Poisoning cases
On the basis of effect on the body poisons are classified as -
1) Corrosives - its include strong acids (HCL) and strong alkalies (NAOH)
2) Irritants - its include Inorganic (Phosphorous), Organic (castor oil) and Mechanical (Diamond) materials.
3) Neurotics - Its effect on the following parts...
cerebral (opium), spinal (strychnine), cardiac (aconite), Asphyxiants (carbon monoxide) and on Peripherals (curare).
From medico-legal point of view according to there involvement in the case poisons are classified as -
Suicidal - Any poison available easily to be used for a suicide. Ex copper sulphate, mercury salts etc.
Homicidal - Poisons who has no peculiar odour, color and taste are used for homicidal acts. Ex Aconite, potassium cyanide etc.
Accidental - Poison taken by mistake or handled carelessly.
Following points should be carefully observed in a crime scene of poisoning case -
In first case if the victim is alive, immediately shifted him to the hospital. Take all details from the doctor about nature of poison and other details.
In second case when the victim is dead, he collect the information about victim health.
Did the victim involve in a profession where he dealt with harmful substances.
Was he taken any treatment from doctor.What were the first symptoms and signs he got after poisoning.
Searched for suicidal note.
Cause of death?
Whether his death was sudden or after some time i.e slow.
How much time elapsed between sign of illness and his death.
What kind of food or drink taken by the victim before death.
How many person taken the same food or drink.
Observed and collect the food and drinks leftover at the victim place.
Any vomiting present at the crime scene.
Observed the nails of victim, are they cyanosied.
Nature and quality of poison.
Presence of forth on the mouth or nostrils.
Whether the poisoning is Homicidal,Suicidal or accidental in nature.
Is it a case of mixed poisoning.
Residue of poisoning given the idea about the poison involved.
Clothes of the victim searched for any suspicious poisonous substance.
When the victim is alive he himself given the required information about the poisonous material.
Evidences collected at the crime scene of poisoning cases -
Food and drinks leftover at the table, containers of cooked food,drinks tines. Utensils like glass bowl etc.
Suicide note must be searched and preserved.
Look out for empty wrapper, container, bottle etc. having the remnants of poison.
Collect cloths containing stains, vomit, urine, froth, etc.
Vomit stained soil collected with control soil sample and separately packed in a plastic jar.
syringe/needle found at crime scene should be collected in a polythene bag.
Trapped materials in dustbin or in the sink.
Medicine and medicines bottles.
MR. DEEPAK PAWAR has been working as Finger Print Expert / Police Officer in Finger Print Bureau , Delhi Police at New Delhi since 2001 . He is the senior most Finger Print Expert , attending / visited several scene of crime and solved many crime cases .He has passed M.Sc (Chemistry) and he is the Member of International Association of Identification . He is the Member of Delhi Police welfare association . He is supervising the Forensic , New Delhi District , Mobile Crime Team . He is one of the Expert in the Special Investigation Team held for investigation of important cases . He has been giving fingerprint proficient training to Delhi Police personnel's . He has been Presented / giving lectures on topics related to forensic science . He is also making examination paper of Finger Print proficient course . He is awarded with Police Medal by MHA and Delhi Police.