A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON ROLE OF FORENSIC SCIENCE IN DEATH INVESTIGATION

AUTHOR – MR. ASWIN KUMAR K* & MR. SUGITHKUMAR R G**

* STUDENT AT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, THE TAMIL NADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI

** PROFESSOR AT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, THE TAMIL NADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI

BEST CITATION – MR. ASWIN KUMAR K & MR. SUGITHKUMAR R G, A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON ROLE OF FORENSIC SCIENCE IN DEATH INVESTIGATION, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (2) OF 2026, PG. 403-411, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT:

     In a criminal investigation and trial, forensic evidence plays a very vital role, which is mainly concerned with materials and the materials associating with men, place & time. Forensic science process the materials & establish their presence or absence with the crime, criminal, victim, weapon allegedly connected with the offence.  Forensic science evaluates the available physical evidence and to provide it as better evidence to the cases in court of law. Forensic science plays a crucial role in death investigation cases and to establish the facts and evidence on the alleged crime. Forensic science provides various scientific tools and methodologies that greatly enhance the accuracy, objectivity and creditability of investigation processes. The main component of the forensic death investigation is the autopsy, performed to determine the physiological cause of death in the suspected cases and further analyse the presence of various biological components and other toxic substances in cases of overdose, poisoning or substance abuse. Forensic science aids in determining time since death using variety of indicators which includes body temperature, rigor mortis, lividity, decomposition and insect activity. In cases, where identity of deceased is unknown, forensic anthropologists and odontologists play a critical role by analysing skeletal fractures and dental records.

Key words:       Death investigation, post-mortem examination, time of death, forensic pathology, unnatural death, autopsy, toxicology.