‘Crime Scene to Courtroom – a scientific path to justice’ A symposium for Police IOs

Hindu

Pudiya Thalaimurai

News Tamil

Jaya Plus

Z Tamil

Gem TV

Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research organized a symposium for investigating officers of Avadi Commissionerate, Chennai today on the theme, ‘Crime Scene to Courtroom – A Scientific Path to Justice’. Around 70 investigating officers participated.

While inaugurating the symposium, Ms. K. Bhavaneeswari, Additional Commissioner & IGP, Avadi Police Commissionerate, said the investigating officers should coordinate with the post-mortem doctors and collect scientific evidence. She emphasized that it would be helpful throughout the case to get justice. Police personnel must stay updated on recent forensic trends and scientific advancements. She urged the participants to interact with experts, clear their doubts, and translate theory into operational excellence.

Speaking on the occasion, the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Uma Sekar, said forensic science brings scientific clarity to investigations. However, it is the investigative officers who ensure evidence is secured, authenticated, and presented in court. She stated that today’s complex crime demands this dynamic partnership to uphold justice.

The guest speaker, Dr. Bhaskar, Retd. Deputy Director, State Forensic Science Lab, explained the process of evidence collection and preservation at crime scenes. He also referenced best practices from the U.S. National Institute of Justice, such as photographing, cataloguing, and packaging evidence immediately to prevent contamination.

Dr. K. Tamil Mani, Head, Forensic Medicine & Toxicology at Thanjavur Medical College, delivered a detailed presentation on the vital coordination between police and medical professionals during medicolegal autopsies. He emphasized that the Investigating Officer must collaborate closely with forensic doctors to ensure proper evidence preservation—ranging from biological samples to autopsy findings.

Poonamallee Public Prosecutor Mr. K. P. Puratchidasan shared practical insights from the courtroom. Drawing from several high-stakes cases, he highlighted how effective prosecution is deeply dependent on timely, accurate information from police investigations. He cautioned that even strong evidence can falter without courtroom-ready documentation and seamless coordination.

Dr. K. Balaji Singh, Dean, Medical College, Dr. Priyadharshee Pradhan, HoD, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Dr. K.V. Somasundaram, Academic Officer, and Dr. S. Senthil Kumar, Registrar, were among those who participated in the event.