Papers by ABHIMANYU HARSHEY
A Study of External Ear Morphological Variation in Central Indian Population for Genealogical Purposes
Arab Journal of Forensic Sciences and Forensic Medicine
The study aims to determine the inheritance pattern of different morphological features of the ex... more The study aims to determine the inheritance pattern of different morphological features of the external ear in three generations from five states of India to assess the similarities between P1, F1, and F2 generations. The research involved 62 families, each with 124 grandparents P1 (62 males and 62 females), 124 parents F1 (62 males and 62 females), and 82 F2 generations (53 males and 29 females), a total of 330 samples, ranging in age from 1 to 75 years. All the samples were collected from five different states of India: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Maharashtra. The external ear is distinct in terms of shape, size, and orientation. Its morphological variation aids in the determination of genetic inheritance. Fisher exact test was performed to assess the inter-generation association of morphological characteristics of the ear. Similar to other body characteristics, it is established that the auricle shape, lobule shape, and ear lobule attachment are also inher...
Forensic investigation of fracture pattern on automobile laminated glass windshields made by mechanically propelled projectile
Glass Structures & Engineering
International Journal of Current Research and Review, 2021
Introduction: Monozygotic twins have remained a mystery for researchers since their discovery in ... more Introduction: Monozygotic twins have remained a mystery for researchers since their discovery in the early twentieth century. As a result of the same set of genetic materials, monozygotic twins share almost similar morphological features. Hence, distinguishing monozygotic twins based on their physical appearance remains a formidable challenge for criminal investigators. The ear is one of the unique features of the human body. Aims: Previous researchers explored numerous features of the external ear for personal identification in different populations but no studies are available on the comparative analysis of identical twin's external ear. The present study investigates the morphologic and morphometric features of monozygotic twins. Methodology: Samples under the study were collected randomly from 37 pairs of monozygotic twins from central India. Different morphological features were recorded by keeping the previous literature as references. Vernier calliper is used to measure the length and breadth of the ear. Result: Oval shape and round-shaped ears are most and least frequent, respectively. Arch and triangular-shaped ear lobules have the highest and lowest frequency, respectively. The length and breadth of the right and left ears of the twin pairs have depicted a very high correlation. Observed results of the present study revealed precisely that selected features of the external ear of the corresponding sides in both individuals of each twin pair have no significant difference. Conclusion: This study concluded that the ears of monozygotic twins are morphologically identical. Although they have some minor morphometric variations, they can potentially distinguish them from each other.
Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences
Background The scientific and technological advances along with the changing socio-economical sta... more Background The scientific and technological advances along with the changing socio-economical standards of society have posed new challenges to the criminal justice system. With the changes in society and technology, there is also an increase in crime rate. Forensics provides the scientific proofs beyond the shadow of reasonable doubt and thus significantly contributes in criminal as well as civil investigations and legal matters. Main body of the abstract Discovery of DNA has opened new avenues and the advancement of DNA technology and its introduction into the court of law has provided extensive aid in the resolution of civil and criminal disputes. In India, the DNA technology was first introduced in a paternity dispute in 1989. However, the need for legislation and guidelines to support grounds for the use of DNA profiling for forensic purposes in India has been recognized for some time now. In July 2019, the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Bill 2019 was introduced in the In...
RE: Why there is a second wave in India?
Effectiveness of Talcum Powder for Decipherment of Latent Fingerprints on Various Substrates
Asian Journal of Chemistry, 2020
<jats:p>Decipherment of latent fingerprints are one of the most common tasks in crime scene... more <jats:p>Decipherment of latent fingerprints are one of the most common tasks in crime scene investigation as it carries the unique identification feature of the individuals related to that offence. Powder dusting is the most suitable method to develop latent prints on a wide range of nonporous and semiporous surfaces. In present work, a commercially available talcum powder, generally used as a common cosmetic product, has been used to decipher latent prints on 28 non-porous and semi-porous surfaces commonly encountered in daily life. The powder is economic and harmless in nature and easily available in market. The results showed that the powder developed good quality fingerprints on most of the surfaces and can be a good substitute of conventional powders.</jats:p>
Effect of Different Matrices on the Identification of Ignitable Liquid Residue in Post Burn Arson Debris: A Multi-Derivative UV-Visible Spectrophotometric Approach
Asian Journal of Chemistry, 2020
Analysis of arson debris is the foremost challenging task to the forensic investigators. Identifi... more Analysis of arson debris is the foremost challenging task to the forensic investigators. Identification of the ignitable liquid residues in the fire debris is one of the prime objectives of forensic quest. This study evaluates the potential of derivative ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometric methods for the analysis and identification of ignitable liquid residues. In this work, arson was simulated using kerosene as an ignitable liquid on various matrices. Derivative UV spectra of kerosene were recorded in their neat state and compared with those obtained from simulated fire debris samples for the identification and detection of ignitable liquid residues. It was observed that different burnt substrates did not cause any interference. The obtained results indicated that the ignitable liquid absorption capacity of the substrate can play an important role in the extraction and identification of ignitable liquid from fire debris. The used technique proved to be rapid, easy, reproducible...
Legal Aspects of Forensic DNA Typing
Forensic DNA Typing: Principles, Applications and Advancements, 2020
Oriental Journal Of Chemistry, 2020
Serial number restoration is a frequently encountered problem in forensic science laboratories fo... more Serial number restoration is a frequently encountered problem in forensic science laboratories for the investigation of theft and burglary cases. These identification marks are generally introduced over metallic surfaces of different vehicle parts and firearms by various means. Chemical etching is one of the most effective and simple technique to restore obliterated, erased, over-stamped and over-engraved marks on metallic surfaces. Several significant studies on restoration of engraved markings on aluminium surfaces were previously reported. The present study attempts to find out an efficient and fast etching reagent to restore obliterated stamped marks on aluminium surfaces. Ten effective etching reagents previously reported by various researchers in their restoration studies were assessed in the present experiment. Etching reagents were individually applied on obliterated surfaces by the cotton swabbing method. The Reagent 3 (ferric chloride 25 g, conc. HCl 25 mL, distilled water...
A Forensic Approach to Evaluate the Effect of Different Matrices and Extraction Solvents for the Identification of Diesel Residue in Simulated Arson by GC–MS
Chromatographia, 2021
Investigation of an arson case presents several challenges to the forensic investigator. Identifi... more Investigation of an arson case presents several challenges to the forensic investigator. Identification of the ignitable liquid residues in the fire debris is one of the crucial tasks that may help to determine the nature and cause of fire. Detection of the ignitable liquids using different analytical methods has been practiced for a long period across the globe. Diesel is a petroleum product that shows stable burning than gasoline and it is frequently used as accelerant also. This study was conducted to diagnose the efficiency of solvent as well as of the matrices for the detection of diesel residue. In this study, four different matrices (cotton cloth, wood, glaze tile, and PVC) were selected to create simulated miniature version of arson with diesel as an accelerant. After extinguishing the fire, diesel residues were extracted from the fire debris using hexane and diethylether as extraction solvents under ultrasonication. Gas Chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was used to identify the major compounds from standard and burnt diesel. Diethylether extracted higher amount of diesel residues from the burnt matrices than hexane. Tile and cotton proved to be the better matrices for the extraction in hexane solvent. However, diethylether present advantageous results and significantly detected the diesel residues in tile, wood and cotton. Findings of this study may help an investigator to select the suitable matrices and solvent for the extraction of diesel residues and may efficaciously contribute in the forensic arson investigation.
Infection born by Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has swept the world within a time of a few months. It ha... more Infection born by Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has swept the world within a time of a few months. It has created a devastating effect on humanity with social and economic depressions. Europe and America were the hardest hit continents. India has also lost several lives, making the country fourth most deadly worldwide. However, the infection and death rate per million and the case fatality ratio in India were substantially lower than many of the developed nations. Several factors have been proposed including the genetics. One of the important facts is that a large chunk of Indian population is asymptomatic to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thus, the real infection in India is much higher than the reported number of cases. Therefore, the majority of people are already immune in the country. To understand the dynamics of real infection as well as level of immunity against SARS-CoV-2, we have performed antibody testing (serosurveillance) in the urban region of fourteen Indian districts encompassin...
Scientific Reports, 2021
The ex-vivo biochemical changes of different body fluids also referred as aging of fluids are pot... more The ex-vivo biochemical changes of different body fluids also referred as aging of fluids are potential marker for the estimation of Time since deposition. Infrared spectroscopy has great potential to reveal the biochemical changes in these fluids as previously reported by several researchers. The present study is focused to analyze the spectral changes in the ATR-FTIR spectra of three body fluids, commonly encountered in violent crimes i.e., semen, saliva, and urine as they dry out. The whole analytical timeline is divided into relatively slow phase I due to the major contribution of water and faster Phase II due to significant evaporation of water. Two spectral regions i.e., 3200–3400 cm−1 and 1600–1000 cm−1 are the major contributors to the spectra of these fluids. Several peaks in the spectral region between 1600 and 1000 cm−1 showed highly significant regression equation with a higher coefficient of determination values in Phase II in contrary to the slow passing Phase I. Princ...
Vibrational Spectroscopic approaches for semen analysis in forensic investigation: State of the art and way forward
Microchemical Journal, 2021
Heliyon, 2020
Scientific examination of the physical evidence provides significant information beyond a reasona... more Scientific examination of the physical evidence provides significant information beyond a reasonable doubt. Due to the increasing use of the glassy polymer i.e. polymethylmethacrylate instead of glass, the probability of the occurrence of the fractured polymethylmethacrylate sheet in a shooting incident cannot be ignored. Analysis of fracture pattern offers several analytical approaches that assist the forensic investigator. The use of air guns in criminal activities is increasing as well as these weapons have found to be fatal for living beings. This study was conducted to evaluate the fracture pattern on the polymethylmethacrylate by using an air rifle. The fracture pattern formed on polymethylmethacrylate sheets by the air guns shows some specific characteristics that may help to reconstruct the crime scene. The polymethylmethacrylate sheets were test-fired with Spring-Piston air rifles of .22 00 (5.5 mm) and .177 00 (4.5 mm). Data obtained from the measurements were then statistically analysed with the Chi-Square test. A consistency in hole diameter was observed. Analysis of fracture patterns may provide a lead to the investigator and may help to reconstruct a shooting incident. It can also distinguish between the standard firearm and air gun. The fracture on polymethylmethacrylate sheets gave significant findings that may efficaciously contribute to the forensic investigation of shooting incidences.
Trends in Gunshot Residue Detection by Electrochemical Methods for Forensic Purpose
Journal of Analysis and Testing, 2021
Gunshot Residue (GSR) has been a subject of interest for the forensic fraternity. Numerous analyt... more Gunshot Residue (GSR) has been a subject of interest for the forensic fraternity. Numerous analytical contributions towards the GSR analysis have been reported. Sensitivity, portability, cost-effectiveness, speed, etc. are such factors of electrochemical methods that have attracted the researchers across the globe to test the applicability of these as a potential analytical tool for forensic evaluation of GSR. With the development of scientific technology, efforts have been made towards the hand-held device for the on-field analysis of GSR. Recently, chemometric treatment of data generated from the electrochemical analysis of GSR has offered more effective approach. It makes the analysis more conclusive and minimizes the chances of false-positive detection. It will be very fruitful to anticipate the analytical potential of electrochemical tools for GSR analysis. This article reviews the research progress towards the development of electrochemical sensor for GSR detection reported during 2013–2020 along with challenges and future perspectives.
Analytical approaches for bloodstain aging by vibrational spectroscopy: Current trends and future perspectives
Microchemical Journal, 2020
Abstract The estimation of bloodstain aging is one of the most challenging errands in crime scene... more Abstract The estimation of bloodstain aging is one of the most challenging errands in crime scene investigation. Blood is one of the most frequently found physical evidence in a violent crime scene as it conveys crucial information. Blood often discovered in different forms, i.e., pool of liquid, dried stains, and dried pool adhere to various surfaces such as clothing, metals, plastic, cellulose rubber, etc. or mixed with numerous environmental contaminants or other body fluids. Significant studies were carried out to estimate the bloodstain aging since 1907. With new developments in late 20th century, Spectroscopy was first introduced in the bloodstain aging analysis in 1960. Spectroscopic techniques are more reliable and appropriate for forensic analysis of bloodstains due to their non-destructive and rapid nature. Since the beginning of the new millennium, Vibrational spectroscopy has been the most frequently explored technique for biological stain analysis. It is a combination of Infrared absorption and Raman scattering of electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) in the infrared region that produces multivariate spectral data of biological stains. In combination with this technique, Chemometrics portrays a vital role in the entire process of age estimation. The bloodstain aging produces multiple significant information related to crime, and it is extremely effective in crime scene reconstruction. This article exhaustively reviews all the Vibrational spectroscopic techniques for bloodstain age estimation with their limitations and future perspectives. It also compares this technique with existing spectroscopic and other instrumentation methods.
Microchemical Journal, 2020
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2019
Background: In the current scenario, glass plays a vital contribution in our standard everyday li... more Background: In the current scenario, glass plays a vital contribution in our standard everyday life. Fractured and fragmented glasses are most commonly encountered at the crime scene. During the commission of the crime, glass breaks and shatters into fragments or into minute particles that serve as trace evidence and may provide a significant lead for the probe. The fracture of glass could be the consequence of an intentional act or unintentional act. For the forensic purpose, study of glass fractures, i.e., fractography has paramount importance as it can provide noteworthy data and encourages an assortment of assessments to investigate the case especially in the shooting cases where a firearm is used. Multiple fractures on a glass pane also have enough potential to establish an investigative link. Presently, air guns are being used in many of the cases due to their simple accessibility. There are a number of cases that have been reported that involved the use of air guns. Result: This study was conducted to evaluate the pattern of multiple fractures on the glass by the air rifle. For this purpose, glass panes of various thicknesses were test fired perpendicularly at a fixed range with an air rifle having round nose pellet. Measurements and analysis were made on some fixed parameter. Data was analyzed graphically and statistically to check the consistency in the trends. Conclusion: Consistency in the trends was observed, which is analyzed by the test for the goodness of fit. The findings of this work have provided some significant different perspectives that may effectively contribute to the criminal investigation.
Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2017
Background: Glass is the hard, amorphous solid. Glass fragments may be an evidence of great value... more Background: Glass is the hard, amorphous solid. Glass fragments may be an evidence of great value encountered in the investigation of various types of offences. At the scene of occurrence, the glass may be fractured either as an intentional act or due to accident. Glass fractures are of paramount importance in shooting cases where firearm is used as it can provide significant information related to the occurrence and facilitates a variety of evaluations. In fact, fractography i.e. analysis of fracture pattern, is the means and methods for characterization of fractured units or fragments in order to study or identify the mechanism of such fractures. The study of fracture pattern of glass has been of long interest to the forensic community. The glass fracture pattern analysis is very useful to establish the sequence of events and to link together items of evidence and it is of paramount importance in such cases where firearm is used. Now, the use of air guns in criminal activities is an alarm to the law enforcement agencies. The main objective of this work is to analyze the pattern of the fractures on windowpane of various thicknesses with regular .177″/ 4.5 mm lead pellet fired through the .177″/ 4.5 mm caliber Air Rifle manufactured in India. The window panes were kept at front, perpendicularly and away at a fixed distance from the muzzle end of Air Rifle. Samples were measured and analyzed on some fixed parameters. To analyze the consistency, measurements were analyzed graphically and statically checked for the goodness of fit (Chi-Square Test). Result: The graphical representation of the measurements of different samples shows regularity in the features and Chi Square test gives very significant information regarding the consistency. Conclusion: The hole diameter is ranging from 4.77 to 7.5 mm in case of air rifle. It can lead to distinguish the weapon by which fracture was made, whether it is standard or air weapon. The outcomes of this work on the windowpane by .177″/4.5 mm air rifles may be efficacious to forensic community.
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Papers by ABHIMANYU HARSHEY