On August 3rd, 2024, Sarik Ankita, Head of the Department of Criminology, led an informative workshop for NITTE (Deemed to be University) students titled "Basics of Forensic Science: Applications and Principles in Society." This session was part of a memorandum of understanding between two institutions and aimed to provide students with a thorough understanding of forensic science and its various career opportunities.
Ankita introduced the foundational principles of forensic science, emphasizing its role in applying scientific methods to solve crimes and its importance in the justice system. She covered the historical development of forensic science and its growth into an interdisciplinary field.
The session delved into several key areas of forensic science, including:
- Ballistics: Analyzing firearms and ammunition to link them to crimes.
- Questioned Documents: Identifying forgeries and alterations.
- Footprints and Fingerprints: Using unique identifiers to solve crimes.
- Hair and Fiber Analysis: Analyzing hair and fibers for clues.
- Cyber Crime and Security: Applying digital forensics to combat cyber crimes.
- Thanatology and Forensic Medicine: Conducting medical examinations to determine causes of death.
- Tool Marks: Examining tool marks.
- Toxicology: Studying poisons.
- Anthropology and Entomology: Using human remains and insects in investigations.
Ankita highlighted the vital role forensic science plays in aiding law enforcement, securing convictions, and ensuring justice. She illustrated how forensic techniques are crucial in identifying suspects and presenting essential evidence in court.
Forensic science's objective, scientific analysis of evidence from crime scenes—such as blood samples, hair fibers, digital footprints, and firearm residues—helps reconstruct crime scenes, establish timelines, and determine methods used in committing crimes. This ensures investigations are thorough and evidence-based.
Ankita emphasized the importance of forensic evidence in legal proceedings, noting that forensic experts often serve as key witnesses. Their scientifically validated information can corroborate testimonies, challenge alibis, and influence jury decisions, ensuring justice is based on reliable data.
She also discussed various career paths in forensic science, including:
- Forensic Scientists: Specializing in DNA analysis, toxicology, and trace evidence.
- Crime Scene Investigators: Responsible for collecting and preserving evidence.
- Forensic Pathologists: Medical doctors performing autopsies.
- Digital Forensic Experts: Specialists in analyzing digital evidence.
- Forensic Anthropologists and Entomologists: Experts in human remains and insect evidence.
- Ballistics Experts: Professionals analyzing firearms and ammunition.
Through her session, Ankita conveyed the indispensable value of forensic science in the criminal justice system, demonstrating its role in identifying suspects and ensuring evidence is accurately interpreted and fairly presented in court.36 students participated in the session.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
