM don’t forget to seize SIM adapter, if available.
20.21 Some Cases in India Related to Digital Evidence Analysis
Source: http://indiankanoon.org
Source: http://indiankanoon.org
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
502
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
503
Source: http://indiankanoon.org
Source: http://indiankanoon.org
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
504
Source: http://indiankanoon.org
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
505
Source: http://indiankanoon.org
NICFS
CHAPTER 20
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
506
References
1. Albert J. Marcella & Jr. Doug Menedez, Cyber Forensics : A Field Manual For
Collecting, Examining, and Preserving Evidence of Computer Crimes, Florida, 2008.
2. Thomas A. Johnson, CRC Taylor & Francis, Forensic Computer Crime
Investigation, Florida, 2006.
3. Bill Nelson, Amelia Phillips and Christopher Steuart, Guide to Computer Forensics
and Investigations, Cengage Learning, 2010.
4. Eoghan Casey, Handbook of Computer Crime Investigation: Forensic Tools and
Techniques, 2004.
5. <http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/cooperation/economiccrime/cybercrime/Documents/
Electronic%20Evidence%20Guide/2467_EEG_v18_short.pdf>29.11.2014
6. <http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/assets/uploads/files/ACPO_guidelines_computer_evidence
[1].pdf>28/11/2014
7. <http://booksite.elsevier.com/9780123742681/Chapter_20_Final.pdf> 29/11/2014
8. <http://www.iaac.org.uk/media/1347/iaac-forensic-4th-edition.pdf> 29/11/2014
9. <http://www.internationalcompetitionnetwork.org/uploads/library/doc627.pdf> 29/11/2014
10. <https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/199408.pdf>29/11/2014
11. <http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij>29/11/2014
12. <http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/SimplifiedGuideDigitalEvidence.pdf>30/11/2014
13. <http://ncrb.gov.in/CD-CII2013/CII13-TABLES/Table%2018.5.pdf>29/11/2014
14. <http://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/cci/reference/peb_18.pdf>30/11/2014
15. <http://indiankanoon.org>30/11/2014
16. Identification & Seizure of Digital Evidence - Participant Guide, U.S. Department of
State, Office of Antiterrorism Assistance, 2010
NICFS
CHAPTER 21
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
507
IMAGE ANALYSIS (CCTV FOOTAGE) 21
Closed circuit television (CCTV) is a valuable device used to capture video images round the
clock and may have valuable and relevant evidence in crime investigation. Images can be used
to help to identify the suspect(s), show the actions of someone at a scene, or indicate areas/
spots where presence of an individual can be ascertained. Electronic data from CCTV systems
plays a vital role in the investigation, so should be treated as priority evidence. Due to its
value in the evidentiary process, it is imperative that Law Enforcement agencies recognize its
potential value for intelligence and security matters so need to collect Video and/or Images
from CCTV system accurately.
CCTV data retrieval is the collection of relevant video data, image data and associated
metadata from a video recording system. CCTV information may exist at the crime scene, at
nearby locations and/or at a remote off-site location. While dealing with such evidences
general forensic principles and standard process should be applied for collecting, packaging
and transporting the CCTV data.
This chapter is intended to provide the standard operating procedures for the CCTV data
retrieval, to be used for forensic examination and analysis.
21.1 Relevant Sections of Various Legislative Acts
The following sections are applicable for electronic record evidences including video contents
obtained from CCTV. For details the quoted sections may please be referred to.
Information Technology Act, 2000
Section 2: Definitions 2. (1). (t) ‘electronic record’.
Section 3: 3. (2) ‘Authentication of electronic records’.
Section 4: ‘Legal recognition of electronic records’.
Section 79A: The Central Government may for the purposes of providing expert opinion on
electronic form of evidence.
NICFS
CHAPTER 21
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
508
The Indian Evidence Act, 1872
Section 65A: Special provisions as to evidence relating to electronic record. The contents of
electronic records may be proved in accordance with the provisions of section 65B.
Section 65B: Admissibility of electronic records to be a document is subject to certain
conditions of computer output and certificate, (may refer to relevant provisions of the Indian
Evidence Act, 1872).
Section 45A: Opinion of examiner of electronic evidence.
The Criminal Procedure Code (Cr. P.C.)
Section 29A: ‘Electronic record’- Same as in clause (t) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the
Information Technology Act, 2000.
21.2 Types of Digital Video Recording System (DVRs)
CCTV system, also called Digital Video Recording System (DVRs), found in residential,
commercial or governmental institutions may include two major types:
(i) Stand-alone digital video recorder
(ii) PC based digital video recorder
21.3 Equipments Required
To enable retrieval from a variety of systems that will be encountered, a range of equipment
is recommended. The following is a suggested list of equipment that should permit video data
retrieval from the most commonly encountered system.
(i) Laptop with CD/DVD writable drives, USB ports, fire wire ports, wireless access,
media card reader (multi-format), USB floppy drive, four port network switch/hub.
(ii) External CD/DVD writeable drive – USB/SCSI/fire wire.
(iii) USB and fire wire storage devices in multiple sizes.
(iv) Hard drives of suitable memory capacity.
(v) Cables to include: Network cables (crossover cable and straight patch cable), composite
and s-video cables, as well as RCA to BNC adapters, audio cables (RCA, stereo, and
mono mini) USB cables, fire wire cables (i-Link, 400, 800), power cables, and
extension cords.
NICFS
CHAPTER 21
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
509
(vi) Write blockers (IDE, Fire wire).
(vii) Blank Media (CD-R, DVD-R, DVD-R, DVD-Ram, CD-RW, DVD-RW, DVD+RW).
(viii) Blank compact flash cards in varying sizes.
(ix) Video monitor, still camera with extra film or media.
(x) Toolkit containing: Flashlight, mirror, assorted screwdrivers, pens, permanent marker
(appropriate for marking media).
(xi) Digital/analog video recorder.
(xii) Appropriates forms (chain of custody, notes, consent).
(xiii) Appropriate evidence packaging bags (anti-static bags).
21.4 Police as First Responder at the Crime Scene
(i) Notes should be kept with details of the methods used and steps taken.
(ii) Check if a manual of the device is available to assist with system information (e.g.
password, output options).
(iii) Establish that relevant video has been recorded by reviewing the recording. (Preferably,
a person with knowledge of the recording device should operate it during playback to
avoid accidental deletion).
(iv) Determine the earliest recorded data. This will determine approximately how much
time you have to retrieve the data before the system begins to overwrite it.
(v) Determine if retrieval can be performed by the venue owner/security system’s operator.
(vi) Determine if the CCTV installer company or a trained operator is available to assist
in the retrieval.
21.5 Documentation: Pre-evidence Collection
Before collecting electronic data from the system, following information should be documented:
(i) Photograph the system and its components.
(ii) Sketch the camera, system placement and position.
(iii) Make, model and serial number of Digital Video Recorder (DVR).
(iv) Whether system is PC based or stand-alone embedded.
(v) Whether system is networked.
NICFS
CHAPTER 21
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
510
(vi) Recording capacity of the system and overwriting.
(vii) Number of camera(s) installed and number of camera(s) active.
(viii) Make and model of each camera.
(ix) System password, if any.
(x) Date and time displayed by the system.
(xi) Actual current time and date.
(xii) System setting
a. Image quality
b. Frames/picture per second
c. Recorded image/frame size
d. Number of hard disk and storage capacity.
(xiii) Playback software name and version.
(xiv) Password of software to open the concerned file, if any.
(xv) Scene information: Address, operation hours, CCTV system installer’s contact details.
(xvi) Remove network cable, if necessary.
(xvii) Determine the native/proprietary file format of the system.
(xviii) Determine best method for retrieval.
(xix) Other information of importance.
21.5.1 Retrieving of the CCTV Images Data
(i) Determine the amount of data needed to be retrieved from the CCTV recording
system.
(ii) Perform a test retrieval to assess time and size of the data to be retrieved.
(iii) Decide the best method of retrieval based on ‘Retrieval Test’.
(iv) Consult administrator to prioritize collection of the native/raw video file.
(v) Use ‘Write-once’ and not ‘Multi-session’ mode CD-R or DVD-R media for recording.
(a) Use only Write-once CD-R or DVD-R for creating master evidence/copy.
(b) Verify the retrieved file(s) for proper dates and times and for proper playback.
NICFS
CHAPTER 21
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
511
(c) Consult experts, if facing difficulty in creating master evidence, in subsequent playback
and to verify the correctness of recording.
(d) Call for expert advice in case hard drive removal appears only solution.
(e) Document the drive configuration and shut down the system before removing hard
disk.
(f) Prepare a cloned hard drive of the original hard disk by ‘bit-by-bit’ duplication.
(g) Check original/duplicate drive using a write blocker on another computer.
21.5.2 Handling of Evidence
(i) Collected evidence should be checked for integrity as per Evidence Act 65A and 65B.
(ii) Detailed notes and course of actions taken should be documented.
(iii) Ensure the evidence are packed and sealed appropriately before transportation (refer
to the Chapter number 2).
21.6 End of Search and Collection
Before leaving the scene, ensure that:
(i) All necessary documentation has been completed.
(ii) All required video data have been collected.
(iii) The retrieved video data plays back correctly on another system, and that the proper
dates and times were retrieved.
(iv) The proprietary playback software, network viewer, backup player, and/or archive
software have been collected/retrieved.
(v) The recording system has been returned to its original state and verified as operational.
(vi) If removing the recording system, ensure that all necessary peripherals have been
collected.
21.7 Forwarding of Evidence Material
The exhibits requiring forensic examination and expert opinion are sent to the designated
laboratory in strong and sturdy packaging and in sealed condition along with duly filled in
forwarding proforma (FSL/CFSL form), specimen seal impression, and other relevant documents
useful for the laboratory examination (for details check Chapter no. 2).
NICFS
CHAPTER 21
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
512
21.8 Queries
(i) Whether video recording is in continuity or otherwise.
(ii) Whether the photograph of the person in exhibit is seen present in the video footages
in exhibit.
(iii) To provide authorized judicial edited copy of relevant video recording.
(iv) To enhance the image of the vehicle identification registration number at relevant
point (to be specified by the IO).
(v) To provide video frame image at specified point of time.
(vi) Whether the device is networked, if networked, take note of the IP address.
21.9 Special Considerations
(i) Do not change the time and date on the DVR system.
(ii) It is recommended not to install any additional software on the DVR system. If
absolutely necessary to install additional software contact the manufacturer.
(iii) If requisite video data seems to be over written check the same from back up.
(iv) Administrator/engineer access to the DVR usually allows more options for retrieval,
including native/proprietary files.
(v) On the system where the time/date stamp can be moved, ensure that this overlay does
not obscure critical events.
(vi) In case systems allow to auto copy the proprietary playback viewer while retrieving
the video data. This should always be done when available. If the system does not
allow this, steps should be taken to retrieve the correct version required for playback/
viewing.
(vii) Ensure that the frame rate upon retrieval is as near to the recorded frame rate as
possible.
(viii) Working copies may be produced from the master evidence.
(ix) The data should be transferred from compact flash card to permanent memory system
for further examination as soon as possible.
References
1. http://www.cttso.gov/sites/default/files/DCCTV-PocketGuide-v1-final.pdf.
NICFS
CHAPTER 21
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
513
2. The Information Technology Act 2000 as amended in 2004.
3. Laboratory Procedure Manual, Forensic Physics, Directorate of Forensic Science,
Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi, 2005.
4. The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 as amended by the Indian Evidence (Amendment ) Act,
2002.
5. Michael B. Mukasey, Jeffrey L. Sedgwick and David W. Hagy Electronic Crime Scene
Investigation: A Guide for First Responders, 2nd edn.,National Institute of Justice,
Washington, 2004.
6. C.P. Singh et al., Guidelines for Collection of Physical Evidence: Delhi, Physics
Division, Forensic Science Laboratory, Delhi, 2013.
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
514
ROAD ACCIDENTS 22
India has the largest number of road accidents in the world. More than one lakh people die
in road accidents in a year and the average number of deaths per day is more than 300,
meaning thereby that more than ten persons die every hour.
According to the Crime Statistics Compendium Report 2013 by National Crime Records
Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India, the percentage share of accidental deaths
during 2013 by road vehicle accidents contributed to 34.3 per cent of the total accidental
death of 4,00,517 persons in India. The deaths of 1, 37,423 persons in 2013 were mainly from
road traffic accidents. The accidental death from road traffic accidents remained almost in the
consistent range in the preceding years, viz. 2012, 2011, and 2010 in India. The NCRB report
(2013) reveals further that 34,187 persons (24.9 per cent) riding on two-wheelers, 24,081
(17.5 per cent) were occupants of truck/lorry, 14,803 (10.8 per cent ) were travelling in car
and 12,055 (8.8 per cent) were killed while travelling in buses.
There is no uniform data collection formats for road accident investigation in the country.
Most of the victims of the road accidents are poor people walking on the road or riding on
bicycles/scooters. As a result the investigation is delayed consequently and the victim and
dependents suffer heavily.
The purpose of this chapter therefore, is to provide guidance and procedures for police
investigating officers for safe and efficient methods of search, identification, collection,
packaging and transportation of evidences from scene in road accidents investigations.
This chapter also details the formats and annexure prescribed by High court of Delhi for
collection of requisite data available at the crime scene in respect of Modified Claims
Tribunal Agreed (MCTA) Procedure in road accident claims.
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
515
22.1 The Indian Penal Codes Sections Relating to Road Accidents
The following IPC’s Sections are punishable with imprisonment and/or fine causing loss and/
or damages to the property and life involved in the road accident cases. For details, the
following IPC’s quote sections may be referred to.
(i) Section 279: Rash driving or riding on a public way.
(ii) Section 304A: Causing death by negligence.
(iii) Section 337: Causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others.
(iv) Section 338: Causing grievous hurt by an act endangering life or personal safety of
others.
(v) Section 427: Mischief by causing damage to property of the amount of Rs. 50.
22.1.1 Road Accident: Collision
In general, a road accident collision can be described by the following types:
(i) Vehicle to vehicle
(ii) Vehicle to bicycle/rickshaw (2 or 3 wheels—no motor)
(iii) Vehicle to object
(iv) Collision with pedestrian
(v) Single-vehicle incident
(vi) Hit and run
22.2 Police as First Responder at the Accident Scene-Duties and
Responsibilities
The essential functions and tasks required to be executed by the first IO deputed at the road
accident site are:
(i) Arrive promptly at the scene. Find specifics, i.e. nature of collision, time and location,
number of vehicles involved, severity, and traffic congestion and take remedial actions.
Contact the control room and intimate the resources needed at the scene. This
includes ambulance, designated IO, relevant evidence collection kits and the safety
equipments.
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
516
(ii) Arrange medical assistance including ambulance. Note the position of all victims.
(iii) Actions to protect property and preserve evidence.
(iv) Check the driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance of persons and
vehicles in accident.
(v) Delineate the search area using rope and traffic cones. Make passage/divert traffic to
an alternative route. Identify the damages and witnesses. Record statements of potential
witnesses. Identify and protect transient physical evidence. Keep away unauthorized
personnel. Document the scene.
(vi) In case of a serious accident causing heavy loss of life and property, consult experts
for advice and their services for evidence collection.
22.3 Evidence Collection Kits and Packing Materials
(i) First aid kits and personal protective
equipment.
(ii) Crime scene barricade tapes and traffic
cones,
(iii) High pixel digital camera (35mm) with
flash and photographic scale.
(iv) Measuring tape, compass, chalk,
directional marker.
(v) Plastic bags, plastics and card board containers, vials, small bottles or other containers
of suitable size.
(vi) Exhibit tags, permanent markers, sketch paper.
(vii) Magnifying glass.
(viii) Surface gradient measuring devices.
(ix) Surgical knife with clean blades.
(x) Knives, box cutter, scalpel, scissors and tweezers/forceps.
(xi) High intensity lights.
(xii) Presumptive blood alcohol test kits.
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
517
22.4 Search Method for Physical Evidences from the Scene
(i) Search from the general to the specific for evidence and wear gloves to avoid
contamination and leaving fingerprints.
(ii) Involve specialists during evidence search and collection especially for fingerprints
and trace materials, evidence in vehicles involved in the accident.
(iii) Encircle evidence on the scene using chalk and evidence tag and log the nature of
exhibits and place where found.
(iv) Photograph (close and wide angle lens) all items before collection.
(v) Record source and location, how and when for each exhibit collected.
(vi) Do not handle evidence excessively after recovery.
(vii) Seal all evidence packages at the crime scene before the witness.
22.5 Photograph Accident as Evidence
(i) Photograph and videograph details of the scene for evidence purposes. Photographs
be marked and authenticated as true and unaltered.
(ii) Mark photograph number (for e.g.-1/10); date and time of the photograph.
(iii) Maintain log of photographs that includes the name, location, position from where
taken, and camera details.
(iv) Each close-up photograph must have a L-shape scale.
(v) Identify name and signature of the photographer, rank and I.D. number, case FIR
number (if available), police station etc.
22.5.1 Photographing the Road
Figure 22.1: 1. Tyre marks; 2. Skid marks; 3. Yaw mark
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
518
(i) Essential photographs include the accident scene. This includes complete scene of the
road such as signs, signals, control devices, and components involved in the accident.
(ii) Take more than one photograph keeping in view the seriousness and size of the
accident scene. The accident scene should be photographed in the aerial photography
mode. The sequences of the evidences at the scene should be photographed in
overlapping manner.
(iii) Photograph road view approaching the scene. It includes the first harmful event such
as pits, holes, curvet and weather conditions, etc.
(iv) More numbers of relevant photographs are typically required to document the evidences
at scene from multiple directions.
(v) The location of the victim(s) (if removed from the spot), should be marked. The
photograph for each victim should include location of that victim and the vehicle(s)
involved in the accident.
(vi) Take photograph at the eye level.
(vii) The photographs should include resultant effect of accident on the road such as tire
marks, skid marks, metal scars, debris, damage to fixed objects using wide angle lens
and close range shots.
(viii) Skid marks, scuffs, yaws, and other marks will typically require a series of photographs.
A few aerial photographs should be taken from an elevated point.
(ix) Photograph damages done to trees, signs, poles, road surfaces, buildings, fences, and
other objects.
22.5.2 Photograph the Vehicle
Figure 22.2: Four-sided standard
(i) Take four-sided standard photograph series of the vehicle depicting all sides from
center-line of the vehicle and facing towards it (as shown in Figure 22.2).
(ii) Photograph the interior and exterior of the vehicle including the vehicle identification
numbers (registration).
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
519
(Left) Mid-Range
photograph of Damage
(Right) Close-up
photograph of
(iii) Take several photographs to indicate the type of damage in the vehicles and other
components. The photographs of the damages in the vehicle may be either mid-range
or close-up.
(iv) Take photograph of each major dent, blood spatter, paint transfer, scratch mark and
other events resulting due to accident in each vehicle showing inter relationship.
22.6 Sketch Site and Measurements of Evidence Position
Prepare the field sketch to record the position and measurements of the items at the scene.
The sketch need not be to the scale.
The field sketch should contain:
(i) The direction of north (using compass indicating) of incident site.
(ii) Specific locations of major evidences on the road.
(iii) Fix the baseline and reference point (RP) of the incident sites.
Fixing of baseline and reference point (RP): The first step to decide the baseline is road edge,
or shoulder and a ‘reference point’ (RP) as a permanent point along the baseline. Distances
are measured to fix the positions of the each evidence (shortest distance in between base line
to RP and in between each evidence to the baseline).
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
520
Figure 22.3: Evidence location and measurements
Figure 22.4: Sample sketch of the scene of accident
(i) Mark serial number of each of the evidences at the scene, e.g. Exh.1, Exh.2, Exh.3.
(ii) Mark the reference point (RP) as zero reference point on baseline.
(iii) Use metric system of units for measurement, i.e. meter/centimeter (i.e. 5.60m).
(iv) Take measurements from RP along baseline with direction (say horizontal axis) up to
the baseline point (say ‘b’ meter south) specific for each evidence material including
impression marks namely skid length, yaw radius, tire marks on the road.
(v) Write the measurements and its details alongside the sketched document in the
tabular form.
(vi) Details of the case reference, name and address of person who prepares the sketch are
to be documented with signature.
Arrow indicating sewer lid as RP
‘Reference Point’
Measurement a) From the baseline b) From
the RP along the baseline
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
521
22.7 Examination and Evidence Collection
22.7.1 Road
22.7.1.1 Traffic Signs and Signals
Examine in detail the presence of the following evidences and record observations with
photographic details (with scale):
(i) Traffic control devices, markings on road such as zebra-crossing, stop-line, median/
lane marking, speed breakers, pitches, holes and their relative measurements from RP,
as per accident scene situation.
Figure 22.5: Photographs of traffic control devices, zebra crossing, pitches, holes, etc. with scale
22.7.1.2 Collision Impact
(i) Examine and record evidences and take measurements of accident marks on the road
namely skid marks, yaw marks, paint chips, metal chips, blood drops, direction of all
blood spatters and blood flow, gouge marks, scrap marks, furrow-marks or other mark
attributing the direction and thrust on the road. The debris vehicle parts, load fallen
from vehicle, water/coolant trails from a burst radiator, engine mobile oil.
(ii) Tyre marks including shape, contours, and tyre surface impression.
(iii) In case the road surface is a muddy road and bear 3D impressions on the scene, the
casting of these are to be made.
22.7.1.3 Skid and Tyre Impressions
(i) Skid marks on the road help to calculate the minimum speed of vehicle(s) involved
in the accident before collision. These are generally straight, parallel marks of the
tyres that indicate that the brakes have been locked and the tyres are not turning.
Broken skid marks caused by bumps and potholes on the road at regular intervals.
Curved skid marks may be found during turning of vehicles.
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
522
(ii) Distinguish the skid marks and brake marks on the road.
(iii) Measure the lengths of each skid marks of vehicle(s) separately and average out for
each vehicle.
(iv) In cases of an accident, vehicles having brakes fitted with ABS, the skid marks may
not be found when the vehicle speed is below 60 km/h. Measure the vehicle(s)
positions, directions, loads, position of dents and paint transfers on each vehicle are
essential to compute the speed of the vehicle(s).
(v) A close up photography of the impression mark should be done keeping a scale
aside the impression. Photography under oblique light gives better clarity of the
impression.
(vi) Collect debris, bloodstains, and dragged material in separate and suitable containers.
(vii) Note the design and width length and location of each tire/brake marks on road/
victim clothing and their movement direction pattern.
22.7.2 Vehicle
On the Scene and on Hit and Run
(i) Mark the position and tow away the vehicle from the traffic-way for latent print, trace
evidence examination.
(ii) Examine the surfaces for latent prints including the side mirrors, door handles, rearview
mirror, buckles, windows handle/button, knobs, bonnet/hood, etc.
(iii) Collect transferred trace evidences (paintchips, paint smears on dents, blood/ bloodstains,
hair, tissues, fibers, glass, head/back light bulbs, etc.), wrap in paper and place
them separately in the labelled containers.
(iv) Examine dent on bumper of each vehicle in the accident (front and back), scratch/
dent on the body, rim of the tires of the vehicle. Examine the evidence of paint
smear/chip transfers in each vehicle.
(v) Scrap the transferred paint smear using clean blade surgical knife and take control
sample of paint from close by.
(vi) Collect the transferred paints, fibers, hair in a ‘Druggist fold’ and in separate appropriate
size paper envelope glass samples in colourless glass vials and place them separately
in the labelled containers.
(vii) Suspected vehicle’s tires may be transported without placing them into the container.
(viii) Tow away the vehicle from the traffic-way for mechanical inspection and report.
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
523
22.7.3 Drivers
From the Drivers at the Scene and Suspect Driver
Examination of the drivers/suspect drivers for drunkenness or disease, or injuries suffered:
(i) Drivers have to be subjected to examination for fitness for driving at relevant time.
(ii) The drivers clothing, shoes be collected for examination of trace evidence material
such as glass, blood, or other transferred materials.
22.7.4 Special Considerations
(i) Absorb liquid blood into clean cotton cloth (2–3 inches in diameter for quick drying)
leaving some portion unstained, air dry. Collect unstained control earth sample (approx.
5g) from close by in case of liquid blood from the road/ vehicle.
(ii) Dry chips of bloodstains to be lifted on clean paper and pack them separately in
paper envelope. Blood stains on the vehicles can be swabbed and air dried before
packaging.
(iii) Use only clean paper envelope (and not the plastic envelope to avoid decomposition).
(iv) Ensure that the hospital preserves all relevant trace evidences/autopsy samples with
the victim(s) and pack them in separate containers.
(v) For toxicological use, collect 20 cc. of blood for drug/alcohol testing samples in gray
top tubes.
(vi) For DNA test collect at least two 5 ml. of blood in a purple top tubes with EDTA as
an anticoagulant. Only qualified personal should collect blood sample from a person
and mark each test tube and fill up requisite form for authentication of specimen
blood sample by the designated blood sample collector duly signed.
Figure 22.6: 1.Close shot photography of dent on the vehicle; 2.Chipped out paint
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
524
(vii) The adhered sheets of the wind glass(s), the inner and outer sides to be duly marked
and is/are to be taken out from the respective vehicle for examining the direction of
their breaking force.
(viii) Request to the hospital authorities to collect the clothings of each injured/dead victim
separately after the same is air dried for their laboratory test for blood, paint
examination and their comparison with corresponding evidences found on the accident
spot/vehicle.
(ix) Inquest of the deceased.
22.8 Packaging and Forwarding the Case
For packaging and forwarding of evidences, the general guidelines stated in earlier Chapter
no. 2 may be referred.
22.9 Likely Queries to be Raised
From Forensic Expert
(i) To examine the paint samples collected from the vehicle(s) for their source
correspondence with the paint smears/chips collected from the clothings of the victim
and from the scene of accident.
(ii) To examine the glass samples collected from the scene of accident, from the suspect
vehicle(s), from victim and from the clothings for their source correspondence.
(iii) To examine the blood samples collected from the accident scene, from the vehicles
and collected from the occupants in the vehicle/injured/dead body for their source
correspondence.
(iv) To examine the filament of the light bulbs, whether these were on ‘put on’ mode.
(v) To examine the adhered sheets of the glass(s), to determine the nature of projectile
and the direction with direction of force used to break.
From Medico Legal Examiner
(i) Cause and mode of injuries/death of victim.
22.10 Modified Claims Tribunal Agreed (MCTA) Procedure
The High court of Delhi in New Delhi has recently passed an order dated 12.12.2014 vide
Delhi High Court Order dated 12.12.2014 in FAO 842/2003 in respect of (1) Rajesh Tyagi &
others versus Jaibir Singh and others and (2) Sobat Singh versus Ramesh Chandra Gupta &
Anr. in respect of Modified Claims Tribunal Agreed (MCTA) Procedure. It has prescribed
several forms to be filled up, the details of which are given in the above referred order. The
Form I and Form II of the order are to be filled up by the Investigating Officer. Form I
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
525
pertains to intimation of the road accident to the Claims Tribunal and the Insurance Company
and Form II pertains to the Detailed Accident Report (DAR) consisting of eleven parts and an
annexure. The Formats of the Form I and Form II as per details laid down in the High Court
of Delhi Order dated 12.12.2014 are place in Appendix 1 of this chapter. Most of these details
are available at the scene and therefore are required to be collected before the crime scene is
released. The order of Honb’le High Court may be accessed at http://delhihighcourt.nic.in/
dhcqrydisp_o.asp?pn=260300&yr=2014.
22.11 Check List
For submitting the evidence materials for laboratory tests, checks are made on the followings:
(i) Whether the Forwarding Form accompanying exhibits is duly filled in and is complete
and signed by the competent authority.
(ii) Whether the queries are specific, clear and relevant to the exhibits forwarded to the
laboratory.
(iii) Whether the exhibits in containers/ parcels have been sealed with tamper proof seals
and seals are intact.
(iv) Whether case reference, exhibit details have been mentioned/tagged on each container
of exhibit/parcel and signed by the IO.
(v) Whether the specimen seal impressions have been forwarded to the laboratory along
with evidence forwarding Proforma.
(vi) Whether the given blood sample contains alcohol/drug.
(vii) Whether the road certificate/movement order for exhibits and personnel carrying
exhibits to the laboratory are complete in continuity and valid in all respect.
(viii) Whether the details required for Modified Claims Tribunal Agreed (MCTA) Procedure
have been collected from the scene of accident before it is released.
References
1. Crime in India-2013, National Crime Records Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs,
Govt. Of India, New Delhi, 2013 (website : http://ncrb.gov.in/).
2. Law Enforcement Investigation, Washington DC: Head Quarters, Army Technique
Publications, Department of Army, 2013.
3. R.W. Rivers, Evidence in Traffic Crash Investigation and Reconstruction, Springfield:
Charles C Thomas Publisher Ltd, 2006.
4. Handbook of Forensic Services, U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of
Investigation, Laboratory Division, 1999.
5. Scientific Aids to Investigation, Bureau of Police Research and Development, Ministry
of Home Affairs, Govt. of India, New Delhi, 1990.
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
526
6. The High court of Delhi Order dated 12.12.2014 in FAO 842/2003 in respect of (1)
Rajesh Tyagi & others versus Jaibir Singh and others and (2) Sobat Singh versus
Ramesh Chandra Gupta & Anr. in respect of Modified Claims Tribunal Agreed
(MCTA) Procedure. http://delhihighcourt.nic.in/dhcqrydisp_o.asp?pn=260300&yr=2014
Appendix 1
FORMATS
FORM-I
INTIMATION OF THE ROAD ACCIDENT BY THE INVESTIGATING
OFFICER TO THE CLAIMS TRIBUNAL AND THE INSURANCE
COMPANY
1. FIR No, date and under Section
2. Name of the Police Station
3. Date, time and place of the accident
4. Source of Information (Name, Address and Tel. No.)
(a) Driver/Owner
(b) Victim
(c) Witness
(d) Hospital/Medical Facility
5. Nature of the accident:
(a) Whether resulted in death or injury or both.
(b) Number of persons injured/died.
(c) In case of Injuries, whether simple or grievous.
6. Name and address of the injured/deceased
7. Details of the hospital where taken
8. Registration of the vehicle(s) involved in the accident
9. Name, address and contact no. of the owner of the offending vehicle(s)
10. Name, address and contact no. of the driver of the vehicle(s)
11. Insurance Policy Number
12. Period of Insurance Policy
13. Name and address of the Insurance Company
14. Name and contact no. of the Investigating Officer
S.H.O./I.O. ___________ P.S. ___________ Date ______
Enclosed- Copy of the FIR
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
527
FORM-II : DETAILED ACCIDENT REPORT (DAR)
PART I : PARTICULARS OF THE ACCIDENT
S. No.
1. FIR No., date and under Section
2. Name of the Police Station
3. Offences as per report under Section 173 CrPC
4. Date, time and place of accident
5. Who reported the accident to the Police?
(Give name, address and contact no.)
(a) Driver/Owner
(b) Victim
(c) Witness
(d) Hospital/Medical facility
6. Name of the person who took the victim to the hospital, name of the hospital and at
what time?
7. Whether any hospital denied treatment to the victim.
8. Nature of the accident:
(a) Whether resulted in death or injury or both.
(b) Number of persons injured/died.
9. Particulars of the offending vehicle(s)
10. Number of persons in the offending vehicle(s)
11. Whether the victim was:
(a) Pedestrian/bystander
(b) Cyclist
(c) Scooterist
(d) Travelling in a vehicle.If so, whether at driving seat, back seat, front seat, side
car, travelling at rear guard cargo area, etc.
(e) Victim’s vehicle no.
(f) No. of persons in the victim’s vehicle
12. Name and contact no. of the Investigating Officer
13. Names of witnesses of the accident
14. Brief description of the accident
PART II : SITE PLAN
15. Date of preparation of the site plan
16. Site plan shall indicate:
(i) Place of accident
(ii) Position of vehicle(s)
(iii) Position of victim(s)
(iv) Skid marks
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
528
(v) Road: Whether one way or two way
(vi) Lane in which the accident took place
(vii) Permissible speed limit on the road at the site of the accident
(viii) Whether traffic control such as presence of police officer, road markings, warning
sign, stop sign were there.
(ix) Location of zebra crossing or pedestrian zone
(x) Whether near traffic lights. If so, whether functional.
(xi) Distance of speed breakers, if any, from the spot of accident
(xii) Width and type of road: national highway/city road/expressway/rural road, etc.
(xiii) Direction of the vehicle(s):
(a) Same direction (rear end)
(b) Same direction (side swipe)
(c) Right angle
(d) Opposite direction (angular)
(e) Opposite direction side swipe
(f) Struck parked vehicle
(g) Left turn
(h) U-turn reversing
(xiv) Directions of movement of the vehicle
(a) North
(b) East
(c) South
(d) West
(xv) Road divided by
(a) Barrier Median
(b) Curbed Median
(c) Grass Median
(d) Painted Median
(e) None
(xvi) Light condition
(a) Daylight
(b) Dusk
(c) Dark (No Street Lights)
(d) Dark (Street Lights On, Spot)
(e) Dawn
(f) Dark (Street Lights Off)
(g) Dark (Street Lights On, Continuous)
(xvii) Visibility/Environmental condition
(a) Clear
(b) Fog/Smog/Smoke
(c) Snow
(d) Severe Crosswinds
(e) Rain
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
529
(f) Blowing Sand or Dirt
(g) Sun Glare
(xviii)Road Character
(a) Straight and Level
(b) Straight and Grade
(c) Straight and Hillcrest
(d) Curve and Level
(e) Curve and Grade
(f) Curve and Hillcrest
(g) Under construction/maintenance
(xix) Road Surface Type
(a) Concrete
(b) Blacktop
(c) Gravel
(d) Steel Grid
(e) Dirt
(f) Pot Holes
(g) Cave in
(h) Construction material on road
(xx) Road Surface Condition
(a) Dry
(b) Wet
(c) Snowy
(d) Water (standing /moving)
(e) Sand, mud, dirt
(f) Oil
(xxi) Airbag Deployment
(a) Front
(b) Side
(c) Multiple
(d) None
(xxii)Ejection from Vehicle
(a) Not ejected
(b) Ejected
(c) Partial ejection
(d) Trapped
(xxiii)Temporary Traffic Zone
(a) None
(b) Construction Zone
(c) Maintenance Zone
(d) Utility Zone
(e) Incident Zone
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
530
(xxiv)Total number of entities involved in the crash
Crash Type: With other motor vehicle as first event:
(a) Same direction (Rear End)
(b) Same direction (Slide Sweep)
(c) Right Angle
(d) Opposite Direction (Hereon, Angular)
(e) Opposite Direction (Slide Sweep)
(f) Struck Parked Vehicle
(g) Left Turn/U Turn
(h) Backing
(i) Encroachment - With below as first event:
(a) Overturn
(b) Fixed Object
(c) Animal
(d) Pedestrian
(e) Pedal Cyclist
(f) Non-fixed Object
(g) Railcar Vehicle
PART III : PARTICULARS OF THE DRIVER(S)
(In case of more than one driver, submit separate Part III for each driver)
17. Name, address and contract no. of the driver
18. Age
19. Gender
20. Education
21. Occupation
22. Family
23. Income (monthly)
24. Account No. with name and address of the Bank in which the driver is maintaining his
account
25. Driving licence:
(a) Driving License No.
(b) Whether learner license.
(c) Period of validity
(d) Issued by
(e) Class of vehicle
(f) Whether license suspended or cancelled.
26. In case of learner’s licence:
(a) Whether driving under supervision
(b) Whether driving with lapsed learner license
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
531
27. Whether driver is the owner/paid driver/otherwise.
28. Whether driving with the knowledge / consent of the owner.
29. (a) Whether driving under influence of liquor/drugs.
(b) Whether finding based on scientific report.
30. (a) Whether the driver reported the accident to the police/family of the victim.
(b) Whether the driver took the victim to the hospital.
(c) Whether the driver visited the victim at the hospital.
(d) Whether the driver remained at the spot till arrival of the police.
(e) Whether the driver did not remove the offending vehicle from the spot till the arrival
of the police.
(f) Whether the driver paid compensation/medical compensation to the victim/his family.
(g) Whether the driver cooperated in investigation.
(h) Whether the driver also suffered injuries in the accident.
(i) Whether discharged duty under Section 132 and 134 of the MV Act, 1988.
(j) If not, whether the driver has been prosecuted under Section 187 MV Act, 1988.
31. Whether the driver fled from the spot. If so, the date on which he appeared before the
police/Court or was arrested.
32. Any other relevant information relating to the driver.
PART IV : PARTICULARS OF THE OFFENDING VEHICLE (S)
(In case of more than one vehicle, submit separate Part IV for each vehicle)
33. (a) Registration No.
(b) Colour
(c) Make
(d) Model
(e) Year
(f) Engine No.
(g) Chasis No.
(h) Address of the Registering Authority
(i) Private or Commercial (public service vehicle, goods carriage/educational institution bus)
34. Name, address, occupation and contact number of the owner:
(a) In case of company, person in charge in terms Section 199 of the MV Act, 1988
(b) In case of sale of the vehicle, give particulars of the purchaser and date of transfer
35. In case of commercial vehicle:
(a) Particulars of fitness
(b) Particulars of permit
36. Whether driver employed on monthly or daily basis? Attach the proof of employment
of driver such as appointment letter, salary slip, duty register or other relevant documents.
37. In case the driver fled from the spot, did the owner produce the driver before the police?
If so, when? Attach the copy of the notice under Section 133 MV Act, 1988 and its reply.
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
532
38. Whether the owner reported the accident to the Insurance Company. If so, when?
39. Whether the owner co-operated in the investigation.
40. (a) Whether the owner discharged his duties under Section 133 and 134 MV Act, 1988.
(b) If so, whether the owner prosecuted under Section 187 MV Act, 1988.
41. In the case of un-insured vehicle:
(a) Whether the owner/driver prosecuted under Section 196 of the MV Act, 1988.
(b) Whether the owner/driver made payment of compensation to the victim or his family.
Give particulars, if available.
PART V : PARTICULARS OF THE INSURANCE OF THE VEHICLE(S)
42. Policy Number
43. Period of policy
44. Issued by (give name and address of the Insurance Company)
45. Nature of policy i.e. Third party or comprehensive
46. Name, address and contact number of the Designated Officer of the Insurance Company
47. Date of intimation of the accident by the Investigating Officer to the Insurance Company
48. Date of appointment of the Designated Officer by the Insurance Company
49. Account no. with name and address of the Bank in which the Insurance company is
having its account
PART VI : MECHANICAL INSPECTION OF ALL VEHICLES INVOLVED
IN THE ACCIDENT
50. Name and qualification of the Mechanical Officer
51. Date of mechanical inspection of the vehicle(s)
52. Date of mechanical inspection report(s)
53. Whether the mechanical inspection report is in terms of Annexure-A. If no, give reasons
thereof.
54. Whether any delay in mechanical inspection or submitting report. If so, give reasons
thereof.
PART VII : IMPACT OF THE ACCIDENT ON THE VICTIM(S)
(In case of more than one victim, submit separate Part VII for each victim)
55. Death Cases:
(a) Name and address of the deceased
(b) Age
(c) Gender
(d) Education
(e) Occupation
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
533
(f) Income (monthly)
(g) Legal heirs/Guardian:
(i) Name
(ii) Relationship
(iii) Age
(iv) Address
(v) Contact No.
56. Injury Cases:
(a) Name and address of injured
(b) Age
(c) Gender
(d) Education
(e) Occupation
(f) Income (monthly)
(g) Details of family/dependents of the victim.
(h) MLC No. (i) Nature of injuries
(j) Name of hospital(s) where injured treated?
(k) Whether victim refused medical treatment
(l) Period of hospitalization
(m) Period of treatment
(n) Whether treatment continuing
(o) Name, address and contact number of the doctor(s) who treated the injured
(p) Whether injured underwent any surgery(s). If so,give particulars
(q) Whether suffered any permanent disability. If yes, give details
(r) Expenditure incurred on treatment, conveyance, special diet, attendant etc. Give
details, if available
(s) Whether the injured got reimbursement of medical expenses from his employer
or under a mediclaim policy. Give details, if available
(t) Whether the injured provided cashless treatment by the Insurance Company.
Give details, if available
57. Any other relevant information
PART VIII : APPARENT CONTRIBUTING CIRCUMSTANCES
58. Driving without valid driving licence
59. Driving while disqualified
60. Learner driving without supervision
61. Vehicle not insured
62. Driving a stolen vehicle
63. Vehicle taken out without the consent of the owner
64. Driving dangerously or at excessive speed
65. Under influence of liquor or drugs.Give quantity/parameters/recovery, if available
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
534
66. Dangerously loaded vehicle
67. Parking on the wrong side of the road
68. Parking at prohibited places
69. Non-observance of traffic rules
70. Poorly maintained vehicle
71. Fake/forged driving license
72. Previous conviction(s)/past history of bad driving
73. Driving aggressively:
(a) Jumped red light
(b) Abrupt braking
(c) Neglected to keep to the left of the road
(d) Driving criss-cross
(e) Driving too close to the vehicle in front
(f) Persistent inappropriate attempts to overtake
(g) Cutting in after overtaking
(h) Racing/competitive driving
(i) Crossing speed limit
(j) Disregarding any warnings
(k) Driving on the wrong side
(l) Overtaking where prohibited
(m) Driving with loud music
(n) Improper reversing
(o) Improper passing
(p) Improper turning
(q) Driving in no entry hours
(r) Not slowing down at crossing/road junction
(s) Turning without indication
(t) Not respecting stop sign on road surface
(u) Not respecting right of way to pedestrian
(v) Using mobile phone while driving
74. Irresponsible behavior:
(a) Failing to stop after accident
(b) Ran away from the spot after leaving the vehicle
(c) Destruction or attempt to destroy the evidence.
(d) Falsely claiming that one of the victims was responsible for the accident
(e) Trying to throw the victim off the bonnet of the vehicle by swerving in order to
escape
(f) Causing death/injury in the course of dangerous driving post commission of
crime or chased by police in an attempt to avoid detection or apprehension.
(g) Offence committed while the offender was on bail.
(h) Misled the investigation
(i) Post accident road rage behaviour, give details.
75. Any other contributing factor
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
535
PART IX : OTHER OFFENCES COMMITTED AT THE SAME TIME
76. (a) Sections 3/181- Driving without license
(b) Sections 4/181- Driving by minor
(c) Sections 5/181- Allowing unauthorized person to drive
(d) Sections 56/192- Without fitness
(e) Sections 66(1)/192A- Without permit
(f) Sections 112/183(1)- Over speed
(g) Sections 113/194- Over loading
(h) Sections 119/177- Jumping red light
(i) Sections 119/277- Violation of mandatory signs (One way, No right turn, No left turn)
(j) Sections 122/177- Improper obstructive parking
(k) Sections 146/196 Without insurance
(l) Section 177/RRR17(1)- Violation of One way
(m) Section 177/RRR29- Carrying High/Long Load
(n) Section 177/CMVR 138(3) - Not using seat belt
(o) Section 177/RRR6- Violation of No overtaking
(p) Section 177/CMVR 105- Without light after sunset
(q) Section 179- Misbehaviour with police officer
(r) Section 184- Driving dangerously
(s) Section 184- Using mobile phone while driving
(t) Section 185- Drunken driving/under influence of drugs
(u) Section 187- Violation of Sections 132(1)(c), 133 and 134
(v) Any other offence
PART X : DIRECTIONS REQUIRED FROM CLAIMS TRIBUNAL
77. The driver(s) involved in the accident have not furnished information mentioned in
para(s) ________ [para(s) 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 41(b) of Part
III] and the documents mentioned in para(s) _______ [para(s) 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97 of
Part XI]. The driver(s) may be directed to furnish the requisite information on affidavit along
with the original documents before the Claims Tribunal. (Copy of the letter demanding the
information/documents be attached)
78. The owner(s) of the vehicles involved in the failed to furnish the information
mentioned in para(s) ______ [para(s) 34, 35, 36, 38, 40 and 41(b)]of Part IV and have not
produced the documents mentioned in para(s) _____ [para(s) 92, 93, 94, 95, 96 and 97] of
Part XI. The owner(s) may be directed to disclose the requisite information on affidavit along
with the original documents before the Claims Tribunal. (Copy of the letter demanding the
information/documents be attached)
79. The Insurance Company has failed to disclose information para(s) ____ [para(s) 46,
47, 48, 49] of Part V. The Insurance Company may be directed to disclose the requisite
information on affidavit along with the original documents before the Claims Tribunal. (Copy
of the letter demanding the information/documents be attached)
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
536
80. The claimant(s) have failed to disclose the information mentioned in para(s) ____
[para(s) 55 and 56] of Part VII and the documents mentioned in para(s) ____ [para(s) 101 and
102] of Part XI. The claimant(s) may be directed to disclose the requisite information on
affidavit along with the original documents before the Claims Tribunal. (Copy of the letter
demanding the information/documents be attached)
81. The registration authority have failed to verify documents (registration certificate,
driving licence, fitness and permit) within 15 days of the application in terms of Clause 5 of
the modified Claims tribunal Agreed Procedure and, therefore, necessary directions be issued
to the registration authority to produce the same before the Claims Tribunal. (Copy of the
letter demanding the information/documents be attached)
82. _____________ Hospital has failed to issue (MLC/Post Mortem Report) within 15
days of the accident in terms of Clause 6 and, therefore, the necessary directions be issued to
the Hospital to produce the same before the Claims Tribunal. (Copy of the letter demanding
the information/documents be attached)
83. Specify any other direction that may be necessary.
PART XI : RELEVANT DOCUMENTS TO BE ATTACHED
84. First Information Report
85. Site plan in terms of Para 16
86. Photographs of the scene of accident from all angles
87. Photographs of all the vehicles involved in the accident from all angles
88. Photograph and admitted signature of the driver(s) of the offending vehicle(s)
89. Photograph and specimen signature of the owner(s) of the offending vehicle
90. Mechanical Inspection Report in format of Annexure A
91. Driving license of the driver
92. Proof of employment of driver such as appointment letter, salary slips, duty register etc.
93. Registration certificate of the offending vehicle(s)
94. In case of transfer of vehicle, sale documents, possession letter or any other document
relating to transfer, if any
95. Insurance Policy of the offending vehicle(s)
96. Permit (for commercial vehicle)
97. Fitness Certificate (for commercial vehicle)
98. Report under Section 173 Cr.P.C.
99. Statements of the witnesses recorded by the police
100. Scientific report, if the driver was under the influence of liquor/drugs
101. In case of Death
(a) Post Mortem Report
(b) Death certificate
(c) Photograph and proof of the identity of the dead
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
537
(d) Proof of age of the deceased which may be in form of :
(i) Birth certificate
(ii) School certificate
(iii) Certificate from Gram Panchayat (in case of illiterate)
(e) Proof of Occupation and income of the deceased which may be in form of :
(i) Pay slip/salary certificate for salaried employees.
(ii) Bank statements of the last six months.
(iii) Income Tax Returns
(iv) Balance Sheets
(f) Proof of the legal representatives of the deceased
(i) Names
(ii) Age
(iii) Address
(iv) Relationship
(v) Contact no.
(g) Photographs, specimen signatures attested by the bank and identity proof of the legal
representatives of the deceased
(h) Treatment record, medical bills and other expenditure
(i) Bank Account no. of the legal representatives of the deceased with name and address
of the bank
102. In case of Injury
(a) MLC
(b) Multi angle photographs of the injured
(c) Photographs, specimen signatures attested by the bank and identity proof of the injured
(d) Proof of age of the injured which may be in form of :
(i) Birth certificate
(ii) School certificate
(iii) Certificate from Gram Panchayat (in case of illiterate)
(e) Proof of occupational income of the injured at the time of the accident which may
be in form of:
(i) Pay slip/salary certificate for salaried employees.
(ii) Bank statements of the last six months of the deceased.
(iii) Income Tax Returns
(iv) Balance Sheets
(f) Treatment record, medical bills and other expenditure. In case of long term treatment,
the SHO/IO shall also record the details so that the claimant may furnish documents
before the Claims Tribunal
(g) Disability certificate
(h) Proof of absence from work where loss of income on account of injury is being
claimed, which may be in the form of:
(i) Certificate from the employer
(ii) Extracts from the attendance register
(iii) Proof of reimbursement of medical expenses by employer or under a Mediclaim
policy, if taken
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
538
103. Copy of the letter of the Investigating Officer demanding the relevant information/
documents from the driver as mentioned in para 77 above
104. Copy of the letter of the Investigating Officer demanding the relevant information/documents
from the owner as mentioned in para 78 above
105. Copy of the letter of the Investigating Officer demanding the relevant information/documents
from the Insurance Company as mentioned in para 79 above
106. Copy of the letter of the Investigating Officer demanding the relevant information/documents
from the claimants as mentioned in para 80 above
107. Copy of the letter of the Investigating Officer demanding the relevant information/documents
from the registration authorities as mentioned in para 81 above
108. Copy of the letter of the Investigating Officer demanding the relevant information/documents
from the hospital as mentioned in para 82 above
109. Any other relevant document(s)
VERIFICATION
Verified at _______ on this ________ of _____, that the contents of the
above report are true and correct as per information and documents gathered
during investigation.
Station House Officer
(Name and Stamp)
Assistant Commissioner of Police
(Name and Stamp)
ANNEXURE- A
DETAILED ACCIDENT REPORT (DAR) FORMAT OF THE MECHANICAL
INSPECTION REPORT
(Submit separate Mechanical Inspection Report for each vehicle)
1. Case FIR No
2. Under Section
3. Police Station
4. Registration No. of the vehicle
5. Make, Model Name, Colour and Type of vehicle
NICFS
CHAPTER 22
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
539
6. In case of HTV/MGV/LGV
(a) Whether Lateral Under Run Protective Device (LUPD) and Rear Under Run Protective
Device (RUPD) installed. (For vehicle weighing 3.5 ton or more)
(b) Whether speed governor installed and functional or otherwise
7. In case of commercial vehicle :
(a) Particulars of fitness
(b) Particulars of permit
8. Point of impact and damage
9. Mechanical condition of the vehicle
10. Paint marks (if any)
11. Condition of braking system i.e. working or not?
12. Whether the vehicle fitted with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
(a) If yes, whether it is functioning or not
(b) Whether trials regarding skid marks of ABS fitted vehicle have been carried out to
estimate the speed of the vehicle
13. Whether vehicle modified by
(a) Installing CNG/LPG Kit
(b) Change of vehicle body
14. Condition of tyres: whether original or retreaded
15. Whether horn was installed and functional
16. Whether the brake lights and other lights functional
17. Condition of safety bags in the vehicle
18. Whether the vehicle properly maintained
19. Whether the vehicle had faulty number plate
20. Whether the vehicle had tinted glasses
21. If the vehicle was educational institution bus, whether the vehicle was fitted with the
doors that can be shut and whether the vehicle had a suitable inscription to indicate that
they are in the duty of an educational institute, as per the guidelines laid down in MC
Mehta v. Union of India, (1998) 1 SCC 676 and MC Mehta v. Union of India (1999)
1 SCC 413
22. Details of damage on the vehicle
Mechanical Officer
(Name and Stamp)
SHO
Date
(Name and Stamp)
NICFS
CHAPTER 23
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
540
THEFT AND BURGLARY 23
Burglary cases are registered under Sections 449–460 of The Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the theft
cases are dealt with under sections 379–382 of IPC.
This Chapter aims to provide guidance and procedures to the IO for search, identification,
collection, packaging and transportation of evidence from the scene of burglary or theft for forensic
examination.
Burglary is one of the most commonly encountered crimes investigated by the police. It is however
impossible for the burglar not to leave traces behind when leaving the scene. The evidences such as
tool marks and their own marks are left when the burglars use the tools / implements to break the
entry doors, windows for entry or safe / store-well to steel the valuables.
The investigating office therefore must collect the evidence left by the burglar such as fingerprints,
shoeprints, tool marks; also the evidence that may have been broken at the scene such as glass or
wooden chips etc. and/or may have been transferred to the burglar in traces. The common tools
used are cutters, drilling jimmy or locally devised tools by the burglar. The traces of evidence would
have been transferred between the scene and the burglar. The investigation of the crime may be
facilitated by the clue material present at the scene of crime and the clues recovered from the
suspect and his environments.
Modus Oprandi adopted by the criminal may provide a significant clue to his identity if previous
records (or knowledge) are available. Through the use of state DNA databases, agencies it is possible
to identify suspects involved in numerous and more violent associated crimes such as rape, robbery,
or murder.
This Chapter aims to provide guidance and procedures to the IO for search, identification,
collection, packaging and transportation of evidence from the scene of burglary or theft for
forensic examination.
NICFS
CHAPTER 23
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
541
23.1 List of Equipments required
23.1.1 Photography and Evidence Search kit
(i) Magnifying glass/hand microscope
(ii) DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) Camera, (16 MP)
(iii) Zoom lens, macro lens
(iv) Dedicated electronic flash
(v) Dedicated PC cord
(vi) Heavy duty tripod
(vii) Polarizing filter (red, orange and yellow filters)
(viii) Camera lens cleaning kit
(ix) Miscellaneous items: batteries for camera and flash, extra memory cards, measuring
scale, mini flashlight
23.1.2 Finger Prints Development Kits
(i) Master fingerprint kits
(ii) Fluorescent fingerprint power kit
(iii) Contrast finger print kit with magnetic powder
(iv) Standard feather brushes
(v) Magnifying glasses
(vi) High intensity search light with variable filters
23.1.3 Footprint/Shoe Prints Collection Kits
(i) Footprint adhesive tapes
(ii) Electrostatic dust lifter from shoe sole
23.1.4 Tool Marks Lifting Kit
(i) Silicon casting dispensing system
(ii) Cellulose acetate casting
(iii) Plaster of Paris and suitable moulds
23.2 Police as First Responder at Place of Occurrence
The IO needs to plan the essential steps for investigation to be taken at the crime scene. The
following essential functions are considered as good practice.
(i) Arrive at scene as early as possible.
NICFS
CHAPTER 23
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
542
(ii) Immediate preservation of scene to prevent visible and invisible evidences from
further contamination or loss.
(iii) Find specifics of the incidence and the modus operandi of crime from the victim/
neighbours.
(iv) The inmates should be discouraged from cleaning or moving any area where the
burglary has occurred.
(v) Locate the point where from the burglars made entry into the premises. The point of
forced entry will give clues to the type of instruments and tools used to break in.
Look for the exit route, as well if any.
(vi) There will be enough evidence of actions leading to the impression marks of burglar’s
shoes/foot and fingerprints on the entry/exit routes, glassware, glass pane (of doors,
windows almirah, etc.), polished furniture, mirror, trunks and suitcase, etc., or even
the tyre impression/depression marks if the burglars used vehicle for transport.
(vii) There may be plenty of tool marks on entry points and forced breaking the safe for
burglary of valuable and costly items in the house likemarks of crowbar, hammer.
Screwdrivers, wedges, etc., can be found on doors/windows/locks/walls/trunks/cabinets/
almirah/safe, etc. Marks of the jacks or any other tool used for bending iron bars of
a window may also be found. Marks of hole using drilling machine or any other tool
on wooden doors, brick wall, etc.
(viii) Search for footprint/shoe print around and to the ground outdoor. Footprints can tell
if there were multiple burglars, as well as estimating the size and weight of the
individual. The crime scene has to be carefully searched for complete and partial
fingerprints.
(ix) Check if the CCTV system is installed in the premises.
(x) Check any unusual signs at/around the crime scene.
(xi) Check whether crime is committed under dark-light/moonlight (specific feature of
crime committed by a particular community).
(xii) Documentation and sketching of crime scene should be done. The place of occurrence
should be photographed including different angles and close-ups.
23.3 Evidence Likely to be found at the Place of Occurrence
23.3.1 Material Left at the Crime Scene
(i) Bloodstains left behind by the suspect from the injuries to his body, including
bloodstained fingerprint/footprint in rare cases.
NICFS
CHAPTER 23
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
543
(ii) Fingerprints/footprints left by the criminal at crime scene. Particular items like
refrigerator, points of entry/exit, glassware, furniture, etc., should be checked.
(iii) Cloth such as wearing apparel or a part, handkerchief, or accidentally torn fragments
of his clothing.
(iv) Hair (as a result of struggle) of suspect can be found at crime scene, they should be
collected for the purpose of identification (DNA profiling).
(v) Cigarette or beedi stubs.
(vi) Materials transferred from the tool used on the surface of impact.
23.3.2 Materials which may get transferred to the criminal during commission of
crime
(i) Glass fragments which may go into the clothing of the suspect while forcibly opening
a glass pan any glass ware.
(ii) Dust or vegetation from the scene which could be carried on the footwear or clothing
of suspect.
(iii) Fibers from carpets, upholstery, beds and any other material at the scene.
23.3.3 From Suspect and his Environment
(i) Traces of soil, dust, mortar, vegetation, fiber, paint, chips of wood, glass particles,
etc., in the clothing and footwear of the criminal and traces of materials from the
property stolen from the scene.
(ii) Traces of paint, wood, glass, rust or particles of metal transferred from
the objects at the scene on the tools.
(iii) If a vehicle is used in the commission of crime: traces left by stolen property carried
in the vehicle, soil, vegetation, glass, paint, fibers, and fragments of fabrics, etc.,
transferred from the scene or from the suspect.
23.4 Collection and Preservation of Evidence Material
23.4.1 Fingerprints
(i) The latent chance fingerprints are mostly found around and in the broken safe/
almirah, door handles, window pans, and entry/exit points.
(ii) These should be checked on priority, detected and developed using appropriate
fingerprint development method.
NICFS
CHAPTER 23
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
544
(iii) Clear chance prints are found on smooth surfaces. This is the most valuable evidence
to identify the burglar(s) and therefore must be conducted by team of fingerprint
expert.
(iv) Fingerprints of inmates should also be collected for the purpose of elimination.
23.4.2 Glass Fragments
(i) Evidence should be collected from the various locations throughout the broken portion
of the object in order to have representative sample.
(ii) The area from which any glass evidence is collected should be documented as
specifically as possible.
(iii) Clothing, shoes and similar items contain traces of glass evidence and should be
carefully examined for presence of the glass fragments. Any glass sample found
should be properly documented with the source and location.
(iv) Glass fragments should be collected, wrapped in paper and kept in plastic container/
card board container, vial, small bottle or other container of suitable size.
(v) Minute glass fragments which are unlikely to break in transit should be collected in
‘druggists’ fold followed by keeping in a paper envelope/plastic container. Larger
pieces should be kept in a box preserving its edges by soft tissue paper or similar
materials.
23.4.3 Tools and Tool Marks Evidences
(i) Sometimes the burglar’s tool and heavy implements for house breaking are found left
or thrown within close around the premises or can be recovered from the suspect.
(ii) Tool marks should be first photographed and the place and material on which the tool
mark is present, should be properly documented.
(iii) Photography should be carried out keeping the camera perpendicular to the surface of
tool marks. At least two photographs, one showing the background and another as a
close up, should be taken keeping a scale aside. Photography of the tool marks under
oblique light can further add minute details in the photograph. These photographs
after proper labelling can also be sent to the laboratory for examination.
(iv) A two-dimensional photograph of tool marks often misses the details. Casting or
moulding is another option to lift the tool marks which is simply a reverse or
negative-three dimensional image of the impression.
NICFS
CHAPTER 23
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
545
(v) The evidence material having tool marks should be collected and submitted to the
laboratory for appropriate casting of tool marks. In case it is not possible to collect
the material, prepare the cast of the marks at the place.
Some popular casting/moulding methods are as follows:
(a) Plastic/rubber: This is a material for lifting fine details of a tool mark. A lump
of material is softened by pressing in fingers and then applied on the surface. It
is pressed carefully as it is likely to be disturbed by outside pressure.
(b) Dental casting material (dental stone): This also gives fine details of tool marks.
(c) Cellulose acetate: Tool marks from stone, concrete, wood, etc., can be lifted by
cellulose acetate dissolved in acetone. A layer of 1/16 inch is made. However,
the cellulose acetate cast should be photographed, with scale, immediately
otherwise the layer is likely to shrink.
(vi) The samples of the material deposited on the tools and around the tool marks should
be collected.
23.4.4 Foot/Shoeprints/Tyre Impression
(i) The impression marks should be first photographed and documented.
(ii) If the footprint/footwear impression present on movable objects like paper, mat,
planks, etc., the object should be referred for development of latent prints after proper
packing.
(iii) Casting of impressions: A variety of materials like metal alloys, wax, resins, plastic
powders, modelling clay, plaster of Paris, etc., are used to prepare the moulding cast.
(iv) Electrostatic dust lifting equipment: A black vinyl sheet is placed over the suspected
area containing the impressions and is covered with aluminium foil through which a
high voltage (1500 volts) is applied. The dust particles, which form the impressions,
are attracted towards the vinyl sheet and are attached to it. This can be later
photographed for a permanent record.
(v) Tracing of impressions: A glass sheet should be held over the impressions as close as
possible but without touching the impressions. Then the contours of impression are
sketched on the glass plate with the maximum possible detail. The glass plate can
then be transferred to the laboratory.
23.4.5 CCTV Recording
Follow guidelines on CCTV footage from Chapter 21.
NICFS
CHAPTER 23
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
546
23.5 Forwarding the Exhibits for Forensic Examination
(i) Forwarding memo should be filled up giving brief history of the case, details of the
sealed parcels and their contents, nature of examination required (see chapter no. 2
for details).
(ii) Certificate authorizing the Director, Forensic Science Laboratory for examination of
the exhibits.
(iii) Specimen of the seal impression in wax on a piece of cloth duly attested by the
concerned official, should also be sent along with forwarding memo.
23.6 Queries to be Raised: Whether the
(i) Fingerprint/footprints collected from the scene and/or from stolen articles recovered
match with that of suspect’s fingerprint/footprints.
(ii) Footprints collected from the scene belong to a single person or more than one
person.
(iii) Blood/bloodstain collected from scene match with that of suspect(s).
(iv) Glass particles collected from suspect’s clothing/shoes correspond with the crime
scene glass samples.
(v) Tool marks as evidence from the scene to be compared with recovered tools.
(vi) The soil/fiber/grease/paint, etc., collected from suspected vehicle should be compared
with standard crime scene samples.
References
1. Directorate of Forensic Science: Laboratory Procedure Manual, Forensic Physics,
Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi, 2005.
2. Handbook of Forensic Services, U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of
Investigation, 1999.
3. M.S. Rao et al., Crime Scene Management, A Forensic Approach, Selective Scientific
Books, Delhi, 2009.
4. Scientific Aids to Investigation, Bureau of Police Research and Development, Ministry
of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi, 1990.
NICFS
CHAPTER 24
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
547
SPEAKER IDENTIFICATION 24
Audio-video recordings in electronic form are becoming more prevalent as evidence in the
investigation of a crime. Such evidences are frequently encountered as an important clue in
crime cases such as terrorism, extortion, intimidation, espionage, drug trafficking, stalking,
kidnapping and ransom demands, and in trap case investigations under the Prevention of
Corruption Act, etc.
These ‘electronic records’ are synonymous to documentary evidence and requirements of
section 65B of Indian Evidence Act are to be fulfilled.
The audio evidences obtained during search of the premises of suspects, help to identify the
speaker(s) and their criminal intentions can be connected to crime.
In the technique of speaker identification, electronically recorded questioned audio recordings
of suspect(s)/complainant is to be compared with the authenticated specimen speech sample(s)
of the known speaker in order to identify the speaker of questioned audio evidence.
24.1 Crime Categorywise Possible Audio Evidence Devices
(i) Death investigation, domestic violence, threats, and extortion - mobile communication
devices, PDAs.
(ii) Terrorism: Potential audio digital evidence in terrorism investigations includes
computers, handheld mobile devices, mobile phones, PDAs, removable media, external
data storage devices, voice over internet protocol (VoIP).
(iii) Kidnapping, ransom and bribery: Handheld mobile devices, audio recordings of
conversation between suspect and victim (family members).
(iv) Theft and stalking investigations: Mobile devices, PDAs.
(v) Telecommunication fraud: Handheld mobile devices, External data-storage devices,
Phone programming software and cables multiple mobile phones.
(vi) Child abuse or exploitation, computer intrusion-handheld mobile devices.
NICFS
CHAPTER 24
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
548
24.2 Tools and Materials for Collecting Evidence
(i) Cameras (still and video)
(ii) Anti-static bag
(iii) Bubble wrap and other packing material
(iv) Paper bags and sturdy boxes
(v) Labels, permanent marking pen, notepads
(vi) Gloves
(vii) Audio recorders/micro voice recorders/digital audio recorders/audio cassettes/mini audio
cassettes, cable jacks.
(viii) New CD-Rs, write blocker and reader are to be kept ready for selective use in the
collection of audio evidences.
24.3 Police as First Responder at the Scene
Police should be aware that voice evidence is mostly recorded/ stored in various electronic
device, and can function independently or attached to computer systems. Handling of audio
evidence, audio recording and storage devices are to be like that of digital evidence.
24.3.1 Search
Storage and recording devices that may contain audio evidences are:
(i) Hard drives installed in a computer
(ii) External hard drives removable media such as compact disc, zip disks, digital versatile disc
(iii) Pendrive, memory cards
Figure 24.1: Storage and recording devices
Common
location
of hard
disk (data
storage) in
personal
computers
Pen Drive (less capacity
data storage device)
NICFS
CHAPTER 24
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
549
(iv) The handheld devices such as mobile phones, smart phones, the digital multimedia
(audio and video) devices, telephonic conversation interceptor, etc.
(v) The peripheral devices such as VoIP devices
(vi) The data storage tape drives-digital audio recorders, computers, etc.
24.3.2 Documentation of Scene
The following information should be documented before collecting the electronic data from
the system:
(i) Document the status using photography, sketching and note taking.
(ii) Physical condition including visual damages.
(iii) Make model and serial number of digital recording devices and its storage media.
(iv) Whether system is networked.
24.3.3 Collection Criteria for Audio Evidence
(i) Check if the device is stand alone or attached to a network. If evidence is small and
portable such as a cell phone, tablet or telephone interceptor, the same may be
collected in anti-static bag.
(ii) If audio evidence is discovered in devices that cannot be shifted, then it may be
searched there for the audio recordings and transfer the recordings through a laptop/
desk computer into CD-R/DVD-R in ‘Write Once’ mode, maintaining the authentication
of electronic audio recordings.
(iii) Prepare seizure memo stating complete sequence of process in transferring the audio
data to the CD stating all provisions as required u/s 65B of The Indian Evidence Act,
including certification.
(iv) The evidence should be marked on the back side of the disk using a soft tip
permanent marker pen along with the case particular and to be signed by the IO as
well as the witnesses.
(v) Only half of the space on the back of the disk should be used for marking, case
particulars and signature of IO and witnesses. Other half of the space on the backside
of the disk should be left.
(vi) Working copy of the audio data should be separately prepared for its frequent use in
investigation by IO and for preparation of an accurate transcription.
NICFS
CHAPTER 24
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
550
24.3.4 Recording of Questioned Conversation with Suspect(s)
(i) The IO should be well conversant with the working of instruments and accessories
used for recordings. In otherwise situations, the FSL assistance be obtained for voice
recording.
(ii) Questioned samples can be recorded through TIR (Telephone Information Recorder),
voice logger installed at police station or police headquarters.
(iii) The digital audio recorder used for recording the telephone calls should be set at
sampling rate not less than 8000 Hz. with quantization @ 8 bit or 16 bit either in
unsigned mono or signed stereo.
(iv) In case of mobile to mobile and landline telephone to mobile calls, record the
conversation on receiving mobile phone by inbuilt SD card/chip or through a computer
or tape recording device.
(v) In case of mobile to landline telephone calls, the conversation can be recorded on
telephone information recorder (TIR).
(vi) If recording is done on mobile phone, submit the mobile handset to the laboratory for
its secure transfer of data to CD/DVD.
(vii) If the recording is done on mobile phone or any other device containing audio
recording(s), submit the same for examination to the laboratory.
(viii) In case the authentic electronic copy is to be prepared during the recording data
acquisition stage for keeping a record file or for investigation purposes, the
authentication of electronic audio records is to be effected as per provision of
sections 3(2) and 4 of IT Act 2000.
24.3.5 Authentication of Electronic Records
The authentication of an electronic record is to be effected by the use of asymmetric crypto
system and hash function which envelope and transform the initial electronic record into
another electronic record. The hash function (commonly called hash value) means an algorithm
mapping or translation of one sequence of bits into another, known as ‘hash result’ such that
particular electronic record yields the same hash result every time when the same algorithm is
executed. In other words it is computationally infeasible that the two electronic records or an
electronic record and its modified record can produce the same hash result using the same
hash algorithm (for details the Indian IT Act 2000 section 3(2) may be seen).
The most widely used hash functions in tune with international standards are: SHA (Secure
Hash Algorithm) and MD5 (Message Digest). The SHA-1 hash function is a set of cryptographic
NICFS
CHAPTER 24
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
551
hash functions designed by the National Security Agency (NSA), USA. In India, Centre for
Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) has developed a similar system for such
functions and can be used after due evaluation. Some secured software having capability of
simultaneous computing multiple hash algorithm functions are available commercially or
through open sources on internet.
The hash result is computed to maintain the authenticity and integrity of the evidence when
it is seized or received for the examination.
First hash result is calculated at the time of the acquisition of conversation recorded in the
recording device before the witnesses and computes the hash result (hash value commonly
said by regular users) by using commercially/open source software such as SHA-1, MD5) and
the computed hash result is documented.
The second Hash value of the copy of the same, if prepared, is calculated and documented.
The third Hash value is calculated of the original media after imaging/copy as secondary
evidence, to establish that the original media has not been altered in the preparation of
forensic backup.
The inter comparison of the Hash value for an unaltered digital audio recording should remain
the same.
Further, the Hash value can be calculated at any stage, pre or post examination which will not
only establish the authenticity of examination process but also the forensic result.
Hash value can be used to authenticate audio recording evidence in the court of law as well as
during evidence discovery process. The Hash value can be used to authenticate the integrity of
the data exchanged between the parties and any alteration would result in change in Hash value.
24.3.6 Preparation of an Accurate Transcription(s)
Prepare an accurate copy of transcription of the recorded conversation, an important legal
document. Each page of the transcription is to be signed as ‘Transcripted by’, ‘Checked by’
and ‘Verified by’.
24.3.7 Recording of Specimen Samples of Suspect/Complainant
(i) Prepare text for recording specimen sample of suspect/complainant containing similar
text as in the questioned audio recording in the conversation. Make the suspect/
complainant conversant with the specimen text of speech before the recording starts.
NICFS
CHAPTER 24
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
552
(ii) Prior to recording the specimen sample, the IO will state the date, time, place, his
name and the name of the suspect/complainant.
(iii) The recording is to be performed in the presence of two independent witnesses.
(iv) The witnesses will record their particulars like name, father’s name, residential locality,
occupation, etc., and he should also say that the speech sample of Mr X is being
recorded in their presence.
(v) At least three repetitions of specimen text to be spoken by suspect/complainant
during recording.
(vi) The microphone should be placed about 30 cm. from the mouth of the suspect in a
quiet environment/room.
(vii) I.O. should ensure that the speaker speaks with normal speed and loudness.
(viii) In the event of a suspect disguising his voice, the IO should ask for the repetition of
disguised words, until he feels satisfied.
(ix) IO to play back the recorded speech sample in presence of the suspect/complainant/
witness after completion of the recording.
(x) Recorded media (CD-R/DVD-R/Cassette) is signed by IO and witnesses, packed and
sealed.
24.3.8 Recording of Specimen Speech Sample from the Facilities in FSLs
(i) The recording of specimen voice sample requires quite environment which is available
in FSLs in some of the states.
Recording of specimen voice sample using
digital set-up
Analog set-up for recording of
specimen voice sample
Figure 24.2: Recording of specimen samples of suspect/complainant
NICFS
CHAPTER 24
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
553
(ii) For availing the facility of FSL, a request letter from the designated officer of
investigating agencies, is to be sent to FSL for getting a scheduled date for the
recording session.
(iii) After obtaining the scheduled date, the IO is to speak to the expert for requirements
of FSL for voice recordings.
(iv) In case the accused is under PC remand, priority request of recording of specimen
sample is to be made before the lapse of the police custody remand.
(v) In case the accused is under judicial custody, after obtaining the scheduled date, the
IO is to approach the concerned court for issuing production warrant.
(vi) In view of the legal requirement, the text of specimen sample is to be prepared by the
IO with the assistance of a laboratory technician.
(vii) Questioned and specimen samples, if recorded in an audio tape cassette, separate new
cassettes are required with proper marking, labelling and packing. Recorded cassettes
should be kept away from a ‘magnet’.
(viii) Irrelevant portion of the recording should not be deleted by the IO.
24.3.9 Packaging, Sealing and Transportation and Storage of Audio Evidence
(i) Pack all digital evidence in anti-static packaging. Only paper bags and envelopes,
cardboard boxes, and anti-static containers should be used for packaging digital
evidence.
(ii) The audio cassette (original) is to be sealed by the seal of IO after getting signature
of the complainant/witnesses and IO on the cassette.
(iii) Do not use plastic materials to preserve digital evidence.
(iv) Ensure that all digital evidence is packed in a manner that will prevent it from being
bent, scratched, or otherwise deformed.
(v) Label all containers used to package and store digital evidence clearly and
properly.
(vi) Pack mobile or smart phone(s) in aluminum foil to remain unaffected from external
signal.
(vii) Leave cellular, mobile, or smart phone(s) in the power switch off.
(viii) The packages should be stored in dust-free, non-electrostatic area at room temperature.
NICFS
CHAPTER 24
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
554
24.4 Reference to FSL
24.4.1 Forwarding of Exhibits to the Forensic Science Laboratory
The exhibits requiring forensic examination and expert opinion are sent to the Forensic
Science Laboratory in strong and sturdy packaging and in sealed condition along with duly
filled in Performa (FSL/CFSL form), transcription, specimen seal impression, and other relevant
documents useful to the laboratory examination.
24.4.2 Queries to be Asked to the Forensic Laboratory
(i) Whether the speaker in exhibit (questioned conversation) is the same speaker as in
the specimen exhibit marked (say X) or otherwise.
(ii) Whether the questioned recording in exhibit is tampered or otherwise.
24.5 Check List
Before submitting the evidence materials for laboratory tests, the following checks are made
by the forwarding authority:
(i) Whether the Forwarding Form accompanying exhibits is duly filled in and is complete
and signed by the competent authority.
(ii) Whether the queries are specific, clear and linked to the exhibits forwarded to the
laboratory.
(iii) Whether the exhibits in containers/parcels have been sealed with temper proof seals
and seals are intact.
(iv) Whether case reference, exhibit details have been mentioned /tagged on each container
of exhibit/parcel and signed by the IO.
(v) Whether the specimen seal impressions have been forwarded to the laboratory along
with evidence forwarding Proforma.
(vi) Whether the road certificate/movement order for exhibits and personnel carrying
exhibits to the laboratory are complete and valid in all respect.
24.6 Legal Status of Electronic Records
The evidences of electronic records of conversations were regulated in accordance with the
provisions in the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act (1885). With the enactment of IT Act (2000),
the availability of electronic and digital technologies, the audio-video recorded evidences are
NICFS
CHAPTER 24
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
555
to be collected in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The admissibility of electronically
recorded conversation (audio evidence) in the court of law is evaluated in the light of Indian
Evidence Act u/s- 7, 62, 63, 65, 65A and 65 B.
24.6.1 Relevant Sections of Various Legislative Acts
24.6.1.1 Relevant Sections of the Information Technology Act, 2000
A. Section 2 (1) (t) ‘electronic record’ means data, record or data generated, image or sound
stored, received or sent in an electronic form or micro film or computer generated micro
fiche.
B. Section 3 (2): The authentication of the electronic record shall be effected by the use of
asymmetric crypto system and hash function which envelope and transform the initial
electronic record into another electronic record.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, ‘hash function’ means an algorithm
mapping or translation of one sequence of bits into another, generally smaller, set known
as ‘hash result’ such that an electronic record yields the same hash result every time the
algorithm is executed with the same electronic record as its input making it computationally
infeasible—
(a) To derive or reconstruct the original electronic record from the hash result
produced by the algorithm;
(b) That two electronic records can produce the same hash result using the algorithm.
C. Section 79A : The central government may, for the purposes of providing expert opinion
on electronic form evidence before any court or other authority specify, by notification in
the Official Gazette, any department, body or agency of the central government or a state
government as an examiner of electronic evidence.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, ‘electronic form evidence’ means any
information of probative value that is either stored or transmitted in electronic form and
includes computer evidence, digital audio, digital video, cell phones, digital fax machines.’.
[Reference Chapter XIIA, Examiner of Electronic Evidence of IT (Amendment) Act,
2008].
24.6.1.2 Relevant Sections of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872
A. Section 7. Facts which are the occasion, cause or effect of facts in issue
Facts which are the occasion, cause, or effect, immediately or otherwise, of relevant facts, or
NICFS
CHAPTER 24
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
556
facts in issue, or which constitute the state of things under which they happened, or which
afforded an opportunity for their occurrence or transaction, are relevant.
Illustrations
(a) The question is, whether A robbed B.
The facts that, shortly before the robbery, B went to a fair with money in his
possession, and that he showed it or mentioned the fact that he had it, to third
persons, are relevant.
(b) The question is whether A murdered B.
Marks on the ground, produced by a struggle at or near the place where the
murder was committed, are relevant facts.
(c) The question is whether A poisoned B.
The state of B’s health before the symptoms ascribed to poison, and habits of
B, known to A, which afforded an opportunity for the administration of poison,
are relevant facts.
B. Section 65. Cases in which secondary evidence relating to documents may be
given
Secondary evidence may be given of the existence, condition, or contents of documents in the
following cases:
(a) When the original is shown or appears to be in the possession or power—of the
person against whom the document is sought to be proved , or of any person out
of reach of, or not subject to, the process of the court or of any person legally
bound to produce it, and when, after the notice mentioned in section 66, such
person does not produce it.
(b) When the existence, condition or contents of the original have been proved to be
admitted in writing by the person against whom it is proved or by his representative
in interest.
(c) When the original has been destroyed or lost, or when the party offering evidence
of its contents cannot, for any other reason not arising from his own default or
neglect, produce it in reasonable time.
(d) When the original is of such a nature as not to be easily movable.
(e) When the original is public document within the meaning of section 74.
NICFS
CHAPTER 24
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
557
(f) When the original is a document of which a certified copy is permitted by this
Act, or by any other law in force in 40[India] to be given in evidence.
(g) When the originals consist of numerous accounts or other documents which cannot
conveniently be examined in court and the fact to be proved it the general result
of the whole collection.
In cases (a), (c) and (d), any secondary evidence of the contents of the document is
admissible.
In case (b), the written admission is admissible.
In case (e) or (f), a certified copy of the document, but no other kind of secondary
evidence, admissible.
In case (g), evidence may be given as to the general result of the documents by any
person who has examined them, and who is skilled in the examination of such documents.
C. Section 65A : Special provisions as to evidence relating to electronic record
The contents of electronic records may be proved in accordance with the provisions of section
65B.
D. Section 65B : Admissibility of electronic records
(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, any information contained in an
electronic record which is printed on a paper, stored, recorded or copied in optical
or magnetic media produced by a computer (hereinafter referred to as the computer
output) shall be deemed to be also a document, if the conditions mentioned in this
section are satisfied in relation to the information and computer in question and
shall be admissible in any proceedings, without further proof or production of the
original, as evidence of any contents of the original or of any fact stated therein or
which direct evidence would be admissible.
(2) The conditions referred to in sub-section (1) with respect to a computer output
shall be the following, namely:
(a) The computer output containing the information was produced by the computer
during the period over which the computer was used regularly to store or
process information for the purposes of any activities regularly carried on
over that period by the person having lawful control over the use of the
computer.
NICFS
CHAPTER 24
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
558
(b) During the said period, information of the kind contained in the electronic
record or of the kind from which the information so contained is derived was
regularly fed into the computer in the ordinary course of the said activities.
(c) Throughout the material part of the said period, the computer was operating
properly or, if not, then in respect of any period in which it was not
operating properly or was out of operation during that part of the period, was
not such as to affect the electronic record or the accuracy of its contents.
(d) The information contained in the electronic record reproduces or is derived
from such information fed into the computer in the ordinary course of the
said activities.
(3) Where over any period, the functions of storing or processing information for the
purposes of any activities of any regularly carried on over that period as mentioned
in clause (a) of sub-section (2) was regularly performed by the computer, whether
(a) By a combination of computers operating over that period; or
(b) By different computers operating in succession over that period; or
(c) By different combinations of computers operating in succession over that
period; or
(d) In any other manner involving the successive operation over that period, in
whatever order, of one or more computers and one or more combinations of
computers.
All the computers used for that purpose during that period shall be treated for the
purposes of this section as constituting a single computer; and references in this section
to a computer shall be construed accordingly.
(4) In any proceedings where it is desired to give a statement in evidence by virtue of
this section, a certificate doing any of the following things, that is to say:
(a) Identifying the electronic record containing the statement and describing the
manner in which it was produced.
(b) Giving such particulars of any device involved in the production of that
electronic record as may be appropriate for the purpose of showing that the
electronic record was produced by a computer.
(c) Dealing with any of the matters to which the conditions mentioned in subsection
(2) relate, and purporting to be signed by a person occupying a
NICFS
CHAPTER 24
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
559
responsible official position in relation to the operation of the relevant device
or the management of the relevant activities (whichever is appropriate) shall
be evidence of any matter stated in the certificate; and for the purpose of this
sub-section it shall be sufficient for a matter to be stated to the best of the
knowledge and belief of the person stating it.
(5) For the purposes of this section:
(a) Information shall be taken to be supplied to a computer if it is supplied
thereto in any appropriate form and whether it is so supplied directly or
(with or without human intervention) by means of any appropriate equipment.
(b) Whether in the course of activities carried on by any official, information is
supplied with a view to its being stored or processed for the purposes of
those activities by a computer operated otherwise than in the course of those
activities, that information, if duly supplied to that computer, shall be taken
to be supplied to it in the course of those activities.
(c) A computer output shall be taken to have been produced by a computer
whether it was produced by it directly or (with or without human intervention)
by means of any appropriate equipment.
Explanation: For the purposes of this section any reference to information being derived
from other information shall be a reference to its being derived there from by calculation,
comparison or any other process.
E. Section 45A: Opinion of Examiner of Electronic Evidence
When in a proceeding, the court has to form an opinion on any matter relating to any
information transmitted or stored in any computer resource or any other electronic or digital
form, the opinion of the Examiner of Electronic Evidence referred to in Section 79-A of the
Information Technology Act, 2000 (21 of 2000), is a relevant fact.
The examiner of electronic record is also treated as an expert.
24.6.1.3 The Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C.):
Section 29 A: ‘Electronic record’: the words ‘electronic record’ shall have the meaning
assigned to them in clause (t) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Information Technology
Act, 2000.
NICFS
CHAPTER 24
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
560
24.6.2 Court Rulings regarding obtaining voice sample.
24.6.2.1 Allahabad High Court in Ritesh Sinha Vs State of UP and Anr. (Criminal Misc. Appl.
3272 of 2010) ruled that there is no illegality in asking any person to give sample of his voice
for the purpose of comparison.
24.6.2.2 Double Bench of Supreme Court, however, could not decide the issue when
aforementioned judgement of Allahabad High Court was challenged by applicant Ritesh Sinha.
While Justice Aftab Alam reversed the order of Allahabad High Court, Justice Ranjana Desai
upheld the judgement of Allhabad High Court. Due to difference in opinion, the matter
referred to higher bench. The issue has not yet been decide as of 31/07/2015.
References
1. Information Technology Act 2000 as amended from time to time.
2. The Laboratory Procedure Manual, Forensic Physics, Directorate of Forensic Science,
Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi, 2005.
3. https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/219941.pdf (date of access 19 January 2015).
4. C.P. Singh et al., Guidelines for Collection of Physical Evidence, Physics Division,
Forensic Science Laboratory Delhi, 2013.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
561
PORTRAIT BUILDING SYSTEM 25
25.1 Applicability and Purpose:
Portrait building system (PBS) is used by law enforcement officers/investigating officers as an
investigating tool. PBS in police parlance is to prepare facial likeness of a person (suspected
criminal) based on the description of facial physical features given by eyewitnesses. It is a
powerful proven tool for constructing the portraits of criminals/accused with minimum expertise
for controlling crime.
25.2 Why PBS?
(i) It gives face to the faceless criminal.
(ii) Whenever a crime is committed anywhere in the country, the very first thing an IO
requires is the description of the suspect. IO tries to collect information about the
suspect from the victim/witnesses but most of the time, the description given about
the criminals/suspects is very vague and may fit any number of people. This kind of
description does not help the police in apprehending or having any idea about the
suspect. An example of the description given by the victim/witnesses about the
suspect is illustrated in Table 25.1.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
562
● Sex - Male
● Age - 30-40 years
● Height - 5 feet and 5-7 inches
● Weight/Built - medium built
● Complexion - wheatish
● Hair colour - black
● Eyes/colour of eyes - black
● Glasses - none
● Clothing: Colour of coat/shirt/pants - blue shirt and black pants
● Shoes - shoes not noticed
● Accessories: hat, bracelet, earrings etc. - none
● Tattoos - noticed none
● Scars/Marks - noticed none
● Any other Additional information - none
Table 25.1: Description given the victim about the suspect
Table 25.1 that provides description would fit thousands of people and, hence, this information
is not very helpful for IO. To apprehend the suspect, the police requires some critical and
unique information about the suspect and here PBS helps them in identifying the likely
criminal. About 20 years ago portrait preparation was being done by expert artists in some
very special cases. There were very few expert artists who could draw portraits of good
quality. The witnesses were taken to the artist for the preparation of a portrait but this method
entails the following difficulties:
(a) Lack of such artists who could actually draw portraits as per the description
given by the witness was also one of the reason that the need for a PBS was
felt.
(b) Quality of sketches prepared by such artists was not very good as there is
always a communication gap between the artist and the witness.
(iii) The police have record of known criminals which run into thousands of numbers
making it virtually difficult for a witness to identify the criminal. This is where PBS
becomes an investigating tool which uses large number of database of human face
and its various components. It enables the witness to have the description of the
criminal made into a sketch.
(iv) Portrait not only gives the police a clear picture of who they are looking for but also
helps in identifying the likely criminal.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
563
(v) Portraits prepared with PBS can be printed or photographed from the screen for
circulation among police officers or the media.
(vi) Face can be depicted with different disguises.
(vii) Using PBS helps produce a realistic portrait as compared to the portrait prepared by
an artist.
(viii) Computerized PBS is a good aid to IOs.
25.3 Brief History of PBS
25.3.1 Manual Kit for Preparation of Portrait
In 1987, the Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) purchased a manual kit
from USA. Major drawback of the kit was that features were not suited for an Indian
environment. BPR&D then decided to prepare a kit, consisting of features for the Indian
environment. For this photograph of local people, from different parts of the country were
collected. Features were classified by anthropologists. Finally, the kit was put up for sale at
the DG’s conference in 1989.
25.3.2 Drawbacks of the Manual Portrait Making Kit:
(i) Quality of photographic paper was very poor and, so, strips started tearing.
(ii) Limited number of photographs.
(iii) Requires artist for making portraits.
(iv) End result was a lifeless portrait.
25.3.3 Computerization of Portrait Preparation
(i) To overcome the above limitations, the need for computerization was felt.
(ii) NCRB decided to computerize the PBS.
(iii) In 1990, computerization of the manual system was undertaken at the NCRB. A
DOS-based black and white PBS was developed and released to all state/UT police.
(iv) Over the years, improved versions of the Dos version were released.
(v) In the year 2000, the system was made Windows based that was more user-friendly
and runs on popular Microsoft based Operating System – MS Windows.
(vi) In the year 2011, the system was upgraded to Colour Portrait Building System and
released to all state/UT police.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
564
25.3.4 Salient Features
Portrait Building System (PBS/CPBS) helps to extract face components like head, eye, nose,
mouth, chin, etc., described by witness similar to the criminal, from the digitized portraits
directory and assemble these components to construct face image of accused.
By using PBS, NCRB have been assisting the IOs of states/UTs police, CBI and other police
agencies by preparing the portraits of the accused based on the account given by the eyewitnesses.
Now the system has been released to all State Crime Records Bureaux.
(i) PBS assists to assemble and edit face components.
(ii) Using the data of 100 faces, user can reconstruct more than 1,00,00,000 faces.
(iii) It uses advance image processing techniques like enhance, stretch, morph, integrate
and rotate.
(iv) Its supports blurring to remove sharp edges to create pencil sketch which is useful for
manual editing.
(v) Horizontal mirroring is supported to create left half of the face from the right half.
(vi) The following tools are also available with the application:
(a) Change shape
(b) Mirroring
(c) Crop resize and paste
(d) Text tool
(e) Light brush tool
(f) Dark brush tool
(g) Tilt image tool
(h) Rotate image tool
25.3.5 Handling of Witness/Victim for Making Portrait
Often police and investigating agencies work in such environment that they encounter witnesses
unwilling to cooperate and give accurate description/information about the suspect. Sometimes,
this lack of cooperation makes it impossible to positively identify the suspect/criminal.
The portrait making is not high science. Portrait experts have to be patient, vigilant and
careful, and this requires training oneself to be attentive for even the smallest information
which can be useful in making a portrait.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
565
(i) The witness/victim should be handled with utmost sympathy and sensitivity and
courteousness.
(ii) While talking to the witness/victim, the psychology should be observed carefully and
information should be collected in such a manner that the witness remains cool and calm.
(iii) The portrait expert should be able to bring out the victim/witness from trauma and
prepare her/him to cooperate in making the portrait by giving facial description of the
suspect.
(iv) The portrait expert should have some informal talk with him/her so as to normalize
the atmosphere.
(v) The witness may have many preconceived notions about the police and its style of
investigation and if there is any kind of fear, then that should be taken care of.
(vi) Making the witness comfortable is another important factor that helps in bringing out
the information required for making the portrait.
(vii) A witness initially agrees to cooperate with police investigation in giving details but
when he is questioned by the police several times then normally he panics and does
not fully cooperate in giving description of the suspect. This aspect should be kept in
mind and questioning should not be done in such a manner that it becomes the cause
of inconvenience to the witness.
(viii) Care should be taken that before actual portrait making begins, the victim/witness
should feel that he is in safe hands.
25.3.6 Constraints in Making Portraits
(i) Witnesses are sometimes not willing to cooperate and do not want to give description
to the police.
(ii) When the gap between the occurrence of incidence and preparation of portrait is
rather long, with the passage of time, the image may become faint in memory.
(iii) Preconceived ideas about the success of portrait preparation among police as well as
witnesses also act as a deterrent in the success of the Portrait Building System. Like
any other investigating tool, it also has it’s limitations. Normally every witness
hesitates by saying that they have seen the suspect only for few seconds and that it
is difficult to recall the face. However, if care is taken then this issue too can be
solved. When various options of physical features of the face are placed before the
witness, he is able to put his thoughts and images together. Once the witness is
brought before the computer, the portrait expert open before him the menu of features
for selection. With the selected components of the face the portrait is developed and
the final output is made available after doing necessary editing.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
566
25.3.7 Questions Asked to the Victim/Witness for Making the Portrait:
(i) Sex: Whether male or female.
(ii) Age: Question regarding the age of the suspect is asked.
(iii) Hair style and its colour: Questions regarding the colour, texture, hairline, style and
also possible dyes or wigs are also asked. Database of different hairstyles is shown to
the witness so that the similar hairstyle can be chosen.
(iv) Eye description: Colour, shape (round, slanted, big, small), squint, defect, whether
clear or bloodshot, and the heaviness of eyelashes and eyebrows are also taken into
account. Database of different types of eyes is shown to the witness for selection of
similar eyes.
(v) Nose description: Nose-overall shape (long, wide, flat, pointed, etc.) and nostrils
(wide, narrow, flared) are important for choosing the similar type of nose. Then
database of different types of nose is shown to the witness so that the similar nose
can be chosen.
(vi) Mouth/lips description: Witness is questioned whether lips are thin, medium, full,
do corners turn up, turn down, or in level. Different mouth/lip is shown to the
witness so that the similar lips can be chosen.
(vii) Chin description: Question like what is the shape of chin (round, oval, pointed,
square) double chin, dimpled, cleft? And database of different chin is shown to the
witness so that the similar chin can be chosen.
(viii) Ear description: Details regarding ears like size and prominence (protruding or flat
against head) are asked. Database of different ear is shown to the witness so that the
similar ear can be chosen.
(ix) Forehead: Note forehead height, and whether the skin is smooth, creased or wrinkled.
(x) Cheeks: Is the flesh sunken, filled out, dried or oily? Are there wrinkles around nose
or mouth? Are cheek bones high or low, wide or narrow?
(xi) Neck: Note protruding Adam’s apple or hanging jaw.
(xii) Complexion: Questions regarding pores, pockmarks, acne, razor rash, bumps are
asked.
(xiii) Facial hair: Clean shaven? Unshaven? Beard, mustache, goatee, sideburns?
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
567
(xiv) Facial tattoos: Shape and style; on what part of the face. One may not be able to
remember all of these details about any one suspect but remembering as many as
possible can be particularly helpful to the police in preparing portrait.
(xv) Making of portrait: Once the basic selection of face components is finished then the
portrait expert does the required editing as per the suggestion of the witness. The
Portrait Building Software is packed with powerful editing tools.
After completing the editing, the draft portrait prepared is shown to the witness. If required
the modification is undertaken to the complete satisfaction of the witness. The witness and the
IO fill up the feedback form giving the feedback on the portrait preparation method, behaviour
of the portrait expert, time taken and the resemblance of the portrait prepared to the suspect.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
568
25.4 Some of the Major Cases in which PBS was Used Successfully:
Figure 25.1: Portrait prepared with the help of Portrait Building System and the actual
photograph taken from newspaper
Figure 25.2: Portrait and suspect apprehended with same headgear added
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
569
Portrait and suspect apprehended with same headgear added
This system is extensively used for solving major crimes committed in India
25.5 User Manual of Portrait Building System
Present Portrait Building System has two major modules:
(i) PBS Make: It compiles all the components of face as described by the eyewitness
and reconstructs the whole face.
(ii) PBS Edit: It mainly concentrates on editing the face as per description given by the
witness.
A. Highlights of PBS Make:
PBS Make compiles all the components of face as described by the eyewitness and reconstructs
the whole face.
(i) It uses the database created by Cam DB and Comp DB for reconstruction of desired
face.
(ii) A database of hundreds of images is of a few kilobytes only. This drastically reduces
the secondary database transfer time.
(iii) Even though the components are picked from different faces, their shade can be
normalized by the click of a single button.
(iv) Minor colour changes like increasing or decreasing the whiteness of any component
desired can be done very easily.
(v) Colours of components can be scaled in terms of their RGB (Red, Green and Blue)
values.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
570
(vi) Colour difference utility helps finding RGB colour differences between two points,
thus making manual colour normalization very easy.
(vii) Each component can be sized to make them resemble the criminal’s face to precision.
(viii) Slide show facility comes in handy to surf through a database of thousands of face
components at a pace of your own choice.
(ix) The [More] add-on dialog box helps accessorize the face with components like hat,
spectacles, beard, mustaches, etc.
(x) The [Key] button helps to use the keyboard to move around and see different
components.
(xi) A reconstructed face can be saved and loaded to and from a (PBS) file.
(xii) With an enable cropping facility the individual components can be enlarged and
decreased according to requirement and placed on desired location.
(xiii) There is a facility ‘Choose Attributes’ which allows to view the database according to
the components classified in Comp DB. For, e.g. ‘The Database of components
having bald head, round nose and brown eyes can be viewed by selecting it in
Choose Attributes and the clicking filter Images’.
(xiv) After completion of all the formatting, a click of the fuse button will produce more
desirable image (bmp) by eliminating all the visible boundaries between components.
How to use PBS Make
Menus and Toolbar-File Menu:
Open Db: To open an existing database (already created database).
Open More Db: To load the database of more components (mustaches, spectacles,
beard, etc.).
Save Face: To save composite face.
Print Scale Factor: It allows to set the height and width of the picture to be printed
and to set the offset (margin) to be left on page. If you choose the picture position
centered then there will be no need of an offset.
Print: It allows you to print the current page and number of copies to be printed.
Print Preview: It will show the print preview of the image.
Print Set Up: It allows you to set up page size and page orientation (potrait or
landscape).
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
571
Exit: To exit from the application.
Open BMP : To open any BMP image.
Close BMP: To close BMP image.
View Menu:
Toolbar: To show or hide toolbar.
Status bar: To show or hide status bar.
Select Box: To show or hide select box.
Tool Tip: Enable or disable tool tips.
Load Last work : If this feature is enabled it will automatically load the last database.
Edit Menu:
Go to PBS Edit : Will open up the PBS Edit application with the same face.
Window Menu
New Window : To Open a New Window of the CompDB application.
Cascade : To separate the working window from the main window.
Tile : One can tile more than two windows.
Help Menu
About : Will pop up with about dialog box.
User Manual : To open up the User Manual Page.
Tool Bar:
New tool : Same as New Window in Window Menu.
Open tool : To open any bmp image.
Print : As described above in the File Menu.
Marker tool : To show or hide the Marker Dialog.
Fit Window : Works same as Zoom in View Menu.
Components tool: To show or hide Components dialog.
Help Doc : Same as User Manual in Help Menu.
About : Same as About Box in Help Menu.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
572
Screenshot of PBS Make
25.6 User Manual
Starting the application:
● Open the application executable PBS Make from appropriate subdirectory.
● Press the Face Maker button in toolbar.
● Load database file dialog box opens up. Browse through the directory having
database file. Select it and press open.
● This would open the Select Dialog Box. This is the main dialog box of the PBS
Make and it is a collection of all the face reconstruction tools available in PBS
Make.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
573
● Database may also be opened by pressing [Load DB] button. This would
open the Select Dialog Box.
The Select Dialog Box:
● This box contains all the face reconstruction tools.
● The buttons having face component icons (like face, eyes, nose,
lips, chin, ear cheek) are used to select the corresponding
component of face.
● To toggle between the Front-Face and Side-Face view, press the
button.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
574
● [Front/Side] button
● On pressing [More] button an add-on dialog box appears. It is used to
accessorize the face with hat, spectacles, beard, mustache and
age.
Selecting a component
● Press the component button of your choice to select it.
● When multiple components are open, select a particular component by clicking
on the image of that component.
● If a component is blocking the selection of other component, like spectacles
blocks that of the eyes, then either select the component by pressing its icon
button twice (not double click) or move the blocking component away and
then select the component desired by clicking on the image of that component.
● On pressing the arrow button of any component twice (not double click), that
component would automatically get selected provided that the component button
has already been pressed.
● The selected component’s initials come on the Title Bar of the Select Dialog
Box. Also the sequence number of the component in database appears with it.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
575
After selecting the components it allows to drag components as well as size can be changed.
Face/Head (Head/Fill Space Button)
This button is used to fill the blank space (black space between components) between the
different components after you have generated the composite components. Below is shown the
use of Head/Fill Space button. Image before Head/Fill Space pressed is shown below
(Rectangular on left side and Curvilinear on right side).
After pressing Head/Fill Space button image will be as shown in the
below figure.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
576
Initials are as follows:
(iii) Sizing and moving the components:
● The complete frame can be zoomed in or out using [<All>] and [>All<] buttons
respectively.
● To manually adjust the size of component, select the image of that component by left clicking
on it once. This would highlight its frame border. Now point the mouse pointer to the edges or
the corners of the frame border, hold left button pressed and drag the mouse while holding the
left button. Edge would shift from only one edge while a corner would shift from both edges.
● To move the component without resizing, point the mouse pointer to the middle of the
component, left click and drag the mouse while holding the left button, the component will
move with the mouse pointer.
● The [|All|] button would undo all the resizing. This will move and restore original position
and sizes of all the components.
(iv) Surfing through the database:
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
577
● Using the arrow buttons ( ) to the left of each of the selected component’s icon
button, you can surf through the entire database of the selected component one by one.
It is important to note that the button of that component should remain pressed.
● You can start a slide show of the selected component using the scan button. Use the
stop button to stop the slide show. To set the interval for slide show, double click on
stop button. Auto Scan Speed Dialog Box opens up. Enter the interval in milliseconds
and press the apply button.
● To scan the database in the direction of your choice, click on the slider’s arrow button
of direction ( )of your choice beside the slider and then press the scan button.
● You can also move through the database using keyboard arrow keys. Press the key
button. Now, on pressing the right/down or left/up arrow key the next or previous
selected component is respectively shown.
● You can also move through the database of selected component by moving the slider at
the bottom of Select Dialog Box by mouse.
(v) Marking the database:
● To help an eyewitness in identifying and remembering the components of his choice the
facility to mark the desired components has been provided.
● While surfing through the database the eyewitness can mark components resembling the
criminal using the mark button.
● On doing so, that component number comes with a star (*) from then onwards.
● When the user presses the Marked button he will only be able to surf through only the
marked components thus helping an eyewitness in making quicker choices.
● The marked components can be saved using SvMrk button. These saved marks can be
loaded again using LdMrk button.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
578
Reconstructing the face:
Using the techniques to select a component and surfing through the database make an
approximate desired face as per eyewitness account.
This face’s components may not be matching with the colour of the desired face.
To make automatic shade-normalization press the Shade button. This would make all the components
of approximately same shades.
(vii) Manual Colour Matching:
● If a component’s shade appears darker than others, then press [<W>] button to
lighten it.
● If a component’s shade appears lighter than others, then press [>W<] button to
darken it.
● On pressing [|W|] button, the original shade of the selected component would
appear.
● You can also adjust the Redness, Greenness and Blueness of the selected component
using [<R>], [<G>] and [<B>] to increase respective intensities
and [>R<], [>G<] and [>B<] to decrease respective intensities.
● To know the colour difference between a component and the face, use Colour Difference
utility.
The Colour Difference utility:
● It helps to find colour difference of two points of source and destination image.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
579
Colour Difference Tool: This tool is used to compare two different components (of different
images) and to set their colour same by choosing the source component (according to which
colour of destination part will be set) and destination component whose colour will be
changed according to source component. Follow the steps as shown below:
● Double right click on the face. The Colour Difference dialog box will open up.
● Press the SRC button. Now right click on the source pixel whose RGB values
are desired. (Here ForeHead)
● Press the DST button. Now right click on the destination pixel whose RGB
values are desired. (Here Eyes)
● Then click the DIFF button, The DIFF box shows the colour
difference components R, G and B. To match the source and destination colour
use [<R>], [<G>] and [<B>] to increase respective intensities and [>R<],
[>G<] and [>B<] to decrease respective intensities.
After clicking the DIFF button image will be as shown as in below figure. The colour of the
eyes is set according to the colour of the forehead.
Saving and loading a composite face:
● The composite face thus made can be saved using SvSet button and giving an
appropriate name.
● A saved face can be loaded back using the LdSet button and selecting the desired face
in the dialog box.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
580
The MORE add-on dialog box:
● By pressing the More button toggles the MORE add-on dialog box.
● This dialog box can be used to accessorize (decorate) a reconstructed face by adding
hat, spectacle, mustache, beard and age component to it.
● Load the database of the accessories by pressing the Load More button. Browse
through to the directory having the database file. Select it and press open.
● Any of the hat, spectacles, moustache, beard, age, etc., can be selected using the
corresponding icon button in the same way as was done in select dialog box.
● The database of each component can be surfed using the arrow buttons to the
left of each of the component’s icon button. Pressing the right arrow button gets
the next component while the left arrow button gets the previous component in
the database.
● These components can be sized and moved in the same way as was done with
components in select dialog box.
● In the end, after all the accessories have been added complete face can be saved,
by pressing the Save Face button and giving the desired name to its file.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
581
Viewing database according to classification
As shown in below figure select different attributes for different components according to
which you wish to see the images, for example if you wish to see the images having forehead
which has straight and black coloured hair and which is thick and long then select it as shown
in figure. Similarly select different attributes for all components.
Then as shown in below figure click on filter images button. So all the images which have
the attributes as you have selected will be marked and only that will be visible.
Now if you try to navigate through the database then only the components which are according
to selected attributes will be visible, (this whole database needs to be classified).
It also has other buttons like Generate Random Faces, Mark It, Filter Images
(explained above), Reset all, Clear Marks, Load Set, Save Set, Close, Undo, Redo.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
582
Generate Random Faces: This button is placed in Choose Attributes Dialog box
which generates the random faces according to the attributes chosen. After this you can
navigate through the generated random faces by pressing left and right buttons.
Mark It: This button will mark the particular generated random face.
Application: If while generating the random face you feel that this face resembles the
criminal face to some extent then you mark on it and generate more faces. In this way
you can mark many faces (Random Faces) and after that save them and edit them.
Save Set: This button will save the marked faces as well as the classification set and
for this it will ask the location where you need to save this set. After this you can load
the same set whenever needed. It is different from the SvSet button of the Select
Box.
Load Set: This is used to load classification set (*.cls file) which is already saved. It
is different from LdSet in Select Box. That load set will load only the face (.set
file) saved at that time using save set.
Clear Marks: It will clear the current marked random generated faces.
Reset All: It will clear the current selected attributes for all components.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
583
Component selection keys:
Closing Select Dialog Box:
By pressing the Close button closes the Select Dialog Box. However, the parameters set
using different commands remains intact when Select Dialog Box is opened next time.
Short Description of Command Buttons:
Enable Cropping: This button enables and disable a cropping facility for components.
Save Components: This button saves the current components location in database if
modified.
Enable Curvilinear: It enables the curvilinear components if currently its rectangular
components and disable it if currently its curvilinear components.
Choose Attributes: It will open up the dialog to choose attributes of different components
and then according to selected attributes you can view the database by clicking on Filter
Images Button in that dialog which will mark the components that are having selected
attributes. ‘Clear All Button’ will clear the currently selected attributes of selected component
and will allow you to choose different attributes again.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
584
Load DB : Load database.
Scan : Auto scan component forward.
Stop : Stop auto scan.
More : Dialog box for hat, spectacles, beard, etc.
Front/Side : Select front or side face.
SELALLLESS : Decrease all size by 10 per cent
SELNORM : Back to original size
SELALLMORE : Increase all size by 10 per cent.
Decrease Intensity : Decreases the whiteness of the selected component by 2.5 per
cent. It is selected by left clicking mouse pointer inside the component boundary.
Back to Normal Intensity : Original value of the whiteness of the selected
component is restored. The component is selected by left clicking mouse pointer inside the
component boundary.
Increase Intensity : Increases the whiteness of the selected component by 2.5 per
cent. It is selected by left clicking mouse pointer inside the component boundary.
Decrease Red Colour : Decreases the redness of the component by 2.5 per cent.
Decrease Green Colour : Decreases the greenness of component by 2.5 per cent.
Decrease Blue Colour : Decreases the blueness of the component by 2.5 per cent.
Increase Red Colour : Increases the redness of the component by 2.5 per cent .
Increase Green Colour : Increases the greenness of the component by 2.5 per cent.
Increase Blue Colour : Increases the blueness of the component by 2.5 per cent.
Use Keyboard : Select keyboard for scan.
Load Parts Set File : The load command loads a set of components assembled and
saved earlier along with their relative position. This command opens a ‘Load Parts Set
File’ dialog box to locate the desired (*.set) file. User can load a face image that he has
saved with save button with (*.set) extension.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
585
Save Parts Set File -: The ‘save’ command saves the serial number and the coordinates of
a set of components assembled as face. The default extension of these files are *.set. These files
are very small (400 bytes) and represents high resolution face image. These files could be
quickly sent and received through e-mail between the police stations. User can save a face
image with particular combination of face components. User can make face image by combining
different face components and can save it with .set extension as a .PBS file.
Shade : Auto adjusts shade of all components.
Fuse : Produces the blurred image after shading it. It will eliminate all the boundaries, if
visible.
Closes Select Dialog Box : The ‘close’ command closes the Select Dialog Box. However,
the parameters set using different commands remains intact when Select Dialog Box is opened
next time.
Load More : Loads extra database.
Save Face : Saves composite face.
SV Mark : Saves mark.
LD Mark : Loads mark.
Mark : Marks selected components of image.
CHK Marked : Scans marked only.
Slidroll : Component slider.
SLDRP : Increment component.
SLDRN : Decrement component.
-Toggle ToolBar ID_VIEW_TOOLBAR “Show or hide the toolbar”.
-Toggle StatusBar ID_VIEW_STATUS_BAR “Show or hide the status bar”.
-FaceMaker IDC_FACEMAKE “Assemble face components”.
-Enable Tooltip ID_VIEW_TOOLTIP “Enable ToolTip in Dialog Box”.
-Print Size ID_PRINTOPTION_SCALE “Adjust the Image Width and Height for Printing”.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
586
-Load Last Work ID_VIEW_LASTWORK “Load last work at the start of PBS Make”
-Colour Diff ID_COLDIF “Get colour difference of two points”
-Open DB ID_OPENDB “Open Database”
-Open More DB ID_OPENMOREDB “Open More Database”
-Save Composit Face IDC_SAVEFACE “Save composite face as bmp image”
-ID_OPENDB “Open Database\nOpenDB”
-ID_OPENMOREDB “Open More Database\nOpenMoreDB”
-ID_PRINTOPTION_SCALE “Adjust the Image Width and Height for Printing\nPrintSize”
-ID_FILE_PAGE_SETUP “Change the printing options\nPage Setup”
-ID_FILE_PRINT_SETUP “Change the printer and printing options\nPrint Setup”
-ID_FILE_PRINT “Print the active document\nPrint”
-ID_FILE_PRINT_PREVIEW “Display full pages\nPrint Preview”
-ID_APP_ABOUT “Display program information, version number and copyright\nAbout”
-ID_APP_EXIT “Quit the application; prompts to save documents\nExit”
-IDC_FACEMAKE “Assemble face components\nFaceMaker”
-ID_VIEW_TOOLTIP “Enable Tooltip in Dialog Box\n Enable Tooltip”
-ID_VIEW_LASTWORK “Load last work at the start of PBSMake\n LoadLastWork”
-ID_COLDIF “Get colour difference of two points\nColour Diff”
Retain shaded checkbox
Enabling retain shade checkbox will maintain the shade of component while switching
from front to side view.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
587
Retain Size Checkbox:
Enabling retain size checkbox will maintain the size of component while switching from front
to side view.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
588
25. 7 Operation Manual of PBS Edit
Highlights of PBS Edit: PBS Edit mainly concentrates on editing the face.
(i) It uses the face created by PBS Make DB for reconstruction of desired face.
(ii) Different ageing effects can be given to the face.
(iii) You can perform actions like redo, undo, copy, paste on the edited face.
(iv) It has a facility to pick the colour from the colour palette and also from the face
image itself through ‘colour picker’.
(v) It has a drawing tool like pencil and brush to draw single solid line and number of
parallel curvilinear lines respectively.
(vi) It has the most powerful editing tool called ‘fog’ used to integrate the face components
to a smooth portrait.
(vii) It has ‘crop resize paste’ tool that can copy a rectangular area from an image and
paste it in different locations in four different ways and with desired scale factor.
(viii) It has tools like line, rectangle, and ellipse than can use to draw line, rectangle, and
ellipses respectively.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
589
(ix) It has tools like change shape 1 and 2, which are used to change the shape of a face
(expression).
(x) It also provides the facility to add header and footer to the image using the caption
‘text tool’.
(xi) There is a facility to zoom in and zoom out the image to have a closer look at the
image.
(xii) There is facility of updating the image, saving the image, print, print preview and
many more.
(xiii) Palette can be viewed as 16 bit (palette size) as well as 32 bit (palette size) using
‘TogglePallete32’ and ‘TogglePallete16’ buttons in the toolbar.
(xiv) One can access this package with a password for security purpose.
Starting the Application:
Open the application executable PBS Edit from appropriate sub-directory.
● It will automatically open the last edited image or you have to select ‘open’ from
the file menu. If it does not open the last edited image automatically then the
screen will appear as show in Figure below.
● This will open the mage. If the editing toolbar (palette) is not open then click
on 32 or a 16 toggle button or palette 16 or 32 from the view menu.
The ‘Palette Toolbar’ for Editing Purpose:
Colour Picker :
This command allows to select the drawing colour from anywhere in the screen.
Before every image colour selection the ‘colour picker’ button should be pressed. If
you place ‘colour picker’ tool after selecting it and then if you left click then it will
select background colour (blue) as current selected colour.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
590
Pencil : Select Pencil Tool
This command is the most common tool selector. A pencil icon appears as a cursor.
You have to keep the left mouse button pressed to draw. This tool draws a solid line.
The size and the colour of the line is selected using ‘colour picker’ operation. Any of
the draw tool command may be terminated using right mouse button click. Double
clicking on pencil button opens property dialog box. The below figure shows use of
Pencil with the colour selected as above with ‘colour picker tool’. The size of the
pencil can be changed with the help of ‘tool size box’ on the right side of the ‘save’
button in the Palette bar.
Brush : Select Normal Brush
The ‘brush’ command is similar to the ‘pencil’ command but draws a number of
parallel curvilinear lines instead of solid line. This ‘brush’ is specially useful for
drawing the hair. To view the hairy effect the size of the tool must be large. To have
mixed colours (black and white) select colour from ‘select colour bar’ and try repeatedly.
Following figure shows the use of normal brush with different intensities. You can set
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
591
intensities by clicking the ‘config’ button in the toolbar. By clicking on ‘config’ ‘dialog
configuration’ as shown in below figure where you can set intensities for different
brushes and spray tools will pop up.
Copy Brush :
(i) At source, drag to desired direction.
(ii) Copy using brush.
The ‘copy brush’ command opens a copy cursor. The copy cursor is to be placed over
the image area to be copied to the other portion of the screen. Now while keeping the
left mouse button (LMB) pressed, mouse is dragged few centimetres towards one of
the three directions and mouse key is released. The four modes of copying are:
● Horizontal inverse
● Vertical inverse
● Horizontal and vertical both inverse
● No inverse
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
592
Dot and Dash Spray : Select Spray Gun
The ‘spray’ command is the most common tool of image editors. In this ‘spray implementation’
a new property is added. In most spray gun continues spray produces monotonous colour. To
simulate the natural skin colour, a small amount of uncertainty is added to the colour. You can
select this property in spray property box of ‘spray’ button by double clicking the mouse LMB
on it. Below figure shows use of ‘dot spray’ and ‘dash spray’ using different intensities.
Fog : Select Fogging (Blurring) Tool
This is the most powerful editing tool used to integrate the face components to a
smooth portrait. Fog tool dynamically replaces the colour of a picture element by the
average colour value of adjacent picture elements. This produces blurring effect and
smoothens sharp colour boundary. The result of an editing example of ‘fog tool’ is
shown in the section on ‘Editing BMP Files’. The tool size can be changed using ‘fog
property’ dialog box or ‘select colour bar’.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
593
Crop Resize Paste : Select (crop)- Mirror- Resize and Paste
Using this command you can copy a rectangular area from an image and paste it in different
locations in four different ways and with desired scale factor. Although it performs complex
modes but the operation is fairly simple:
● Mark the source rectangular area by pressing LMB and dragging the mouse.
● Mark the destination rectangular area in the same way. You can drag the mouse in four
difference directions, namely
(i) North-East
(ii) South-East
(iii) South-West
(iv) North-West
Depending on the direction the image mirroring will take place and the amount of drag will
decide the magnification. The result of an editing example of ‘crop resize paste’ tool is shown
in the section on ‘Editing BMP Files’.
Before fogging After fogging
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
594
Line : Select Line Drawing Tool
It is a simple to use geometric drawing command. To draw a straight line, take the mouse cursor to
the starting point of the line, press the LMB and drag the mouse to the end point and release the
LMB. This will draw a straight line between the start and end the points. You can change the
thickness and colour of the line using the ‘select colour’ command or the line property box.
Rectangle : Select Rectangle Draw Tool
Rectangle command is exactly similar to the line command. It draws a rectangle between the start and
the end point as the opposite diagonal points of the rectangle. Use ‘rectangle property box’ by double
clicking on the ‘rectangle select button’ to choose filled or blank ticking for desire mode of drawing.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
595
Ellipse : Select Ellipse Tool
Ellipse command is exactly similar to the line command. It draws an ellipse touching the imaginary
rectangle between the start and the end point as the opposite diagonal points of the rectangle. Use
the ‘ellipse property box’ by double clicking on the ‘ellipse select button’ to choose filled or blank
ticking for desire mode of drawing.
Polygon : Select Polygon Tool
To draw a polygon, follow the same instructions as line command. The polygon command does not
terminate at end point. The end point of any line is considered as the starting point of the next line.
Every time you press the LMB a new connected line is drawn. To terminate the command, double
click on the last point. This will complete the polygon by joining the first point to the last point.
Eraser :
It will allow you to erase the edited area and get the original area where ever you move the eraser.
Tilt Image :
Select a rectangular boundary around the portion of the image to be tilted. Now anchor to one of the
eight positions and drag. The eight positions are four corners and four sides. Following are the
possible options- increase/decrease the width, increase/decrease the height, convert to parallelogram,
drag corner.
Ageing :
It will help you to make the image more aged by creating emboss lines on the human face. For this
click on the ageing tool and then draw the mouse cursor onto the image where you want the age
marks (normally on forehead and cheeks) as shown in Figure.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
596
Mirror H and Mirror V:
Click LMB to a point (e.g. tip of the nose). A vertical reference will appear. Select a
rectangular boundary around the portion of the image starting from the reference line, to be
horizontally mirrored. The starting edge of the rectangle should be towards the side you want
to mirror. With the release of LM B the mirroring will start. Figure is an example showing
horizontal mirroring of right half of the face to the left half. The rectangle start corner is
northwest on the middle top of the head in this example.
Select Area:
It will help to copy any part of the image and paste it anywhere on the window opened. In
order to do this click on the LMB on the tool select area and then select the portion of the
image. After that drag the mouse pointer to copy the image.
Mirror V Mirror H
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
597
Colour Dialog Box :
It is used to make the colour palette from the image itself. You can save it in the colour
palette. For this right click on one of these colour palette square and left click on the image
portion which you want to add in the colour palette. If you want to use the palette select it
and drag on the image to have the effect. You can load the existing palette or standard palette
also.
Rotate Image :
You can use this tool to rotate image or any portion of the image in any desired direction. For
this click on the tool then select the image portion which you want to rotate and drag the
mouse in the desired direction as shown in Figure.
Tool Size Box :
It is used to increase/decrease the size of each tool effects (copy brush, light brush, dark
brush, etc.).
Hair Brush :
With the help of this tool you can draw hair on the image. For this click on the ‘hair brush’ tool
and drag the mouse on the image to create hair. (This will create lines which looklike hair).
Undo :
It is useful for removing the changes you have currently made to the image.
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
598
Redo :
This tool is useful for redoing the changes for which you have used undo.
Update Image :
With the use of this tool current modifications/updates are saved which you have made to the
images.
Save :
It is used to save the current image with the modifications done in the original image.
Copy :
This button is used to copy a rectangular portion of the image from the original image.
Paste :
It is used to paste the copied part of the image.
Dark Brush :
To apply dark brushing effect on image. You can change the size and intensity of brush through
‘tool size box’ and ‘configuration’ button respectively.
Light Brush :
To apply light brushing effect on the image. You can change the size and intensity of brush through
‘tool size box’ and ‘configuration’ button respectively.
Normal Picture Light Brush Dark Brush
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
599
Change Shape 2 :
This tool is used to change the shape of a particular selected rectangular portion of the image.
First select the part of the image you wish to change the shape and then drag a line from any
particular point. The dragging line should be small enough to have an effect.
Change Shape1 :
This tool is used to change the shape of a particular selected rectangular portion of the image.
First select the part of the image you wish to change the shape and then drag a line from any
particular point. The dragging line should be small enough to have an effect.
Header-Footer :
It is used to provide a header and footer to the image. Different fonts of different sizes and
colours can be selected by clicking on the font button after clicking on the header and footer
button. Then place the header and footer at required position on the image.
Text :
It is used to write a text on the image. For this first click on the text button and then select
appropriate font with font style and colour. After that click on OK. Now draw the rectangular
text box and then you can write inside the text box.
Selection of Area
Shape 2
Effect of Change
Shape1
Effect of Change
NICFS
CHAPTER 25
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
600
Move Image :
It is used to move the last pasted image. For this click on the ‘move image’ button that will
paste the image.
:Open Paste Image
:Print
:Print Size
:Print Preview
:View/Hide 32 bit Palette bar
:View/Hide 16 bit Palette bar
:Zoom In
:Original Size
:Zoom Out
:Clicking on this button will open the about PBS Edit Dialog
:Clicking on this button will open the help document
Reference
1. National Crime Records Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India,
New Delhi.
NICFS
CHAPTER 26
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
601
POLYGRAPH TEST 26
Forensic psychologists interpret and evaluate the internal and external behavioral patterns of
suspects/accused/witnesses/victims with the help of different equipments and aid in the process
of scientific investigation of criminal cases. They help the investigating agencies to establish
the knowledge, involvement and connivance of an individual in a particular case under
investigation.
Forensic psychology includes:
(i) Polygraph or Lie-Detection Test
(ii) Brain Mapping or Brain Finger Printing or Brain Electrical Oscillation Signature
Profiling Test
(iii) Narco Analysis Test
(iv) Psychological and Geographical Profiling
Lie Detection is a psycho-biological test to check the veracity of statements on computerized
equipment known as a lie-detector or polygraph. The lie detector measures the following
autonomic nervous system activities in the form of graphs:
(i) Abdominal respiration
(ii) Thoracic respiration
(iii) Galvanic skin resistance (GSR)
(iv) Blood pressure/pulse rate
(v) Muscular pressure
(vi) Finger pulse
(vii) Skin temperature
NICFS
CHAPTER 26
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
602
Figure 26.1: A normal polygraph chart
Figure 26.2: Polygraph chart showing deception
NICFS
CHAPTER 26
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
603
26.1 Legal Requirement
The National Human Rights Commission vide letter no. 117/8/97–8 dated 11/01/2000 has
issued guidelines regarding administration of Polygraph Test to accused persons. The
investigating officers are advised to follow the guidelines scrupulously. The Commission, after
bestowing it’s careful consideration on this matter of great importance has laid down the
following guidelines relating to the administration of Lie Detector Tests:
(i) No Lie Detector Test should be administered except on the basis of consent of
accused. An option should be given to the accused whether he wishes to avail such
test.
(ii) If the accused volunteers for a Lie Detector Test, he should be given access to a
lawyer and the physical, emotional and legal implications of such a test should be
explained to him by the police and his lawyer.
(iii) The consent should be recorded before a Judicial Magistrate.
NICFS
CHAPTER 26
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
604
(iv) During the hearing before the Magistrate, the person alleged to have agreed should be
duly represented by a lawyer.
(v) At the hearing, the person in question should also be told in clear terms that the
statement that is made shall not be a ‘confessional’ statement to the Magistrate but
will have the status of a statement made to the police.
(vi) The Magistrate shall consider all factors relating to the detention including the length
of detention and the nature of interrogation.
(vii) The actual recording of a Lie Detector Test shall be done in an independent agency
(such as a hospital) and conducted in the presence of a lawyer.
(viii) A full medical and factual narration of manner of the information received must be
taken on record.
26.2 General Requirements
(i) The investigating officer is advised to send a requisition addressed to the Director,
State FSL, requesting for a date of polygraph examination. The requisition has to be
forwarded either by Superintendent of Police or Sub Divisional Police Officer.
While sending requisition, the investigating officer should attach photocopies of all
relevant documents such as FIR, statements of subject(s) recorded under Section 161
CrPC, PM Report, Spot visit report, sketch of the spot, a brief case history and
photographs, if any. This will enable the experts to understand the nature of the
crime, role of the subject(s), and most importantly how, when and where the crime
was committed, who were the other accomplices and the motive behind the crime and
other selected issues such as disposal of dead body, weapon of offence, vehicle used
if any etc.
(ii) The investigating officer is advised to requisition the services of a Polygraph Division
only after making a thorough investigation and after collecting relevant documents
including physical evidence, mobile call details, PM report, inquest report, injury
report, age certificates, etc. In the absence of such details referred to above, it is
extremely difficult for the examiner to formulate proper questions and unreveal
inconsistencies in the statements of the subject.
NICFS
CHAPTER 26
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
605
(iii) The laboratory will communicate date for consultation with the investigating officer.
The expert after going through the facts of the case will prepare questionnaire and
communicate date(s) for the polygraph test.
(iv) The investigating officer is required to meet the concerned expert at State FSL,
personally for discussion and subsequent examination. Under no circumstances, any
officer other than the IO will be entertained.
(v) Before sending requisition, the concerned IO should attach a declaration that he
has obtained consent of the subject(s) to undergo the Test as per Article 20(3) of
the Indian Constitution and orders passed by the Honorable Supreme Court of
India referred to above. Often, it has been observed that the subjects are not
informed by the investigating officer, as a result of which the expert has to
face problems to obtain consent from the subjects at the time of examination.
Invariably this has resulted in inconvenience and wastage of time both of the expert
and the IO.
(vi) Only nominated subjects will be examined on date and time fixed by the expert.
Fresh dates are to be obtained if additional persons related to the crime are required
to be examined.
(vii) As a Polygraph Test is a psycho-physiological test, long journey should be avoided on
the date of examination and the subjects may be given sufficient rest and food prior
to polygraph examination to ensure qualitative results.
(viii) In case of lady subjects, a lady home guard/constable is required to accompany the
subject who will remain present during examination also.
(ix) All minor subjects should be accompanied by their parents/guardians compulsorily
who will also countersign the consent form.
(x) In case further session is required, the IO should make his/her arrangements to stay.
The IO will also make necessary arrangements for security of the subjects.
(xi) While asking the questions on the equipment, each question is asked after a gap of 25
seconds. This gap is allowed in order to activate and normalize the sympathetic and para
sympathetic components of the autonomic nervous system. Marking should be made on the
chart at the time of starting of question and end of the question and also indicate the response
of the subject on chart (Required in manual polygraph equipment).
Limitations: Polygraph tests cannot be conducted on subjects hard of hearing, lunatics or
persons suffering from acute high blood pressure, asthma or expecting mothers.
NICFS
CHAPTER 26
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
606
Case Ref: —— PS: _______ Case No- dated U/s ————— IPC ( GR NO.———)
No. of subjects for polygraph test: 1 (one)
Date of polygraph examination: DD/MM/YYYY ( Day) Time: _____ sharp
Place of examination: Lie Detection Division, State FSL, ————————-
Name, designation and contact number of expert: ————————————————
Additional documents required: A requisition addressed to the Director, State FSL
BBSR for production of subject and copy of PM Report.
With reference to the letter and subject mentioned above, the IO may be directed to follow
the instructions given below carefully.
STATE FORENSIC SCIENCE LABORATORY, RASULGARH,
BHUBANESWAR-751010, ODISHA
TEL- 0674~2586187/ 417, FAX- 2586187
No._____________SFSL-LD Date / /2015
_________________________________________________________________
To
The Superintendent of‘ Police,
Dist-
Ref: Letter no. dtd ——— regarding date of Polygraph test
*********************
SCIENCE IN PURSUIT OF TRUTH
26.3 Sample Format for Intimation to I.O.S Regarding Fixation of dates
of Polygraph Test
NICFS
CHAPTER 26
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
607
Instructions for the Investigating Officer
(i) Polygraph test is a voluntary test. The subjects should be informed about the test as
per article 20(3) of the Indian Constitution. The concerned IO will submit written
consent(s) of each subject to the expert on the date of examination.
(ii) For the subjects in custody, guidelines of the National Human Rights Commission
issued vide letter no. 117/8/97– 8 dated 11January, 2000 may be scrupulously followed.
(iii) The number of subjects should not exceed three (3) per day as per prevailing norms
laid down for the polygraph test.
(iv) Recent medical history of the subject is advisable pre-requisite for the test.
(v) As a polygraph test is essentially a psychological test, any type of fatigue or exhaustion
ought to be avoided such physical condition would affect the test adversely.
(vi) Lady suspects should be compulsorily accompanied by lady personnel without which
test will not be conducted.
(vii) Parents/guardians of minor suspects must accompany him/her to countersign the consent
form for polygraph test.
(viii) Only named subjects will be examined on the specified date and time, fixed by the
expert.
(ix) Polygraph test may take longer time. The Investigating Officer should come adequately
prepared to stay in Bhubaneswar.
Director
State FSL, Bhubaneswar
SAMPLE FORMAT OF POLYGRAPH TEST REPORT
BY REGD. POST
STATE FORENSIC SCIENCE LABORATORY
RASULGARH, BHUBANESWAR, ODISHA
No.__________________ SFSL-LD Date / /2015
POLYGRAPH (LIE DETECTOR) TEST REPORT
From:
The Director and Chemical Examiner to the Govt. of Odisha,
State Forensic Science Laboratory,
Rasulgarh, Bhubaneswar- 751010 (Odisha)
SCIENCE IN PURSUIT OF TRUTH
NICFS
CHAPTER 26
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
608
To
The Superintendent of Police,
Dist. ___________
Ref.: Letter no. ___________ dated ____________ regarding Polygraph (Lie Detector) Test in
_________________ Police Station Case No.______ dated DD/MM/YYYY U/s _______ IPC
With reference to the above, Lie Detection Test Report No. : - _____ is sent herewith.
Test: Lie Detection test is a psycho-biological examination to check the veracity of statements
of subjects with the help of computerized equipment known as a Lie Detector or Polygraph.
This equipment measures 6 different types of autonomic physiological changes in the form of
graphs. They are
(i) Thoracic respiration
(ii) Abdominal respiration
(iii) Galvanic skin resistance
(iv) Blood pressure
(v) Movement or muscular pressure
(vi) Finger pulse
Questionnaires are prepared by the polygraph expert on the basis of documents submitted by
the IO and discussion held with individual subjects. The Lie detector equipment records
changes in the autonomic nervous system in the body of the subject during the examinations
which form the basis for detection of deception in the report.
Table 26.1: Details of Persons Subjected to the Examination
1. The Lie Detector (polygraph) test was conducted on the written voluntary consent of the
subjects as per Article 20 (3) of the Indian Constitution.
2. The subjects were found to be psycho-biologically sound and responsive to the test.
3. The Lie Detector (Polygraph) equipment was working satisfactorily as on ________(date).
4. The subject was produced and identified by the IO.
NICFS
CHAPTER 26
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
609
In this case, 1 questionnaire consisting of 16 questions was asked to the subject in ——— language
out of which 9 were relevant questions, 5 irrelevant questions and 2 general control questions.
Relevant questions are related to the crime under investigation. Irrelevant questions are
neutral questions that are not related to the crime. General control questions are used to
exclude or include the possible involvement of the subject in any other crime prior to or after
the occurrence of the crime at hand.
XXXXXX, suspect admitted voluntarily in writing before polygraph expert during pre-test
discussion (Copy enclosed) that Ram Singh had in fact carried his mobile telephone with him
on 18/12/14 when they both had been to ——— He further admitted that Ram Singh had
handed over the mobile to him at — on 18/12/14 night, before he left for —— at around 8.00
PM. The questionnaire in respect XXXXXX has been framed accordingly.
The questionnaire along with answers of the subject to each question was as follows:
NICFS
CHAPTER 26
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
610
Expert Opinion
The analysis and evaluation of polygraph charts of XXXX reveal deceptive responses. According
to the test and analysis, the statements of above named subject are found to be not true.
Director and Assistant Director and
Chemical Examiner Assistant Chemical Examiner
Memo No. ____________SFSL-LD date / /2015
Copy forwarded to Inspector in charge, ——— Police Station, Dist- ———— for information and
necessary action.
Director
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
611
WILDLIFE 27
27.1 Introduction
The Parliament of India passed the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (53 of 1972) on 9th September
1972. It is the first comprehensive Act on Wildlife Protection in India and is among the most
stringent of such Acts in the world. It is applicable to the whole of India except the state of
Jammu & Kashmir. Since its promulgation in the year 1972 the Act has been amended seven
times in the year 1976, 1982, 1986,1991,1993,2002 & 2006. The Act has twelve chapters, six
schedules and sixty-six sections.
In the Act the “Wildlife” has been defined as any animal, aquatic or land vegetation which
forms part of any habitat. The word “Wild Animal” has been defined as any animal specified
in schedule- I to schedule- IV of the Act and found wild in nature. As per the Act the word
“Animal” includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, other chordates and invertebrates
and also includes their young ones and eggs. The concept of hunting as given in the Act is
very wide and includes killing, poisoning, capturing, coursing, snaring, trapping, driving or
baiting any wild or captive animal and every attempt to do so and hunting also includes
injuring, destroying or taking any part of the body of any wild animal or captive animal and
in the case of wild birds and reptiles damaging or disturbing the eggs or nests of such birds
or reptiles. As per the Act the words “Captive Animal” means any animal specified in
schedule-I to schedule-IV which is captured or kept or bred in captivity. As per the Act if any
person under takes even a single transaction in relation to the business of buying or selling
any captive animal, animal article, trophy or specified plan, he will come within the definition
of “Dealer”.
The Act has many unique provisions for protection of wildlife resources in the country.
Section 36 of the Act provides that the State Government in consultation with the local
community declare any area owned by the Government particularly the area which links one
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
612
protected area with the another, as a conservation reserve. This section further provides that
if any community or individual desires to protect wildlife on their private or community
land then such lands can be declared as community reserved. The right or privileges of the
local community are not affected by declaration of such conservation reserve or community
reserve. Section 38 of the Act provides for declaration of an area as Tiger Reserve. The
chapter VI (A) of the Act which was inserted by amending the Act in 2002, provide for
forfeiture of illegally acquired property. Section 38 (L) and Section 38 (Y) of the Act
provides for the constitution of the National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife
Crime Control Bureau respectively. The hunting of any wild animal specified in
schedule-I to schedule-IV of the Act has been totally prohibited except as provided in
section-11 or section 12 of the Act under which the Chief Wildlife Warden can permit
hunting in certain cases or can issue permit for hunting for some special purposes like
education, scientific research and scientific management. Among the wild animals specified
in the schedules of the Act, the wild animal specified in schedule–I and part-II of
schedule–II has been given a higher status of protection and they have been classified as
“Scheduled Animals”. The trade or commerce in such scheduled animals have been totally
prohibited under chapter V–A of the Act. Under section 44 of the Act the licenses can be
granted to any person for carrying out business as manufacturer or dealer in any animal
article or trophy or captive animals or in meat subject to the provisions of chapter V-A
regarding scheduled animals.
The penalties under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 are given under section 51 of the Act.
The different punishments prescribed for various offences under the Act is as follows:
Penalty
Punishable with imprisonment for a term
which may extend to three years or with
fine which may extent to twenty five
thousand rupees or with both.
Punishable with imprisonment for a term
which shall not be less than three years but
may extend to seven years also with fine
which shall not be less than ten thousand
rupees.
Offence
Contravention of the provision of the Act
except chapter IV-A, chapter IV-B, chapter
V-A, section 53 and section 58 (Y).
Contravention of the provision of the Act
except chapter IV-A, chapter IV-B, chapter
V-A, section 53 and section 58 (Y), if the
offence is related to any scheduled animals.
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
613
Penalty
Punishable with imprisonment for a term
which shall not be less than three years but
may extend to seven years and also with
fine which shall not be less than ten
thousand rupees.
Punishable with imprisonment for a term
which may extend to six months or with
fine which may extend to two thousand
rupees, or with both.
Punishable with imprisonment for a term
which shall not be less than three years but
may extend to seven years, and also with fine
which shall not be less than fifty thousand
rupees but may extend to two lakh rupees.
Punishable with imprisonment for a term
which shall not be less than three years but
which may extend to seven years, and also
with fine which shall not be less than ten
thousand rupees.
Punishable with imprisonment for a term
which may extend to six months, or with fine
which may extend to five hundred rupees, or
with both on conviction for such offence.
Punishable with imprisonment for a term
which may extend to five years or with fine
which may extend to fifty thousand rupees.
Offence
Hunting in a sanctuary or a National Park
or altering the boundary of a sanctuary or
National Park.
Contravention of the provision of section
38 (J).
Offences in relation to the core area of a
Tiger Reserve, hunting in a Tiger Reserve
or altering the boundaries of the Tiger
Reserve.
Contravention of the provision of chapter
V-A regarding Trade or Commerce in
trophies or animal articles.
Contravention of provision of section 53 of
the Act.
Contravention of section 58 (Y) of the Act.
27.2 List of Indian wildlife species that are commonly found in illegal
trade
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
614
B. Amphibians & Reptiles (Sch I Part II & Sch II)):
A. Mammals:
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
615
D. Birds:
E. Shells (mollusca):
C. Mammals, Reptiles & plants (Sch.II Part II, SchIII, Sch IV & SchVI):
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
616
F. Corals (Coelenterates):
G. Echinodermata:
H. Fishes
I. Red Sander
J. Primates
27.3 Features for identification of the species:
27.3.1 Blackbuck
[Antelope cervicapra, Sch.I, Pt.I, (2)]:
It is a member of the Bovidae family which is distributed in peninsular India. The general
height of the species at shoulder level is 72-84 cm. and weighs 32-42 kg.
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
617
Hair-Signature-Pattern:
(a) Colour- Creamish white (b) Circular Scale Pattern-Imbricate (c) Medullary Pattern- Continuous
and (d) Medullary Index - 0.634.
27.3.2 Bear:
(i). Sloth bear [Melursus ursinus, Sch.I, Pt.I, (31C)] : It is a member of Ursidae family
which is found in North Eastern Region, Peninsular and South India. Its body length range
from 140 - 171 cms and it weighs from 66 -144 Kg.
Hair Signature-Pattern:
(a) Colour- Grey with light & dark brown patches, (b) Circular Scale Pattern-Imbricate, (c)
Medullary Pattern- Ladder Medulla, and (d) Medullary Index - 0.799.
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
618
(ii). Sun Bear: It is a member of Ursidae family which is mainly distributed in the States of Assam
& Arunachal Pradesh. Its body length range from 105 -141 cms and it weighs about 28 - 66 Kg.
(iii). Himalayan/Asiatic Black Bear: It is distributed in NE & Himalayan Region of the
country. Its body length ranges from 141 - 171 cms and it weighs from 91-116 Kgs.
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
619
Bear are generally poached for its bile that contains Ursodeoxycholic acid(USDA) which is believed
to reduce fever, protect liver, improve eyesight, breakdown gallstone and acts as anti inflammatory.
It is traded fresh, frozen or dried.
The colour of preserved gall bladders vary from dark brown to dark blackish and it is oval in shape.
The fresh bladder contains juice of yellowish colour & its crystal is found in dried form or in old
bladder. Pig gall bladders also often traded as bear gall bladder.
Chemical analysis for Bear bile: 10-20 mg of yellow bile + Conc. Sulphuric acid + 3.5% solution
of Phosphomolybedic acid in Iso-propyl alcohol + heat, gives blue colour in the presence of salts.
Thin layer Chromatography test also confirms the presence of BEAR-BILE.
Photograph of bear gall bladder:
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
620
27.3.3 Pangolins
Pangolins are being poached in large numbers as its scales are in high demand in international
markets especially in China. Two species of Pangolin are found in the country.
(i). Chinese Pangolin [Manis pentadactyla, Sch.I, Pt.I, (5A)]:
It inhabits tropical Asian forests and hilly areas. In India it is found in the North Eastern
Region. Its body is covered by15 -18 longitudinal rows of overlapping scales and underside is
covered by coarse bristle like hairs and the tail tip is naked. It is smaller than the Indian
Pangolin.
Pangolin [Manis crassicaudata, Sch.I, Pt.I, (28)]:
It is larger than Chinese pangolin whose body is covered by 11-13 longitudinal rows of
overlapping scales. In India it is found all over the country except NE Region.
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
621
Pangolin Scales:
The scales are made up of keratin which is imbricately arranged on the body till the tail end.
The pangolin scales have the function of anti adhesion & anti wear against the soil & rock.
27.3.4 Indian Elephant
[Elephas maximus, Sch.I, Pt.I, (12B)]:
This species is a member of Elephantidae family which is distributed in NE India, WB,
Odisha, Jharkhand & South India. It is mainly hunted for its teeth called Ivory. Male has tusks
and some females have tushes (very small tusk).
Ivory is formed from dentine which is hard, dense and consists of 70% inorganic material and
rest collagen. Unlike human teeth, it lacks enamel coating but it contains hard cementum
layer. One third of the tusk is hollow. Layer upon layer of calcified tissue is deposited from
inside in the tusk giving rise to concentric oval growth, called Lines of Owen which is visible
in cross section. If the ivory is cut lengthwise, its appearance is that of triangle. Unlike bone,
there is no blood vessel system in the ivory and therefore it is dense. Unique to elephant ivory
is the lines of Retizius also known as Schreger lines that are visible in cross section.
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
622
Photographs of genuine ivory and fake ivory:
Difference between bone & ivory:
To distinguish ivory from bone, one has to look for the two different patterns of lines present
on the ivory. The first are somewhat parallel lines that are running along the length of the
tooth/tusk from where the piece is carved. Perpendicular to these lines shall be X - section
grain pattern. This X-section looks like V’s or circular/parallel lines. If the lines form V’s, the
piece is from either elephant or mammoth. The angle formed on the Schreger lines will tell
Genuine Fake
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
623
that the ivory is from elephant (Obtuse angle) or mammoth (Acute angle). Bones have tiny
Harvesian canal to carry nutrients and house nerves & other organic material. Some of the
organic materials stick to the wall and turns dark as it decays. Decayed organic materials are
very difficult to see but Harvesian canal are always present in bones.
Ivory Artefacts
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
624
27.3.5 Indian Lion
[Panthera leo persica, Sch.I, Pt.I, (13)]:
It is a member of felidae family and found in the State of Gujarat in India. The total body
length is approximately 3-7 mtrs and weighs about 111-119kgs (approx.)
Hair-Signature - Pattern:
(a) Colour- Grey with light & dark brown patches (b) Circular Scale Pattern - imbricate
(c) Medullary Pattern- Continuous Medulla and (d) Medullary Index-0.557.
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
625
27.3.6 Leopards:
(i). Leopard or Panther[Panthera pardus, Sch.I, Pt.I, (16B)]:
It is a member of felidae family which is found through out India except the snow clad
region. The total body length is approximately 182- 216 cms & it weighs 40 - 67kgs
(approx.). It inhabits fringe areas of human habitations and it is often target of man – animal
conflict. Its skins and bones are found in illegal trade. Often leopard bones are traded as tiger
bones in the illegal trade.
Leopard
Leopard Skin
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
626
Leopard hair - Signature-Pattern:
(a) Colour-Creamish brown, (b) Circular Scale Pattern-Imbricate, (c) Medullary Pattern-
Continuous Medulla, and (d) Medullary Index-0.657.
(ii) Snow leopard [Panthera uncia, Sch.I, Pt.I, (33)]:
It is a member of felidae family which is found in snow clad regions in the States of J&K,
Arunachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand. The total body length is approximately 99 - 131 cms & it
weighs 36-56kgs (approx.)
27.3.7 Loris and Slow Loris
[Loris tardigradus {Sch.I, Pt. I(20)}] and [Nyeticebus coucang {Sch.I, Pt.I(32)}]
Loris is a nocturnal wild animal and member of Loridae family. Out of two species, slow loris
is found in North-Eastern part of India mainly in Assam & Manipur. Its body length ranges
from 29 - 41 cms and weighs about 1.2 -1.3 Kgs. Slender loris is generally found in southern
states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Andhra Pradesh. Its body length ranges 21- 26 cms and it
weighs about 1.1 – 1.2 Kg. The species is primarily trapped for keeping it as pet.
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
627
Loris tardigradus{Sch.I, Pt. I(20)} Slow loris[ Nyeticebus coucang{ Sch.I, Pt.I(32)}]
Photographs of Loris (Sloth) seized by enforcement agencies
27.3.8 Civets
Civet is member of Viverridae family. Civets are traded for their skin fur & scent gland.
Malabar Civet [Viverra megaspila, Sch.I, Pt.I, (22)]:
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
628
Malabar Civet is member of Viverridae family and found in Kerala & Karnataka. Its body
length is approximately 126 cm and weighs upto 9 Kgs.
Other members of this family:
Large Indian civet [ Sch.I, Pt.II(1-A)]: – It is found in North east India.
Small Indian Civet [ Sch.I, Pt.II(1-A)]: – It is found throughout India except J&K.
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
629
(c) Brown Palm Civet [ Sch.I, Pt.II(1-A)]: - It is generally found in Kerala & Tamil Nadu.
(d) Common Palm Civet [ Sch.I, Pt.II(1-A)]: – It is found all over India except Rajasthan, Gujarat
& Himalayan region.
(e) Jerdon’s Palm Civet [ Sch.I, Pt.II(1-A)]: - It is found in Kerala, Karnataka & Tamil Nadu
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
630
(f) Small toothed Palm Civet –[ Sch.I, Pt.II(1-A)]: It is commonly called 3-striped palm civet. It
is generally found in NE India and WB.
(g) Himalayan masked palm civet [ Sch.I, Pt.II(1-A)]: - It is found throughout Himalayan region
from J&K to Arunachal Pradesh.
(h) Himalayan palm Civet [ Sch.I, Pt.II(1-A)]: - It is found in Kashmir & parts of NE India.
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
631
27.3.9 Musk Deer
[Moschus moschiferus/Moschus leucogaster Sch.I, Pt.I, (25)]:
It is a member of Mochus family. It inhabits the high rugged terrain of Himalayas between
2200 - 4400 mtrs. The musk of this spp contains ketone muskone. Musk is illegally traded to
be used in traditional Asian medicines and in perfumery.
Musk pod and hair signature:
27.3.10 Rhinoceros
[Rhinoceros unicornis, Sch.I, Pt.I, (30)]:
It is found in WB, Assam & UP. Rhinoceros are killed for its Horn. The colour of horn
varies from brown to black and it is made of keratin, therefore, on burning it smells like the
burning of hair.
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
632
Genuine and fake Rhinoceros horns:
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
633
27.3.11 Otter
Clawless otter[{Aonyx cinerea, Sch.I, Pt.I, (31B)} & Otters{ Luthra perspicillata, SchII,
Pt.II (4)}]:
Otters are members of Mustelidae family. Clawless otter is generally found all along Ganga
river basin & its tributaries. The other species i.e. the smooth Indian otter or smooth coated
otter is found throughout India and most commonly seen in UP, Kerala & West Bengal. Otters
are being hunted for their skin.
(a). Clawless Otter:
(b). Clawed Otter:
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
634
Otter Skins:
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
635
27.3.12 Tiger
[Pantera tigris, Sch. I, Pt.I(39)]:
It is a member of Felidae family. Almost all its body parts are traded. Fake tiger skins are
also in trade. Distinguishing features of tiger skin:
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
636
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
637
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
638
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
639
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
640
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
641
Comparison between genuine and fake tiger skin:
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
642
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
643
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
644
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
645
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
646
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
647
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
648
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
649
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
650
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
651
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
652
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
653
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
654
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
655
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
656
27.3.13 Tibetan Antelope
[Panthelops hodgsoni, Sch. I, Pt.I (36-A)]:
It is commonly called as ‘Chiru’. The animal is killed for its body hair from which Shahtoosh
thread are derived. Shahtoosh shawls are smuggled out of the country to various destinations
especially in Europe, North America and Gulf.
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
657
Tibetan Antelope guard hair signature
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
658
27.3.14 Monitor lizard
Monitor lizards are being poached for its meat, skin and fat. The commonly hunted species
of monitor lizard are as under:
(i) Agra monitor lizard [Varanus grisus (Daudin), Sch.I, Pt.II, (1)]:
(ii) Barred, oval or yellow monitor lizard [ Varanus flavescens, Sch.I, Pt.II, (1-C)]:
27.3.15 Turtles and Terrapins
Almost all spp. of turtles & terrapins are traded. The demand is generally for consumption and as
pet. The most commonly traded species of turtles and terrapins are as under:
Melanocchelys tricarinata[ Sch.I, Pt.II, (1-F)] Hoesemys silvatica[ Sch.I, Pt.II, (9-A)]
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
659
Kachunga kachunga [ Sch.I, Pt.II, (14-B)] Trionyx gangeticus[ Sch.I, Pt.II, (3)]
Batagur baska [ Sch.I, Pt.II, (1-E)] Lissemys punctate punctate [ Sch.I, Pt.II, (8)]
Trionyx hurum [ Sch.I, Pt.II, (14)] Geoclemys hamiltonii [ Sch.I, Pt.II, (14-C)]
Chelonia mydas [ Sch.I, Pt.II, (4)] Pelochelys bibroni [ Sch. IV]
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
660
Kachunga tecta tecta
Geochelone elegans [ Sch IV (15).] Turtle eggs seized from poacher in Assam.
Lipidochelys olivacea [ Sch.I, Pt.II, (13)] Chitra indica [ Sch. IV]
Eretmochelys imbricate [Sch. I, Pt.II, (5)] Caretta caretta [ Sch.I, Pt.II, (12)]
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
661
Dermochelys coriacea (Linnaeus) Sch. IV (15)
27.3.16 Pythons, King Cobra and other Snakes
Almost all species of snakes are killed either for their skin or venom but the most hunted species are
python and cobra.
Python reticulatus [Sch.I, Pt.II, (14-A)]
Scale Pattern
Python molurus [ Sch.I, Pt.II, (14-A)]
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
662
Scale Pattern
Xenochrophis piscator [Chekered keelback snake, SchII, Pt.II, (8)]
Atretium schistosum [Oleveceous keelback
snake, SchII, Pt.II, (13)]
Elachistodon westermanni Reinhardt[
Sch.IV]
Ptyas mucosus [ Dhaman/rat snake, Sch.II, Pt.II, (9)]
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
663
Scale Pattern
Viper russelli [Russel’s viper Sch.II,Pt.II, (14)]
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
664
Scale Pattern
Ophiophagus hannah[SchII, Pt.II(12)]
Bangarus fasciatus Oligodon arnensis
Trimeresurus monticola Hydrophis cyanocinctus
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
665
27.3.17 Spiny tailed lizard
[(Sanda) Uromastix hardwickii Sch.II, Pt.II(25)]:
This species is poached for its oil/fat.
27.3.18 Mongoose
[Herpestes spp. Sch.II, Pt.II(16)]:
All species of Mongoose are killed for their hair, meat & claws. Mongoose hair brushes are
considered most suited for professional painting.
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
666
Mongoose hair Brush and its hair signature:
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
667
27.3.19 Sambar
[Cervus unicolour, Sch.III (16)]:
It is poached for its meat, skin & antlers.
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
668
Sambar hair signature:
27.3.20 Chital
[Axis axis, Sch.III(5)]:
It is poached for its meat, skin & antlers.
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
669
Identification Characteristic of cheetal antlers:
● The antlers branch to six points and sweep back into an upward curve
● Antlers curve in lyre shape
● Woody appearance
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
670
27.3.21 Wild Pig
[Sus scrofa, Sch. III(19)]:
It is killed for its meat, tusk & fats.
27.3.22 Sand Boa
[Snake Boldae Sch.IV(12iii)]:
It is mainly trapped & traded due to myth that luck will smile on the keeper of this animal.
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
671
27.3.23 Kuth
[Saussurea costus, Sch.VI(3)]:
This plant is a member of Asteraceae family, mainly found on middle altitudes ranging from
2600 – 3600 mtrs in Himalayan region especially Kashmir & HP.
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
672
27.3.24 Tokey Gecko
[Sch.IV(15A)]:
This species is mainly traded for its medicinal value, and it is also a popular pet.
27.3.25 Birds
Birds are the most commonly traded wildlife species within country. The following are the
most common prohibited Indian bird species found in illegal trade:
Munias (silver bill),
Sch.IV(44)
Munias (green), Sch.IV(44) Munias (red), Sch.IV(44)
unias:(spotted),
Sch.IV (44)
Bayas or Weaver birds
(all types) : Sch.IV (77)
Owls : Sch.IV(48)
Quails:(except mountain
quail), Sch.IV (57)
Mountain Quail:Sch.I,
Part III(8)
Hill Myna: Sch.I,
Part III(8)
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
673
Myna(Common):
Sch.IV(45)
Bulbuls (All): Sch IV(8) Falcons[Except Shaeen,
Peregrine, Saker & Lager,
red headed merlin] :
ch.IV(24)
Babblers: Sch IV(3) Doves (All types): Sch.IV(19) Ducks: Sch.IV(21)
Swiftlets: Sch.I, Part III(19) Bazas: Sch I, Part III(1B) Kingfisher:(White throtted),
Sch.IV(37)
Parakeet (Alexdrian):
Sch.IV(50)
Parakeet (Rose ringed):
Sch.IV(50)
Munias (black headed),
Sch.IV (44)
Partridge (Alltypes):
Sch.IV(51)
Pigeons (except blue rock),
Sch.IV(54)
Grey Jungle Fowl, Sch.II,
Part II(17)
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
674
27.3.26 Shells (Mollusca)
[Sch.I,Pt IVB & Sch.IV(19)]:
Prohibited shells are generally found being traded at tourist destinations especially in the
coastal regions of the country. Prohibited shell species are also commonly found in souvenir
shops and temple markets all over the country. Following are the most common prohibited
shell species that are in illegal trade:
Geese (all types): Sch.IV(29) Great Indian Bustard,Sch.I,Part
III(3)
Hawks: Sch I, Part III(4A)
Cranes (Sarus),Sch.IV(16) Cheer Pheasant,Sch I Part III(2) White bellied sea eagle: Sch-I
Part III(16)
Photographs of birds seized during interceptions by enforcement agencies
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
675
Nautilus pompilius H/C[Sch.I, Pt.IVB(6)] Cypraeacassis rufa[Sch.I, Pt.IVB(4)]
Nautilus pompilicis[Sch.I, Pt.IVB(6)] Nautilus pompilicis [Sch.I, Pt.IVB(6)]
Cyprea cassis rufa [Sch.I, Pt.IVB(4)] Cassis cornuta [Sch.I, Pt.IVB(1)]
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
676
Turbo Mammoratus [Sch.IV,19(XV)] Turbo Mammoratus [Sch.IV,19(XV)]
Tudicla spirillus[Sch.I, Pt.IVB(9)] Strombus plicatus sibbalddi[Sch.IV,19(XIII)]
Tridacna squamosa[Sch.I, Pt.IVB(8)] Tridacna squamosa[Sch.I, Pt.IVB(8)]
Tridacna squamosa[Sch.I, Pt.IVB(8)] Charonia Tritonis [Sch.I, Pt.IVB(2)]
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
677
Fasciolaria trapezium[Sch.IV,19(IV)] Fasciolaria trapezium[Sch.IV,19(IV)]
Trochus nilotus [Sch.IV,19(XIV)] Trochus nilotus [Sch.IV,19(XIV)]
Lambis Truncata[Sch.IV,19(XI)] Lambis Truncata[Sch.IV,19(XI)]
Lambis Chiragra[Sch.IV,19(VI)] Lambis Chiragra [Sch.IV,19(VI)]
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
678
Cypraea talpa[Sch.IV,19(III)] Cypraea mappa[Sch.IV,19(II)]
Placenta placenta[Sch.IV,19(XII)] Placenta placenta[Sch.IV,19(XII)]
27.3.27 Corals (Coelenterates)
[Sch.I,Pt (IVA)]:
Corals are mainly collected for the aquariums. Certain corals have medicinal properties as
well. The most commonly traded coral species are as under:
Tubiphora musica [Sch.I,Pt.IVA(3)] Tubiphora musica [Sch.I,Pt.IVA(3)]
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
679
Reef building coral [Sch.I,Pt.IVA(1)] Reef building coral [Sch.I,Pt.IVA(1)]
27.3.28 Sea Horses
[All Sygnathadians, Sch.I, Pt.IIA(3)]:
Sea Horses have international demand for its medicinal properties. Certain species of sea
horse are kept in aquariums as well.
Hippocampus kuda Hippocampus histrix
Hippocampus trimaculatus Hippocampus kelloggi
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
680
long snout seahorse Hippocampus erectus
Photographs of Sea horses seized by enforcement agencies:
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
681
27.3.29 Sea Cucumber
(Holothuria, Sch.I, Pt.IVC):
Sea Cucumbers are in high demand in China and other South East Asian countries as delicacy.
Dried Sea Cucumber (Holothuria):
27.3.30 Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus)
Though the species is not listed under the Schedules of the “Wildlife Protection Act, 1972,
but its rampant exploitation from wild to be smuggled across national borders to international
markets mainly China, is matter of serious concern. Red Sanders has highly restrictive
distribution in the south eastern portion of Indian peninsula to which it is endemic. It is found
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
682
in Palakonda and Seshachalam hill ranges of Cuddapa-Chitoor district of Andhra Pradesh
extending slightly into neighbouring Anantpur, Kurnool, Prakasam and Nellore district. Sporadic
wild population do occur in the adjoining districts of neighbouring Tamil Nadu, Karnataka &
Odisha.
Red Sander wood is traded in almost all possible forms such as logs, wood chips, sawn
timber, extracts and dyes. The colour of heartwood of this species varies from red to purple
brown or black and its specific gravity is 0.97. Its water extract is light brown and fluoresces
with light blue colour. A moist chip of wood leaves a reddish scar on a white cloth when
rubbed upon.
Red Sanders demand is mainly for making furniture, traditional Chinese medicines, and
musical instruments such as Shamisen, Koto and Erhu.
NICFS
CHAPTER 27
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
683
Red Sander Artefacts
Seized Red Sander Woods
References
Extracts from “A Manual on Wildlife Species in trade (First Edition)”, Wildlife Crime
Control Bureau, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, 2011.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
684
DIGITAL SIGNATURE OF WILDLIFE PRODUCTS
IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE
28
28.1 Tiger Skin
(i) Common Name : Tiger
(ii) Scientific Name : Panthera tigris
(iii) Items in trade : Whole skin, nails, claws, bones, trophy, etc.
(iv) Product : Tiger skin
(v) Real Image :
Whole Skin
Skull
Nails
Skin
Nails
There have been requests for the enforcement agencies at the exit points and border guarding agencies
to develop the skills of their personnel to visually recognize various wildlife contrabands which they
come across during inspection, baggage screening, surveillance etc. Based on this felt need, Wildlife
Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has made an honest effort to compile the X-ray images of commonly
smuggled wildlife articles out the country. NICFS and WCCB has agreed to insert this chapter in the
SOP. This exercise is an attempt to make the identification of wildlife contraband earlier for the
personnel handling the scanners so that suspicious items can be detected and put to further confirmatory
scientific and forensic examination for legal action against the defaulter.
(vi) Scanned Image:
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
685
(vii) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Orange colour is seen for the skin and green colour is seen
in case of paws. Nails have bone piece at its base which is visible as green in
X-Ray Image.
B. Real Image/Product: Black stripes are present on the yellowish orange coat.
Paws are bony.
(viii) Remarks: Whole skin, nail, bone, claws, whiskers, etc. all the body parts are being
traded. Bones are mainly used to make traditional Chinese medicine.
(ix) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and
Appendix I to the CITES. Export/Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the
Export/Import Policy (EXIM).
28.2 Lion Skin
(i) Common Name : Lion
(ii) Scientific Name : Panthera leo
(iii) Items in trade : Whole skin, nails, claws, bones, trophy, etc.
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
Skin
Nails
Nails
Skull
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
686
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned image of skin: Orange colour is seen for the skin and green colour is
seen in case of nails.Nails have bone piece at its base which is visible as green in XRay
Image.
B. Real image/product: A fuller coat, a longer tassel of hair at the end of its tail, a
more pronounced tuft of hair on its belly. The mane is light or dark, rarely quite black.
(vii) Remarks: Whole skin, nail, bone, claws, whiskers, etc. all the body parts are being
traded. Bones are mainly used to make traditional Chinese medicine.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Appendix I
to the CITES. Export/Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
28.3 Leopard Skin
(i) Common Name : Leopard
(ii) Scientific Name : Panthera pardus
(iii) Items in trade : Whole skin, nails, claws, bones, trophy, etc.
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
Skull
Nails
Skin
Nails
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
687
(vi) Scanned Image:
Ivory
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Orange colour is seen for the skin.
B. Real Image/Product: Coat colour is usually fulvous to bright golden, marked
with small close set rosettes and spots. Head, limbs and tail are also spotted.
(vii) Remarks: The substitute species for tiger. Leopard skins and other body parts are
traded as trophies, ornaments, items of clothing and for use in traditional Chinese
Medicines.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and
Appendix I to the CITES. Export/Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the
EXIM Policy.
28.4 Indian Elephant Ivory
(i) Common Name : Indian Elephant ivory.
(ii) Scientific Name : Elephas maximus
(iii) Items in trade : Whole ivory, carved figures, bangles, jewellery, Japanese
signature seal etc.
(iv) Real Image:
Ivory
Dental Pulp Cavity
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
688
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Green or bluish green colour. Hollow dental pulp cavity clearly
visible in the middle of Tusk/Ivory which may extend to one third or half of the
length.
B. Real Image/Product: Creamish white colour. Unlike bone, ivory has no blood
vessel system thus denser. Schreger lines are seen (cross markings like finger prints).
(vii) Remarks: Ivory includes tusk of Indian Elephant, African Elephant, Mammoth ivory,
Walrus tusk, Hippo teeth etc.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and
Appendix I to the CITES. Export/Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the
EXIM Policy.
28.5 Indian Elephant Ivory
(i) Common Name : Indian Elephant ivory.
(ii) Scientific Name : Elephas maximus
(iii) Items in trade : Whole ivory, carved figures, bangles, jewellery, Japanese
signature seal etc.
(iv) Real Image:
(v) Scanned Image:
Ivory Articles
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
689
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Green colour.
B. Real Image/Product: Creamish white colour. Unlike bone, ivory has no blood vessel
system thus denser. Schreger lines are seen (cross markings like finger prints).
(vii) Remarks: Ivory includes tusk of Indian Elephant, African Elephant, Mammoth ivory,
Walrus tusk, Hippo teeth etc.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Appendix I
to the CITES. Export/Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
28.6 Walrus Tusk
(i) Common Name : Walrus Tusk.
(ii) Scientific Name : Odobenus rosmarus
(iii) Items in trade : Whole tusk
(iv) Real Image :
Dental Pulp Cavity
(v) Scanned Image:
(vii) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Green or brownish green colour. Hollow dental pulp cavity
clearly visible in the middle of Tusk/Ivory which may extend to one third or
half of the length.
B. Real Image/Product: Creamish white in colour. Size 9” to 12”
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
690
(viii) Remarks: Ivory includes tusk of Indian Elephant, African Elephant, Mammoth ivory,
Walrus tusk, Hippo teeth etc.
(ix) Legal Status: Listed Appendix III (Canada) to the CITES. Export/Import is prohibited
as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
28.7 Pangolin Skin
(i) Common Name : Indian Pangolin.
(ii) Scientific Name : Manis crassicaudata
(iii) Items in trade : Skin/scales
(iv) Real image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Orange colour. Scale patterns are visible. Nails are green in colour.
B. Real Image of the product: Light to dark brown in colour. The physical appearance
of pangolins is marked by large, hardened, plate like scales (made of keratin).
(vii) Remarks: Pangolin skin and scales are mostly traded for its medicinal value. They are
used to make rings and other decorative items.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Export/Import is
prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
691
28.8 Rhino Horn
(i) Common Name : One-Horned Rhinoceros.
(ii) Scientific Name : Rhinoceros unicornis
(iii) Items in trade : Horns
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Orange colour (sample without bone content whereas a sample
with bone reflects green colour.
B. Real Image/Product: Grayish brown to black. The texture of rhino horn is rough
due to the presence of rough hair on the surface of the horn (made of keratin).
(vii) Remarks: Rhino horns are used in East Asian Traditional medicines.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and Appendix I
to the CITES. Export/Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
692
28.9 Wild Boar Tusk
(i) Common Name : Wild Boar Tusk.
(ii) Scientific Name : Sus scrofa
(iii) Items in trade : Full tusk.
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Slightly greenish in colour.
B. Real Image/Product: The upper tusks are bent upwards in males, and are regularly
ground against the lower ones to produce sharp edges. The tusks normally measure
about 6 cm (2.4”), in exceptional cases even 12 cm (4.7”). Females also have sharp
canines, but they are smaller, and not protruding like the male’s tusks.
(vii) Remarks: Used as Talismans.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Export/Import
is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
693
28.10 Deer Antler of Sambhar & Chital
(i) Common Name : Deer Antler of Sambhar & Chital.
(ii) Scientific Name : Axis axis & Cervus unicolour
(iii) Items in trade : Antler & articles like handles, button etc.
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Green or bluish green colour. Solid structure, with a narrow cavity
at the core. Shape of Deer Antler and uneven surface visible.
B. Real Image/Product: Light to dark brown in clolor. Unlike bone, antler has no
blood vessel system thus denser.
(vii) Remarks: Deer Antlers are used in cutlery handles, revolver butts, buttons, handicrafts
etc.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Export/Import
is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
694
28.11 Pallas’s Gull
(i) Common Name : Pallas’s Gull/Great Black Headed Gull
(ii) Scientific Name : Larus ichthyaetus
(iii) Items in trade : Live birds
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Skeleton is seen as green and rest of the body is seen as
orange in colour. Since, it is a stuffed bird, the internal metal wire supports are
seen as blue.
B. Real Image/Product: Head blackish. The adults have grey wings and back,
with conspicuous white “mirrors” at the wing tips. The legs are yellow and the
bill is red.
(vii) Remarks: Gulls are typically medium to large birds, usually grey or white, often with
black markings on the head or wings. They typically have harsh wailing or squawking
calls, stout, longish bills, and webbed feet. This species breeds in colonies in marshes
and islands from southern Russia to Mongolia. It is migratory, wintering in the
Eastern Mediterranean, Arabia and India.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
695
28.12 White Cockatoo/Umbrella Cockatoo
(i) Common Name : White Cockatoo/Umbrella Cockatoo
(ii) Scientific Name : Cacatua alba
(iii) Items in trade : Live birds
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Skeleton is seen as green and rest of the body is seen as orange
in colour. Since, it is a stuffed bird, the internal metal wire supports are seen as blue.
B. Real Image/Product: This threatened white parrot has brown or black eyes and a
dark grey beak. When surprised, it extends a large and striking crest, which has a
semicircular shape. The undersides of the wings and tail have a pale yellow or lemon
colour which flashes when they fly.
(viii) Remarks: Endemic to the islands of Halmahera, Bacan, Ternate, Tidore, Kasiruta and
Mandiole in North Maluku, Indonesia. The White Cockatoo is considered vulnerable by
the IUCN. Its numbers in the wild have declined owing to capture for the cage bird trade
and habitat loss. Mostly used as Pet Birds.
(ix) Legal Status: This bird is coming under the order Psittaciformes and all Psittaciformes
species are listed in different Appendices to the CITES. Export/import is restricted.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
696
28.13 Crocodile Bags
(i) Common Name : Crocodile
(ii) Scientific Name : Crocodilus sp.
(iii) Items in trade : Shoes, whole skin, purses, wallets, watch straps etc.
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Orange colour. Contours of scales visible. Mandible portion is
green.
B. Real Image/Product: Distinctive scale pattern. Rough surface.
(vii) Remarks: Alligator, Caiman, Gharial Skins also in the trade and look similar. Other
manufactured products include, purses, wallets, watch straps, full skins etc.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Appendix I/
II to the CITES. Export/Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
697
28.14 Crocodile Shoes
(i) Common Name : Crocodile Shoes
(ii) Scientific Name : Crocodilus sp.
(iii) Items in trade : Shoes, whole skin, purses, wallets, watch straps etc.
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Orange colour. Contours of scales visible. Mostly handmade so
nails in sole are clearly visible.
B. Real Image/Product: Distinctive scale pattern. Rough surface.
(vii) Remarks: Alligator, Caiman, Gharial Skins also in the trade and look similar. Other
manufactured products include, purses, wallets, watch straps, full skins etc.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Appendix I/
II to the CITES. Export/Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
698
28.15 Star Tortoise
(i) Common Name : Star Tortoise
(ii) Scientific Name : Geochelone elegans.
(iii) Items in trade : Live animal
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Orange colour, Oval shape. Four appendages and head visible in
the scan carapace visible as green rim due to dermal bone.
B. Real Image/Product: Live tortoise with star shaped markings on the carapace. Size
upto 10 inches.
(vii) Remarks: Used as a pet and food item.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Appendix
II to the CITES. Export/Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
699
28.16 Turtle Carapace
(i) Common Name : Turtle Carapace/Turtle Shell
(ii) Scientific Name : Eretmochelys imbricata
(iii) Items in trade : Whole carapace, made into spectacle frames, etc.
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Greenish orange in colour. Rim visible as green due to dermal
bone.
B. Real Image/Product: The carapace is the dorsal (back), convex part of the shell
structure of a turtle, consisting of the animal’s ribcage combined with dermal bone.
It is blackish yellow in colour.
(vii) Remarks: Turtle shell is made into spectacle frames, boxes, earrings, bangles, etc. In
some cases the carapaces are stuffed and sold as souvenirs. These are also used to make
traditional musical instrument.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Appendix I
to the CITES. Export/Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
700
28.17 Sea Horse
(i) Common Name : Sea Horse
(ii) Scientific Name : Hippocampus spp.
(iii) Items in trade : Dried fish, live fish for aquarium
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Orange in colour, shape appears as in real image.
B. Real Image/Product: Elongated semi flexible body with armoured bony plates.
Head like horse, snout tubular. Hence it is called Sea Horse.
(vii) Remarks: Sea horses have great commercial value. It is a good ornamental (aquarium)
fish and also stuffed to make decoration pieces. Dry fish used in traditional Chinese
medicine.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Appendix II
to the CITES. Export/Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
701
28.18 Horned Helmet
(i) Common Name : Horned Helmet
(ii) Scientific Name : Cassis cornuta
(iii) Items in trade : Whole shell.
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Green in colour with internal structures are seen.
B. Real Image/Product: Solid, heavy, cream coloured shell. Ornamented with faint
spiral rows of spots, heavy knobs, etc.
(vii) Remarks: Whole shell is sold as souvenirs or decoration pieces. Handicraft products/
souvenirs may also be made such as lampshades.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Export/Import is
prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
702
28.19 Trumpet Triton
(i) Common Name : Trumpet Triton
(ii) Scientific Name : Charonia tritonis
(iii) Items in trade : Whole shell.
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Internal Spiral characters in green colour are seen.
B. Real Image/Product: Creamy pink shell with dark brown patches on it. Broad body
whorled with two prominent varices.
(vii) Remarks: The shell is used for manufacturing lime in lime industries. It is a collectors’
item. It is also used as a form of trumpet.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Export/Import is
prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
703
28.20 Helmet Shell
(i) Common Name : Helmet Shell
(ii) Scientific Name : Cypraecassis rufa
(iii) Items in trade : Sea shells.
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Green colour. Helmet type shape. Three dimensional shell linings
clearly visible in the image.
B. Real Image/Product: Colour : Reddish Brown. Extremely thick, heavy, very glossy
with rows of rounded knobs.
(vii) Remarks: Polished shell used as decorative item.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Export/Import is
prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
704
28.21 Chambered Nautilus
(i) Common Name : Chambered Nautilus
(ii) Scientific Name : Nautilus pompilius
(iii) Items in trade : Whole Shell, made into handicraft.
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Slightly greenish spiral chambers are visible.
B. Real Image/Product: White or cream coloured shell, partitioned, bilaterally
symmetrical, spirally coiled, resulting chambers are connected with each other by a
hollow tube.
(vii) Remarks: The shell is geometrically perfect. Whole shells are sold as such or polished
and made pure white. It is often made into different kinds of handicrafts especially alongwith
silver metal (EPNS). Also found to be declared as “MOP Birds”.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Export/Import is
prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
705
28.22 Elongate Giant Clam
(i) Common Name : Elongate Giant Clam
(ii) Scientific Name : Tridacna maxima
(iii) Items in trade : Whole shells
(iv) Real Image :
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Deep green coloured.
B. Real Image/Product: Bivalve shell, solid, triangular, concentrically sculptured with
closely spaced undulate growth lines.
(vii) Remarks: These giant clams are the constituents of pottery glazes and also used in making
floor tiles.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Appendix II
to the CITES. Export/Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
(v) Scanned Image:
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
706
28.23 Trapezium Conch
(i) Common Name : Trapezium Conch
(ii) Scientific Name : Fasciolaria trapezium
(iii) Items in trade : Whole shell.
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Internal spiral characters in green colour are seen.
B. Real Image/Product: Strong & heavy reddish, cream coloured shell. Spiral rows of
large tubercles at periphery of spire whorls and shoulder of the body whorl.
(vii) Remarks: Commonly traded in India especially along the coast at tourists spots as whole
shells or made into decorative pieces, table-lamps, pen stands, etc.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Export/Import
is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
707
28.24 Chiragra Spider Conch
(i) Common Name : Chiragra Spider Conch
(ii) Scientific Name : Lambis chiragra
(iii) Items in trade : Whole shell, handicrafts.
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Internal spiral characters in green colour are seen. Spines are also
seen.
B. Real Image/Product: Shell white, with crowded zigzag streaks of purple brown
colour. 5 large labial digitations with one siphonal canal (spine like structures) present.
(vii) Remarks: Sold as whole shells, pen stands, lamp shades, show-pieces, ashtrays, etc. Used
in lime industries also.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Export/Import
is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
708
28.25 Truncate Spider Conch
(i) Common Name : Truncate Spider Conch
(ii) Scientific Name : Lambis truncata
(iii) Items in trade : Whole shell, handicrafts
(iv) Real Image :
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Internal Spiral characters in green colour are seen. Spines are also seen.
B. Real Image/Product: Whitish shell with 6 slightly arching labial digitations and
one straight siphonal canal (spine like).
(vii) Remarks: Traded as decorative sea-shells. Used in lime industries.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Export/import
is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
(v) Scanned Image:
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
709
28.26 Great Green Turban
(i) Common Name : Great Green Turban
(ii) Scientific Name : Turbo marmoratus
(iii) Items in trade : Whole shell, handicrafts
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Green colour.
B. Real Image/Product: Solid, heavy, coiled shell. Shell marbled with dark brown,
green and cream coloured blotches.
(vii) Remarks: Commercially important, if dissolved in dilute acid, an exquisite Mother of
Pearl layer is exposed. Made into knick-knacks like ashtrays, agarbatti stands, flower vases,
etc.
(iii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Export/Import
is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
710
28.27 Mole Cowrie
(i) Common Name : Mole Cowrie
(ii) Scientific Name : Cypraea talpa
(iii) Items in trade : Whole Cowrie
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Greenish orange in colour.
B. Real Image/Product: Alternate band of dark and light coloured (brownishorange).
Margins chocolate brown, whitish between the teeth.
(vii) Remarks: This is bigger in size compared to normal cowries. The entire shell is
collected as collector’s item.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Export/
Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
711
28.28 Spiral Tudicla
(i) Common Name : Spiral Tudicla
(ii) Scientific Name : Tudicla spirillus
(iii) Items in trade : Whole shell
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Light green in colour.
B. Real Image/Product: Solid shell, brownish grey with irregularly placed reddish
brown blotches, compressed spire above body whorl, long siphonal canal.
(vii) Remarks: Traded as decorative sea-shells.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Export/Import is
prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
712
28.29 Sibbald’s Conch/Pigeon Conch
(i) Common Name : Sibbald’s Conch/Pigeon Conch
(ii) Scientific Name : Strombus plicatus sibbaldii
(iii) Items in trade : Whole shell
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Light green in colour.
B. Real Image/Product: Shell white, semi glossy, very small shell upto 50mm in
length, winged.
(vii) Remarks: Different handicrafts are made from these shells, maximum use is for
keyrings. Sometimes used to make porcelains.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Export/
Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
713
28.30 Commercial Trochas / Top shell
(i) Common Name : Commercial Trochas / Top shell
(ii) Scientific Name : Trochus niloticus
(iii) Items in trade : Whole shell, jewellery, handicrafts etc.
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image:
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Green colour. Pyramid like shape with concentric & three
dimensional rings.
B. Real Image/Product: Solid, heavy, large, conical shell upto 150 mm in length.
Body whorls widely flattened, more wide than long. Shell almost swollen at the
base. Base flat, excavated in the middle. Thin horny operculum concentric
sculpture fine and wavy.
(vii) Remarks: Used as decorative item as whole shell, handicrafts, jewellery etc.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Export/
Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
714
28.31 Capiz Shell
(i) Common Name : Capiz Shell
(ii) Scientific Name : Placuna placenta / Placenta placenta
(iii) Items in trade : Whole shell, handicrafts.
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image :
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Light bluish green colour. Irregularly rounded often thin and
translucent.
B. Real Image/Product: Irregularly rounded often thin and translucent, smooth or
sculptured. Sub-circular, flat fragile, very compressed shell up to 180 mm
diameter. Surface smooth, glossy, displaying a brilliant pearly iridescence.
(vii) Remarks: Used as decorative item as whole shell, handicrafts, jewellery, lamps,
chandlier etc.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Export/
Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
715
28.32 Sclerarctinian Coral
(i) Common Name : Sclerarctinian Coral
(ii) Scientific Name : Siderastrea sp.
(iii) Items in trade : Whole Coral
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image :
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Deep green colour.
B. Real Image/Product: White coloured. Colonies are encrusting to boulder shaped.
Corallites are rounded or polygonal. Walls are composed of network of septa
with cross linkages.
(vii) Remarks: Used in Praval Bhasma as a calcium supplement & as decorative items.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Appendix
II to the CITES. Export/Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM
Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
716
28.33 Sclerarctinian Coral Acropora
(i) Common Name : Small Polyp Stony Coral
(ii) Scientific Name : Acropora sp.
(iii) Items in trade : Whole Coral, handicrafts
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image :
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Deep green in colour.
B. Real Image/Product: White coloured. Colonies are composed of large, tapered,
prostate branches.
(vii) Remarks: Used as decorative items as well as in Praval Bhasma.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Appendix
II to the CITES. Export/Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM
Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
717
28.34 Organ Pipe Coral
(i) Common Name : Organ Pipe Coral
(ii) Scientific Name : Tubipora musica
(iii) Items in trade : Whole Coral
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image :
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Blue/green colour. Reticulate pattern of tubes clearly visible.
B. Real Image/Product: Bright Red colour. Dried coral has a pattern of tubes like
an organ pipe trumpet hence the name organ pipe coral.
(vii) Remarks: Used as medicine & decorative item.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Appendix
II to the CITES. Export/Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM
Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
718
28.35 Antipatharia (Black Coral)
(i) Common Name : Black Coral
(ii) Scientific Name : Antipatharia
(iii) Items in trade : Whole Coral
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image :
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Blackish orange in colour.
B. Real Image/Product: Deep water tree like corals. Skeleton distinctive black or
dark brown in colour.
(vii) Remarks: Used to make coral handicrafts.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and
Appendix II to the CITES. Export/Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the
EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
719
28.36 Sea Fan (Gorgonea)
(i) Common Name : Sea Fan
(ii) Scientific Name : Gorgonea
(iii) Items in trade : Whole Coral
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image :
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Blackish orange in colour.
B. Real Image/Product: Orange coloured tree like structure.
(vii) Remarks: Used to make coral handicrafts.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Export/
Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
720
28.37 Sea Cucumber
(i) Common Name : Sea Cucumber
(ii) Scientific Name : Holothuria
(iii) Items in trade : Whole dried animal
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image :
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Orange colour. Animal internal structure (inner linings) clearly
visible in the image.
B. Real Image/Product: Black dark brown colour. Average size: 10 to 30 cms;
body ranges from spherical to worm like. Shape like dried banana.
(vii) Remarks: Used as a food item in Chinese/Japanese food preparations.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Export/
Import is prohibited as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
NICFS
CHAPTER 28
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators
721
28.38 Red Sanders
(i) Common Name : Red Sanders
(ii) Scientific Name : Pterocarpus santalinus
(iii) Items in trade : Wood logs, wood piece, handicrafts, furniture, musical instrument
(iv) Real Image :
(v) Scanned Image :
(vi) Identifying Features:
A. Scanned Image: Orangish red in colour.
B. Real Image/Product: Deep red coloured wood.
(vii) Remarks: One of the rare pieces of Indian timber found only in three districts of
Andhra Pradesh.
(viii) Legal Status: Listed in Appendix II to the CITES. Export/Import is prohibited/
restricted as per the provisions of the EXIM Policy.
References
Extracts from “X-Ray Images of Wildlife Products, A catalogue of Wildlife Contraband
Commonly Carried in Personal Baggage”, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Ministry of
Environment and Forests, Government of India, 2012.
NICFS
A Forensic Guide for Crime Investigators : Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) attempts to serve
the need of the Investigating Officers (I.Os.) to look into the vast range of physical evidences as well
as newer types of evidences recovered from a scene of crime, that needs forensic examination.
Keeping in mind the development of technology at a rapid pace, the suggestions in this SOP are
examined in the context of current technology and practices prevalent in the country. Each chapter
has not only been reviewed by the internal faculty but also vetted by external experts on the relevant
subject. Besides, each case is a unique one; thus, it may require action other than those described in
the related chapter. Users may have to refer to the other chapters also for the appropriate forensic
tool that suits them.
Apart from covering a wide range of issues that need to be addressed during a crime investigation,
this handbook also provides model queries that the I.O. needs to ask the forensic experts and
medico legal experts. This voluminous work will be useful not only for the I.Os. but also judicial
officers and prosecutors as efforts have been made to make this book user friendly. However, this
book is for ready reference only and does not claim the absolute necessity or correctness of the
prescribed procedure.
About the Institute
The Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science was established in 1972 to undertake teaching
and research in Criminology and Forensic Science and to impart in-service training to senior
functionaries of the criminal justice system. The Institute was renamed as National Institute of
Criminology and Forensic Science (NICFS) in 1991 and again renamed after Lok Nayak
Jayaprakash Narayan in 2003. In 43 years of its existence, the Institute has made significant
headway in the areas of training of criminal justice functionaries and others, as well as research in
applied aspects of the twin subjects. More than 38,892 officers from Police, Civil Administration,
Prosecution, Judiciary, Correctional Administration, Customs, Defence and Forensic Science
Laboratories including foreign trainees have undergone orientation and specialized courses
offered by the Institute. Since 2004, the Institute has been offering M.A./M.Sc. degree courses in
Criminology and Forensic Science, which are open to general public.
LNJN National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science
(Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India)
Sector-3, Outer Ring Road, Rohini, Delhi – 110 085
Phone : 011-27521091, 27514161, 27511580 | FAX: 011-27510586, 27511571
Email: director.nicfs@nic.in | Website: www.nicfs.nic.in
NICFS