Inauguration of CRIFO 2K23- Two days National Conference on Forensic Advent: A Futuristic Vision of Forensic Science

The Post Graduate Department of Criminology and Forensic Science and Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), School of Social Work (Autonomous), Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru in collaboration with Virtual Protect Security Private Limited and Covert Security India LLP, Bengaluru had organized ‘CRIFO 2023’ two days National Conference on the theme “‘Forensic Advent – A Futuristic Vision of Forensic Science” held on 5th and 6th May, 2023 at Maria Paiva Hall of the college.

The conference began by invoking God’s blessings with a prayer song followed by a welcome dance by Ms. Likhitha V. K and Ms. Saumini Seelan. Mr. Roshan D’Souza, Assistant Professor, Faculty Program Coordinator, Post Graduate Department of Criminology and Forensic Science formally welcomed the gathering.

Dr. Saritha D’Souza, Head, Post Graduate Department of Criminology and Forensic Science gave the introductory note. She explained the meaning of ‘CRIFO’ which is derived from Greek work ‘krypos’ meaning ‘Secret’ or ‘Hidden’. CRIFO first commenced in the year 2019, however, due to COVID-19 pandemic it was unable to continue. She expressed her pleasure that the event resume and hoped to continue it every year and even organise it on an international level. The purpose of the conference was to enhance learners with skills and impart knowledge regarding Forensic Science through experts working in the field which will help students with future prospects. She expressed her gratitude to have a member of police, courts and correctional institution during the conference and wished good luck to all paper presenters.

The Chief Guest Sri. Mallikarjunaswami H.S., I Addl. District and Sessions Judge, Dakshina Kannada District inaugurated the program by lighting the lamp and formally inaugurated it through secret writing. In his inaugural address he stated that before the advent of forensic science, evidences were only direct or circumstantial. However, today scientific evidence has been acknowledged and recognised by the judiciary and it widely uses fingerprint, DNA profiling and ballistics to solve crimes. Mr. Mallikarjunaswami has worked on more than 400 cases and he relied on forensic evidence in 27 cases which shows the importance of forensic science to prove guilt or innocence. He expressed that lack of basic infrastructure and inadequate manpower affects forensic department. Recently, the honourable High court and Supreme Court gave directions to the government set up Forensic Science Laboratory in every district. For any field to be empowered it needs support and guidance of the society and conferences like this spread awareness and also instils confidence to those pursuing Forensic Science. Lastly, he wished success and applauded the Department for organising the conference and wished a grand success.

Dr. Jenis Mary, Vice Principal, in her presidential address, spoke about a recent incident that she encountered while travelling to Mysuru. She noticed an individual sitting on her seat with his hands chained and said that while she has the freedom, he will be confined to the four walls of a room. She acknowledged the sacrifice and challenges a judge face while giving the verdict. Further, she congratulated HOD and faculty for selecting an optimistic theme, gathered here as a forum to contemplate for a new dawn in the process of investigations. As long as society exists there will be crime, and acknowledged the efforts of the department in crime prevention activities and thanked the police and neighbouring colleges for their support.

Dr. Mahabalesh Shetty, Professor and Head, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, KSHEMA, Mangaluru as well as Crime Scene Expert, Mr. Sai Krishna, Managing Director, Virtual Protect Security Private Limited and Managing Partner Covert Security India LLP, Bengaluru, Prof. Cecilia F. Goveas, Head, Department of Economics and IQAC Coordinator of the college were the Guest of Honour. Prof. Evelyn Benis, Secretory, Institute of Social Service & Head, Post Graduate Department of Social Work of the College, Mr. Pradeep Loyed Martis, General Secretary, Forensic Alumni Association Roshni, Mangaluru (FAARM), Ms. Aarathi Matcha, President, Forensis Forum of the Department, Faculties and students of various universities in and around the state were present on this occasion.

The inaugural ceremony concluded at 10.20am with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Amritha G Shetty, Assistant Professor and Faculty Extension Coordinator, Ms. Nashwa Iqbal, First year student of Post Graduate Department of Criminology and Forensic Science compered the whole event.

The first session of the conference was taken up at 10.30am by Dr. Mahabalesh Shetty, MD, Head, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, KSHEMA, Mangaluru and Crime Scene Expert on the topic ‘Forensics in Crime Scene Investigation.’ He stated that investigating a crime scene requires common sense that a machine doesn’t have. Thus, human intelligence plays a vital role in crime scene investigation. He gave insight into the techniques of crime scene investigation with relevant cases handled by him. Ms. Nandita, second year MSc Criminology and Forensic Science student of the college moderated the session.

The second session began at 12 pm on the topic ‘The Future of Ballistics: New Technology and Research Directions’ by Mr. Akhil Benny, Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Forensic Science, Nehru Arts and Science College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. He mentioned 3 major global incidents that involved the use of ballistics: Russia Ukraine war, Atmanirbar Bharath – to manufacture indigenous budge friendly technology to guard borders and human-animal conflicts to safe guard humans. He also encouraged the delegates to take up research in the field of Forensic Ballistics to aid in crime detection. Ms. Nisha D’Souza, second year MSc Criminology and Forensic Science student of the college moderated the session.

The third session of the conference began at 2pm by Dr. Vina Vaswani, Professor of Forensic Medicine, Yenepoya Medical College Deralakatte, Mangaluru on the topic ‘Forensic Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges’. She emphasized on DNA analysis used in Forensic, collection methods and how the register is maintained even for DNA samples and about challenges faced in DNA Fingerprinting. Further, she encouraged students to conduct research and briefed about the research ethics, the bias people hold while conducting research and also stated that Forensic topics for research should be updated as well as integrated. Ms. Bhuvaneshwari second year MSc Criminology and Forensic Science student of the college moderated the session.

The last session of the day was paper presentation part-1: Forensic Science and Criminal Justice at 3 pm. The Chairperson for the paper presentation was Dr. Sandra Sunita Lobo, Head, Department of Psychology and NAAC Coordinator of the college. Mr. Niketh P.S., Assistant professor and Faculty Coordinator of Forensis Forum of the organising department was the co-chairperson. Five delegates presented their research paper on the various topic relevant to the theme. Ms. Manisha Baretto first year MSc Criminology and Forensic Science student of the college moderated the session.

The first and second year students of the Post Graduate Department of Criminology and Forensic Science performed a cultural program at 4:20pm. Yakshagana, various dance forms of India, group song, mime on the topic white & blue colour crimes, and skit were the highlights of the cultural programme. The first day of the National conference concluded successfully at 6.15pm.

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Inauguration of CRIFO 2K23- Two days National Conference on Forensic Advent: A Futuristic Vision of Forensic Science

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