THE INVISIBLE THREAT: UNDERSTANDING POISON CRIME IN THE COLONIAL ASSAM

AUTHOR – ABHIJEET JAISWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY, GURUCHARAN UNIVERSITY, SILCHAR (ASSAM)

BEST CITATION – ABHIJEET JAISWAL, THE INVISIBLE THREAT: UNDERSTANDING POISON CRIME IN THE COLONIAL ASSAM, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (11) OF 2025, PG. 343-348, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

Abstract

This essay explores the occurrence of poison-related crimes in late nineteenth century Assam, focusing on the movement of toxic substances across various societal domains, including medical practices and the legal system. During this period, Assamese society grappled with what seemed like a surge in poisoning incidents, often involving the use of “aconite” commonly known as “Indian monkshood” or “Bikh”, which held the notorious reputation of being the “king of poisons” in the nineteenth century. From a legal perspective, poisons were insidious tools for carrying out covert murders that proved challenging to prosecute in court. Due to the clandestine nature of poisoning crimes, the testimony of ordinary witnesses was often inadequate, prompting judges to frequently seek the counsel of medical and chemical experts. Consequently, poison in the nineteenth century served multiple roles as an everyday substance, a focus of scientific inquiry, a tool for criminals, a weapon of the vulnerable, and a subject of legal attention. Its meanings and significance varied significantly among different stakeholders, including forensic experts, lawyers, judges, and even poisoners themselves. The essay argues that these movements and interactions were multidirectional, presenting new challenges and complexities for toxicologists in the courtroom. This intricate landscape helps explain why poisoners in the nineteenth century differed significantly from other conventional criminals, not only in terms of gender but also in their social standing. Many poisoners were individuals of respectability who had never before been involved in criminal activities. Some were even close relatives or friends of the victims, allowing them easy access to poisons for domestic purposes and enabling them to administer them discreetly without arousing suspicion.

 Key words : Poisoning, Aconite, Court trial, Forensic Toxicology, Superstition