From Shraddha Walkar's murder to brutal killings: Unveiling the role of Forensic Science in evidence gathering and understanding the psychology behind crimes

Forensic professionals have played an important part in solving several crimes ranging from brutal murders to offences that have in the recent past shocked the nation. Some of the recent crimes include the Shraddha Walkar murder case and other brutal killings where suspects initially misguide the investigators. In cases like these, the investigators say that forensic science plays an important role in solving complicated cases and later making them stand in a court of law.

"The diligent evidence gathering has helped the investigators and the law enforcement agencies deliver justice," a police official said.

The official said crime has evolved. In some of the cases, the officials put forward to the team of investigators an important question, "Who is the accused?". It is then the role of forensic science and forensic experts come into the picture and fresh evidence emerges helping in solving a crime."

With criminals becoming more sophisticated and adopting smarter ways to evade tough questions of the investigators during interrogations, traditional physical investigative tactics such as fingerprint analysis, etc may at times prove ineffective. The authorities may also feel difficulties in identifying a suspect or establishing the role of an accused as insufficient evidence could hit a dead end in crime solving or bringing an accused to justice.

Krupa Nishar, a forensic psychologist told mid-day.com, "Detection deception has gained momentum for the near future looking at the current concerns about international terrorism and cyber security which has led researchers to question how to detect lies about intentions. This has sparked the interests of investigators to take assistance from forensic experts and forensic psychologists to explore psychological and behavioural differences between a lie and truth, as well as ways to improve detection accuracy."

Apart from evidence gatherings, some forensic experts are now also going beyond and exploring the psychology behind a crime.

Krupa added, "Forensic psychologists play a crucial role in unravelling the intricacies of serious crimes. Forensic psychology acts as a vital link between the human mind and the criminal justice system, providing crucial insights into the motives and behaviours behind criminal activities. Forensic psychology holds immense significance in curbing the intentions of a criminal mind."

"Forensic psychologists go beyond conventional understanding, allowing them to grasp the intricate psychological complexities of criminal behaviour, aiding in identifying motives and assessing mental state. For instance, like the Nithari serial killings, where motives were intricate, forensic psychologists played a vital role in untangling the psychological complexities. This proved crucial for investigators, shedding light on the elusive motives and contributing to a more profound understanding of the case. The insights not only uncover the 'why' behind a crime but also provide a comprehensive narrative, greatly assisting in the relentless pursuit of justice," she said.

In forensic psychology, a diverse array of tools is utilised to unravel the complexities of the human mind. Techniques such as polygraph tests, narco-analysis, brain profiling, forensic interviews, and cognitive assessments are crucial for detecting deception.

There have been instances in the past, a perplexing case where a 36-year-old woman's dismembered body parts were discovered in Mira Road near Mumbai. She was allegedly butchered and boiled by her 56-year-old live-in partner. He claimed she had poisoned herself, creating a challenging scenario for the investigators. In such intricate cases, brain mapping emerges as an indispensable tool for baffled authorities attempting to ascertain whether the incident was a murder or suicide.

"The man had reportedly claimed during police interrogations that he was inspired by an infamous murder case in Delhi. This adds another layer of complexity to the case. In the absence of eyewitnesses and with a poisoning theory, forensic experts would suggest a lie detector and brain mapping techniques on the suspect to ascertain the truth," Krupa added.

Forensic professionals play an important part in every criminal inquiry. They apply their knowledge to assess a variety of evidence, including bloodstains, hair, fibres, and more. This scientific approach lends objectivity to criminal situations, allowing law enforcement to make informed conclusions.

Forensic psychological instruments serve a dual purpose, not only aiding in confirming or refuting suspect statements but also providing nuanced insights into the mental states of individuals engaged in criminal activities, an official said.

Shredding light through a case study, Krupa said, "A striking example of a case is the mysterious disappearance of Ravi Kumar near Delhi, he was initially reported missing by his father in 2011. Despite suspicions surrounding Ravi's wife, and her alleged lover, Delhi police struggled for eight years to find concrete evidence against them. The breakthrough came when a brain electrical oscillation signature (BEOS) profile test was conducted, unravelling a portion of the murder plot and clarifying the perplexing case."

Forensic psychologists were essential in using similar psychological tools to evaluate the mental stability and potential radicalisation of the perpetrators in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

We serve as invaluable partners to law enforcement agencies, offering a unique lens that goes beyond traditional investigative methods, Krupa added.