Best Forensic Expert In India (Civil & Criminal Cases)

 

Prof. (Dr.) Bhoopesh Kumar Sharma

Professor, Forensic Science & Dean, Faculty of Applied & Basic Sciences, SGT University Gurugram

Qualifications: Ph.D., M.Sc. (Forensic Science)., M.Sc. Chemistry., PG Cyber Security., PGD Forensic Accounting

Total Years of Work Experience: 19

Email: bhoopesh_fosc@sgtuniversity.org ; sharmabk81@gmail.com

No of Recent Publications: 45

No of Conferences, Seminars & Workshops: 60+

Awards (International/National): 08

 

Dr. Bhoopesh Kumar Sharma, a renowned Forensic Expert, has an experience of over 19 years in Teaching, Research, and Academic Administration in Forensic Science and related areas. He has solved a large number of Civil and Criminal Cases in India and Abroad in respect to forgery, fraud, theft, burglary, crime scene etc. He is currently working as Professor, Department of Forensic Science & Officiating Dean at Faculty of Applied and Basic Sciences at Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurugram (SGT University), Haryana, India. He has also served SGT University as an Associate Director, IQAC and contributed in bringing NAAC A+ grading in its 1^st Cycle. He is a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Forensic Science with PGP in Cyber Security and PG Diploma in Forensic Accounting. Previously, Dr. Bhoopesh has worked as an Associate Professor and Programme Leader, Forensic Science at Amity University Dubai (UAE) for almost 9 years, and at Amity University Uttar Pradesh (Noida, India) for 6 years. He has over 45 research papers published in various peer-reviewed journals of repute and has filed 12 Patents in various areas of Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation. Dr. Bhoopesh has supervised more than 350 students for PG/UG dissertations and projects during his last 19+ years of teaching tenure.

 

Teaching Interests

• Crime Scene Investigation
• Forensic Ballistics
• Forensic Chemistry
• Questioned Document Examination
• Forensic Fingerprinting 
• Artificial Intelligence in Forensic Investigations
• Smart Device Forensics

 

Research Interests

• AI in Forensics
• Forensic Ballistics
• Questioned Document Analysis
• Forensic Fingerprinting
• New Technology in Forensic Sciences

 

Application of the Criminologist Mindset and Forensic Science as a Crime Solving Technique

Authored by,

Ishara Archarrie

Criminologist, USA

ishararcharrie1@gmail.com

03/12/2023

Crime and causation, as well as the criminal mind in the 21^st Century, have evolved over time and become more complex in nature; thus, the Criminal Justice System (CJS) faces great challenges when it comes to, for example, policing, criminal investigations, evidence collection, identifying criminals and making the right arrests, prosecution, sentencing, incarceration, reintegration, and crime prevention. All these processes are incumbent upon the initial stages of conducting a thorough and pristine criminal investigation if the CJS is to function optimally, efficiently, and with greater accuracy and success thus negating issues such as tainted evidence, wrongful arrest and incarceration, life or death sentences based on shoddy evidence,  paroling of offenders who are not fully rehabilitated, reducing high costs incurred during these process and the list is endless but most importantly it will maintain the investigative integrity of all agencies within the CJS. 

 

Criminology, Psychology, and Forensic Science have expounded in leaps and bounds, and even though they are independent disciplines, they are co-dependent during the criminal investigation process by lending their unique crime techniques and knowledge to solve crime. First responders, law enforcement officers, detectives, forensic experts, emergency services coroners, and sometimes behavioral analysts/profilers are usually the first to arrive at a crime scene, especially if it concerns serious and violent crimes. Thus, as lead investigators, their actions are crucial to maintaining the sanctity and integrity of the crime scene, cordoning off the crime scene, proper collection of evidence, and so forth as this will ultimately determine the success or failure of a case as it moves through the CJS.  This process very often comes under severe scrutiny and criticism of the courts and society when there have been gross lapses in this initial stage of the investigation, as we have seen in cases such as Madeline McCann (2007), JonBenèt Ramsey (1996), Sushant Singh Rajput (2020), Trayvon Martin (2012), Danial Morgan (1987) and numerous others. 

 

In my observational experience and case study investigations, I have found that some crime scene investigators often lack a multi-disciplinary crime-solving mindset and function with tunnel vision that is, they only operate from within their own discipline or area of expertise, that is one-dimensionally focused. These experts lack the ability to synthesize their academic knowledge of Criminology, Forensic Science, and Psychology, all of which are the foundations of becoming Criminologists, Forensic Experts, Forensic Psychologists, or Behavioral Analyst / Profilers when conducting criminal investigations. Working on a crime scene requires a multi-dimensional mindset, that is, to apply academic knowledge of the afore mentioned fields and experience to an active crime scene. This ability I call, a “Criminologist Mindset”. This is an expert who possesses the ability to apply various fields of knowledge as mentioned above to a crime scene by create mental associations (pictures) of the crime, the crime scene and the possible suspect/s. Creating a film reel in the mind  as you walk through a crime scene documenting everything by using the greatest  tool that is unique to each crime scene investigator which is their mind and its ability to put the crime scene puzzle together as they combine their criminological, forensic, law of evidence and psychology backgrounds thus, setting the stage for an imminent arrest and conviction of the perpetrator/s. 

All law enforcement officers may not be equipped with the same level of knowledge as these experts, but they can be trained to see through the eyes of a Criminologist Mindset however, there may be some officers who may be naturally gifted with this ability and or academically qualified. Although Forensic Science has many new technologies to detect evidential matter the investigative mind cannot be underestimated to solve crimes especially when an area or country may not be well equipped with such technology or knowledgeable experts. Good old “police work” can also be undertaken by Criminologists and Forensic Experts when resources are unavailable thus, the Criminologist Mindset is a valuable crime solving tool. Back to basics inculcates the ability to think outside of the box per se. 

 

Having a Criminological Mindset means being able to navigate a crime scene whilst forming mental associations through synthesizing all academic knowledge and experience, utilizing all five innate senses, methodical thinking, assimilation of observational information at the crime scene, making logical deductions and exclusions when collecting and preserving evidence as per standard operating procedures (SOP), resulting in a successful and legally solid investigation, accurately identifying and apprehension of the suspect/s, and prosecution. As a Criminologist or Forensic Expert, it is essential to have these skill sets or Criminologist Mindset. Academic knowledge by itself therefore has limited value if it cannot be translated into a technique / tool to solve crime.

 

The Criminologist Mindset is a mental operational system (MOS) that reads a crime scene systematically and enhances the investigative process by negating errors and omissions as well as decreases the possibility of tainted evidence during what I call the “contamination phase”. This process will have a ripple effect on the CJS ranging from processing the crime scene, the arrest phase, trial, conviction, and sentencing phase through to the reintegration phase. Criminologists and Forensic Experts should therefore form part of the first responder teams when investigating especially serious and violent crime such as murder, sex crimes, kidnapping & abductions, pornographic crimes, trafficking crimes, serial offender crimes, cash in transit (CIT) crimes, terrorist related crimes and so forth. With this learned technique (Criminologist Mindset) law enforcement will reduce sloppy crime scene investigations, evidence collection, and also leave less room for wrongful arrests, minimize legal technicalities, increase convictions rates, refine the parole system in order to reintegrate genuine parolees, thus, reducing chances of recidivism and ultimately creating safer societies.

 

The Criminologist Mindset views a crime scene holistically and multidimensionally by incorporating Criminology, Psychology and Forensic Scienc into their thought processes thus eliminating tunnel vision because crime is fluid in nature and has a multitude of elements, reasons and possibilities which need to be explored from a Criminological, Forensic and Psychological standpoint in order to solve the crime. Crime scene investigators can hone their investigative skills by adopting a Criminologist Mindset when working on a crime scene.

 

CYBERBULLYING: BE AWARE BE PREVENTIVE

Cyberbullying, also known as electronic bullying or online social cruelty, is the intentional use of digital devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets to harm another person. People can see, engage in, or share material by SMS, Text, applications, or online in social media, forums, or games. Basically, it refers to the act of transmitting, uploading or disseminating hurtful, erroneous, or nasty material about another person. Some of these behaviors may border on being illegal or criminal. According to one of the sources, the following locations saw the most cyberbullying:

• Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter
• SMS (Short Message Service) also known as Text Messages sent through devices
• Instant Message (via devices, email provider services, apps, and social media messaging features)
• Email etc.

Cyberbullying can affect people of any age, although young adults have been identified as the most frequent victims. Where he uses technology to his advantage, the offenders are frequently unknown, allowing him to hide. The offender may be acting out of pure levity or for any other reason, such as egotism or slander. The most often committed crimes in relation to cyberbullying are impersonation, harassment, and flaming. Flaming is an example of online fighting where vulgar language is used, whereas harassment often involves the perpetrator sending the victim abusive, insulting, rude, and obscene messages.

How does Cyberbullying affect an individual?

An online bully victim could experience despair, anxiety, rage, shame, low self-esteem, subpar academic results, trust difficulties, etc. In any of these situations, it is more important for friends, parents, or guardians to assist the victim through social and psychological counseling. One can also engage in correct legal action with sufficient proof. Whatever the cause of cyberbullying, there are ways to combat it and, in many circumstances, avoid it.

What to do with bullying messages?

1. Examine the Message: Instead of freaking out, attempt to examine the bullying message you have got since, according to forensic analysis, each word or image has information that has shown how the message came to be on your computer. Look for those specific words, phrases, or usage of language. It could occasionally help you identify the perpetrator.

2. Don't reply or delete the message (or email), as the cyber forensic expert may need it in its entirety in the future. Additionally, avoid sending it to anybody else to spare yourself any extra emotional stress. Even if the communications are frequently anonymous, they may still be tracked out since the company that runs the website will store records and information about them. This information is not accessible to you or your parents, but it is available to the police as and when required.

3. Keeping the proof: If you receive offensive comments via instant message, print them out so you have the proof. As a general guideline, when reporting online bullying, copy the terms and conditions that have been violated and snap a picture of the offending comment or image as proof.

4. There is still work to be done: Block any contact with online bullies. Never distribute any remarks or messages that entail cyberbullying. Learn about the preventative measures and reporting of online bullying.

Preventive Measures:

1. A parent's responsibility is to ensure their children read privacy rules before giving them any personal information. Before providing any information, it is a good idea to make sure the website has a secure connection. 

2. Be aware of what's happening: Keep an eye out for any friends, classmates, or other people who are connected to you acting strangely. Every encounter leaves evidence, according to Locard's principle of exchange in forensic science, thus there will undoubtedly be some characteristics that the investigators check for frequently. 

3. Maintain an internet activity log: Your gadgets and most social networking sites have auto log recording summaries installed. You can, however, exercise caution if you see any routine activity or log into your account at any moment.

4. Adhere to the following internet safety advice: Unless absolutely necessary, never reveal your true identity to a stranger. Never provide sensitive information online to a stranger or someone you are just conversing with. Never meet someone you met in a chatroom alone; always go with a buddy, your parents, or another adult. They will be delighted to accomplish this if they are indeed who they claim to be. If someone makes offensive comments to you online or otherwise makes you feel uncomfortable, talk to a close friend or family member about it.

5. Recognize the warning indicators There are some indications that might be received from the individual on the other side of the computer screen. None of these might be 

If the individual insists that you reveal personal information such as your address or phone number, you should refuse. 

If the sender of an email or text message makes you feel uneasy 

If the guy assures you that he will keep your conversations private and not disclose them to anyone else, you may trust him. 

If the individual requests that you email or give them images of yourself or use a webcam in a manner that makes you feel uneasy, you should decline. 

If the individual discloses information with you and requests that you keep it confidential, you must keep the information to yourself. 

If the individual wants to meet you and asks you not to tell anybody, you should comply. 

If you observe any of these warning signals, it is imperative that you inform your parents or another responsible adult.

6. Machine learning can aid in the fight against online abusers: Today's offenders will not request data since they already know they can web scrape it from public social media postings in the amount they want. Therefore, our overarching objective should be to employ artificial intelligence at a certain level (device knowledge, app knowledge, etc.) to avoid cyber victimization. In such cases, we should attempt to identify and block, ban, or quarantine problematic users and accounts, or we should immediately delete (inactivate) content that algorithms predictably flag and label as abusive, or otherwise restrict the posting, sharing, or sending of messages that violate acceptable online conduct standards.

By,

Dr. Bhoopesh Kumar Sharma, Forensic Expert and Professor,

Department of Forensic Sciences, SGT University Gurugram, India.

Physical Evidences in Forensic Science - An Overview

By,

Dr. Bhoopesh Kumar Sharma
Forensic Expert & Associate Professor

Evidence is anything in any state of matter (solid, liquid, or gas), in any form (biological, chemical, or physical) that is encountered at the scene of crime and can provide a link between the crime, crime scene, and the criminal. 

The word "evidence," as it applies to the investigation, refers to a wide range of sources of facts that could potentially persuade the court before the trier of fact to prove or disprove points at issue.

There are several types of evidences, some of them are:

1. Relevant evidence

2. Direct evidence (Testimonial Evidences)

3. Circumstantial evidence

4. Inculpatory evidence

6. Exculpatory evidence 

7. Corroborative evidence 

8. Witness evidence

9. Hearsay evidence

10. Physical evidence

However, in this section, we will only discuss the physical evidences that are encountered at the scene of the crime and can provide a link between the crime and the criminal.

Significance of Physical Evidences:

1) They are more reliable than testimonial evidence 

2) They can prove that a crime has been committed

3) They can corroborate or refute testimony 

4) They can link a suspect with a victim or with a crime scene 

5) They can establish the identity of persons associated with a crime 

6) They can allow reconstruction of events of a crime

7) They are the basis of any crime investigation

8) They can also prove the innocence of wrongly accused person

9) They can prove the nature and type of crime

10) They can prove, whether the crime scene is genuine or staged, etc.

Sources of Physical Evidences: 

1.THE CRIME SCENE

2.THE VICTIM (if any)

3. THE SUSPECT AND HIS ENVIRONMENT

There are various classifications of Physical Evidences, I am discussing here two major classification (below). However, physical evidences can be classified in may other ways.

 Precautions During Collection of Physical Evidences:

1.Any temptation of picking up an article immediately on arrival at the scene is to be avoided.

2.They will be collected only after the initial search and the recording.

3.Evidences should be collected with all precautions to avoid destruction or contamination.

4.Each evidence will be collected in separate container.

5.In violent crimes the evidences are collected prior to removal of the body for autopsy.

6.They should be collected by proper method in proper collecting devices.

7.They should be handled properly and to the least to avoid loss or damage.

8.Chain of custody should be maintained.

9. The packing should be proper and secure.

10. Each article should be separately packed and labeled so that the individuality and identity are maintained.

11. As far as possible all packets belonging to one case should be enclosed in a box or outer covering to form a parcel, unless disparity in size of various articles make this impossible.

12. The exhibits inside the packing, do not come in contact with each other.

13. The exhibits do not spill due to the use of unsuitable lids and stoppers.

14. The container should be strong enough to avoid damage in transit.

15. The labels should be numbered and should bear the signature of the forwarding officer along with the case details.

16. The topside of the box is always indicated on the top of the box and marked “Handle with Care”.

17. The exhibits should be sent through a special messenger as far as possible.

18. The exhibits should be properly sealed.

19. For Minute traces of hairs, fibers, dust, soil, glass and paint vacuum sweepings is done at the scene.

20. It may be necessary to take custody of all clothing worn by  the participants in a crime.  Sweepings from each area of a crime scene must be collected and packaged separately.

   21. Fingernail scrapings are to be taken with a blunt instrument, like a toothpick.  The scrapings are to be collected and packaged separately for later microscopic examination. 

22. If there is a deceased victim, the body will be autopsied by a medical examiner or coroner to collect evidence.

23. They will be working to determine the cause of death, as well as collecting evidence.

24. Dried stains on the immovable items are to be swabbed for further analysis. Cotton swab can be moistened with distilled water or saline

25. Blood, hairs, fibers, soil particles, and other types of trace evidence should not be removed from garments, weapons, or other articles.  The entire object should be sent to the lab for processing.

26. Liquid biological fluids, to be collected with the help of droppers/pipettes and then transferred to appropriate vials.

27.If evidence is found adhering to a large structure, such as a door, wall or floor; remove the specimen with a forceps or appropriate tool.  In the case of a bloodstain, one may either scrape the stain off the surface or transfer the stain to a moistened swab, or cut the area of the object bearing the stain.

28. Wet stains should be air dried first and then packed in a proper ventilated paper bags.

29. Trace evidences should be collected in the plastic zip pouches. Each different item or similar items collected at different locations must be placed in separate containers.

30. Weapons/Tools should be collected in appropriate sized cardboard boxes along with avoidance of any movement.

31. Bullets collected from the scene of crime can be packed separately along wrapped in cotton to avoid any movement that can create further marking.

Applications of Infra-red (IR) Radiations in Questioned Document Examination

By,

Dr. Bhoopesh Kumar Sharma
Forensic Expert & Associate Professor
GET HELP FOR YOUR ANY ASSIGNMENT/ PROJECT/ RESEARCH PAPER/ TERM PAPER IN FORENSIC SCIENCE
www.globalforensicexpert.com

Dear Students,

In the last section, we have discussed the uses of UV rays in Questioned Document analysis, and now in this section, we will summarize the applications of Infra-red for questioned document examination.  

Infrared radiation (IR), is electromagnetic radiation (EMR) with longer wavelengths than visible light. It is therefore generally invisible to the human eye, although it can be felt as heat by humans. IR wavelengths extend at 700 nanometers (frequency 430 THz) from the nominal red edge of the visible spectrum to 1 millimeter (300 GHz). Most of the thermal radiation emitted by objects near room temperature is infrared.

One of the most characteristic feature of IR rays is that, they are readily absorbed and converted in to the heat energy. Unlike, UV rays, it does not have any fluorescent effect and can not be viewed by the unaided eye. The basic source of IR radiation in forensic work is 1000 watt tungsten filament lamp. Various filters are needed to screen out all other light waves and to allow only IR rays to pass through.

Applications of Infrared in Questioned Document Examination:

1. Analysis of Inks: In any disputed or altered document, in which the use of two different types of inks is suspected, can easily be deciphered through infrared radiation. An example is given below in the image. This is due to the differences among the reflectivity of the ink used. One ink will be more reflective than the other under certain wavelengths of IR. Hence, one will be more darker and other will appear lighter. 

Source: http://www.forensicsciencesimplified.org/docs/why.html

Source: https://www.in.gov/isp/labs/2406.htm

2. Analysis of Obliterated Writings: Writings can be obliterated in number of ways. For instance, by using correction fluid and then over-writing, or by damaging the previous text and then over-writing or in any other such manner. One ink will be opaque and other will be transparent at certain wavelength. Therefore, by changing the wavelengths of IR radiation, it is possible to read the obliterated matter easily. 

Source: https://www.forensicdynamics.org/gallery/

3. Examination of Erasures: Small particles of the ink or pencil often linger in the outline when writing is erased mechanically. With an infrared radiation or infrared imaging, it may be possible to make the writing clear.

4. Charred Document Examination: The burnt document examination, sometimes is only possible through infrared photography, however, it depends upon the type of the ink used and the degree of burning. 

5. Cancellation Marks: After their first cancellation, postal stamps are often reused. The cancelation mark residues may not be visible duets the stamp's dark background. An infrared photograph may reveal the remains of previous marks of cancellation.

6. Water Damaged Documents: By photographing the water damaged documents with the aid of light transmitted by the blue-green infrared blocking filter, the residual ink in the paper fluoresced in the infrared and this can be recorded further to decipher the written matter. 

By,

Dr. Bhoopesh Kumar Sharma

Forensic Expert and Associate Professor

https://allaboutforensic.blogspot.com

www.globalforensicexpert.com

How to Write a Forensic Report/Analysis Report/Forensic Opinion?

By,

Dr. Bhoopesh Kumar Sharma

Forensic Expert & Associate Professor

In terms of the participation of the forensic practitioner in the case, the forensic examination report is a critical and primary element. Whether you're writing for a client, a lawyer, or your supervisor, most of us need some scientific way to communicate our results.

Forensic Reports/Opinions are needed:

• In Criminal and civil investigations
• The forensic science acts as an aid to guide the investigator or jury to reach to a conclusion 
• To provides decision-makers with facts needed to decide the matter and to ensure a successful investigation.
• To link the evidences with the crime and the criminal (or suspect)
• To prove or disprove the fact in issue
• To exonerate the innocent from the case

General Structure of a Forensic Report

     Title of the Examination report- It means whether it is toxicological/handwriting opinion/ballistics etc. with proper legal section of the evidence act of that particular country or region.

Name and address of the laboratory with contact information like telephone, mobile, fax, email.

Affiliation of the laboratory showing its legal entity and accreditation status. In case you are a freelancer, your all credentials with your expertise and experience must be mentioned on the letter head of the report or at the end of the report.

Unique ID No. of the report with date (if applicable)

Name of the customer (client/attorney/individual) with reference letter  number and date (assignment letter)

Case Enquiry/ DD/ FIR no. ………date ………….u/s……….Police Station, under which court (if applicable)

Mode of receipt of material (evidences/specimens) : Through messenger or by post / by  mail

Sampling Method; How the sampling done by the IO/ Investigator/ Forensic Expert

Reference to the Test Method(s);  Reference to lab procedure manual/ books/published standard method- used in the examination, or sometimes to the previous cases solved or convicted.

Condition of Parcels/Test samples and seals; eg. Received. One sealed/ unsealed ..parcel. The seals were intact and tallied with the specimen seal as per forwarding authority letter.

Description of Specimens/Parcels/Samples/Exhibits etc.

Methodology of Examination

Result of Examination & Opinion

Signature or examining officer along with seal.

General Rules of Writing Forensic Report

Your reports must be divided into three main sections :

1. The beginning

2. The middle (main body)

3. The End (Result, conclusion and opinion)

The beginning usually talks about the executive summary, complaint summary, investigation summary, and conclusion summary.

The main body must consists of the background, the evidences considered, and the analysis conducted.

The end talk about the facts, conclusions, opinions, and signature, time, and date.