Ascertaining DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid from seized pieces of bones believed to be those of Shraddha Walkar, who was murdered by her boyfriend Aftab Poonawala in Delhi, will be challenging for scientists at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL)—where these bone samples will be sent by the investigating police team, say experts.

DR Pravin Shingare, an expert in forensic anatomy and former director of the Directorate of Medical Education and Research, Maharashtra, and former dean of Grant Government Medical College, said, “As these pieces of bones have been recovered after the passage of a few months since the time of the murder and were exposed to different atmospheric conditions, chances of them being contaminated cannot be ruled out. Moreover, flesh remains on these bones might be wiped off due to decomposition, throwing a challenge for the FSL’s experts.”