What do forensic experts do after blasts?, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• A massive explosion occurred near the Red Fort complex in New Delhi on November 10, resulting in 13 confirmed deaths.
• Forensic experts from the Delhi Forensic Laboratory arrived at the scene to analyze the cause of the explosion from a scientific perspective.
• Experts collect samples, take photographs, and create sketches of the site to determine the type of explosives used and the source of the explosion.
• Various tests, including Spectroscopy, Chromatography, FTIR, ATR-FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and EDX, are conducted to analyze the collected samples.

Detailed Insights:

• Forensic experts apply Locard’s principle, which states that a criminal will leave something at the scene and take something with them, to find evidence linking the suspect to the scene.
• The process of collecting evidence is complicated by the intense pressure and heat generated by explosions, which can destroy potential evidence.
• Determining if any electronic gadget was used is crucial, as remote-controlled explosions often involve an auto-timer, though none was found in the Delhi incident.
• Cyber-forensic experts are needed to examine CCTV footage of the car involved to identify potential suspects.
• Thermochemical examination (etching) is used to find the actual engine and chassis number of the car, as these are often changed in organized crimes.
• DNA analysis of body parts found at the crime scene is essential for identification purposes.
• Multiple divisions of a forensic science laboratory collaborate to assist investigators and present scientific analysis of evidence in court.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Spectroscopy: The study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation.
• Chromatography: A separation technique used to identify and quantify the components of a mixture.
• FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy): A technique used to obtain an infrared spectrum of absorption or emission of a solid, liquid or gas.
• SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy): A type of electron microscope that produces images of a sample by scanning the surface with a focused beam of electrons.