Fair brings forensic science closer to people

Recreated death scenes, arms and ammunition used by police, demonstration of finger prints, causes of deaths and several other intrinsic aspects related to Forensic Science, in the form of exhibits, attracted people — irrespective of age group — at the day-long ‘Forensic Fair’ held at JSS Medical College, here, on Sunday.

Karnataka Police Academy (KPA) had recreated the types of unnatural deaths, with the help of plaster of paris (POP) models that included murder, suicide and also burns. Artillery, including the recent Gloco Pistol (12+1 rounds of fire) to the most used light machine gun, AK-47, pistol and rifles were other exhibits.

The students of the Criminology department of Maharaja’s College and SBRR Mahajana College demonstrated DNA sequencing that helps detection in cases of decomposed bodies. Types of tooth, with the help of which the gender and age of the body is identified, especially of victims of natural calamity, were also on display, in the form of models.

In all, about 15 makeshift stalls had been opened to create awareness about Forensic Science.

Need for experts
Earlier, vice-principal Dr B M Balaraj told media, “At a time when there is a spurt in crime rate, the nation is facing shortage of forensic science experts and equipment used to crack the nugget of the same”.

Balaraj said, in medico legal cases (MLC), forensic science experts can record accurate opinion after autopsy, while there is a growing trend of other doctors performing post-mortem. It requires at least one forensic science expert for each taluk, he added.