Biological-Evidence-in-Forensic-Science-The-Tandoor-Murder-Case.pptx

forensic science

1. Biological Evidence in Forensic Science: The Tandoor Murder Case This presentation explores the critical role of biological evidence in forensic science, focusing on the landmark Indian case of State vs. Sushil Sharma (1995), also known as the Tandoor Murder Case. Biological evidence such as DNA, blood, and bodily fluids are vital in identifying victims and suspects, reconstructing crime scenes, and ensuring justice.

2. Understanding Criminalistics and Biological Evidence Criminalistics Defined Criminalistics applies scientific disciplines like biology, chemistry, and physics to criminal and civil laws to deter crime. It involves analysing physical evidence such as blood spatter, ballistics, and trace materials to reconstruct crime scenes. Biological Evidence Explained Biological evidence includes materials from living organisms like blood, hair, saliva, and bone. It helps link suspects to victims and crime scenes, identify individuals, and exonerate the innocent.

3. Applications and Principles of Biological Evidence Situations for Use Used in crimes against persons (homicide, assault, rape), property crimes, mass fatalities, motor vehicle incidents, and paternity cases. Key Forensic Principles Based on Locard's Exchange Principle (mutual transfer of materials), Principle of Individuality (unique DNA profiles), and Principle of Comparison (matching DNA to suspects).

4. Admissibility and Reliability of Biological Evidence Legal Acceptance DNA evidence is admissible under Indian law (Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, Sections 39 and 116). Courts often direct DNA testing to reach accurate conclusions without infringing personal liberty. Corroboration Importance To avoid miscarriages of justice, courts seek corroboration through other forensic evidence, eyewitness accounts, or circumstantial evidence supporting DNA findings.

5. The Tandoor Murder Case: Facts and Investigation Crime Overview Sushil Sharma shot his wife Naina Sahni and attempted to burn her body in a tandoor oven to destroy evidence. Discovery Restaurant staff noticed burning smell; police found partially burnt body inside the tandoor. Forensic Findings DNA and ballistic tests confirmed the victim’s identity and cause of death before burning.

6. Role of Biological Evidence in the Tandoor Case DNA Identification DNA profiling identified the burnt remains as Naina Sahni, crucial for linking the crime to the victim. Blood and Gunshot Analysis Bloodstains and gunshot residue confirmed the victim was shot before burning, establishing the cause and timeline of death. Evidence of Body Destruction Despite attempts to destroy evidence by burning, biological samples like hair and bone fragments still yielded DNA for analysis.

7. Judicial Outcomes and Forensic Impact 1 Trial Court (1995) Sushil Sharma convicted of murder and sentenced to death for the brutal crime. 2 Delhi High Court (2007) Conviction upheld; death sentence commuted to life imprisonment considering mitigating factors. 3 Supreme Court (2007) Final verdict upheld life imprisonment, emphasising balanced evaluation of aggravating and mitigating circumstances.

8. Conclusion: Importance of Biological Evidence in Forensic Science Biological evidence such as DNA, blood, and bodily fluids is indispensable in forensic science for identifying victims and perpetrators, linking suspects to crime scenes, and confirming causes of death. The Tandoor Murder Case exemplifies how modern forensic techniques can solve complex crimes even when physical evidence is damaged. This evidence provides reliable, scientific proof that supports justice and helps prevent wrongful convictions.