Forensic Identification of Sindoor Stain on Cloth as Trace Evidence Analysis: A Case Study from Delhi, India

Authors: Sinha S*, K Goyal and Sharma V

DOI: 10.23880/ijfsc-16000186

Volume 5, Issue 2

Abstract

A case of domestic death mystery was presented before Investigating Agency wherein it was difficult to establish the death as murder, as the victim – a 32-year-old married lady, was found by her husband with ligature mark which prima-facie indicated suicide due to hanging. As per brief case history, her husband, as complainant, maintained the fact that both father and the son were not at home and there was no strong specific reason for his wife to commit suicide. The doctor stated the cause of death as Asphyxiation due to strangulation. The Investigating Agency was clueless in establishing the death as suicide or murder and looked towards Forensic Science Laboratory to play an important role in linking shreds of evidence scientifically. Chemical Examinations done on the samples seized by Investigating Agency (Delhi Police) disclosed an abnormally high level of mercury by Instrument Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). A detailed comparative analysis was again undertaken using Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectrometer (FTIR) which further confirmed the same chemical composition present in both the samples i.e. the accuses' cloth containing unidentified stains and the victim’s scalp hair. By Locard’s Principle then, it was established that sindoor (vermilion) used by the deceased had left forensic trace evidence on the accused cloth. A firm scientific connection was recognized between the accused, the victim and the scene of crime in order to interpret the manner of death as a homicide.

Keywords: Vermilion; Asphyxiation; Strangulation; Atomic absorption spectrometry; Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy; Mercury

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