Forensic Science in Explosion Investigations Explained

On 10 November 2025, a devastating explosion occurred near the Red Fort in New Delhi. An i20 car parked at a traffic signal exploded, causing extensive damage to nearby vehicles and resulting in 13 confirmed deaths. Forensic experts arrived promptly to investigate the scene and determine the cause using scientific methods. This incident marks the critical role of forensic science in explosion investigations.

Role of Forensic Experts at Explosion Sites

Forensic teams arrive quickly to collect evidence and analyse the scene. Unlike other crimes, explosions create intense heat and pressure that destroy much of the physical evidence. Despite this, experts search for traces that link suspects to the crime. They document the site through photographs and sketches. Debris, burnt fragments, and residues are carefully gathered for laboratory tests. This helps establish the explosion’s cause and the materials involved.

Scientific Techniques for Analysis

Laboratory tests are vital to identify explosive chemicals. Techniques like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Attenuated Total Reflectance-FTIR help examine how samples absorb infrared light. Raman spectroscopy detects the chemical composition of explosives. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses the shape and structure of fragments. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) provides elemental information about residues. Thermal analysis reveals chemical activity and stability of explosive substances. Fire behaviour is studied using laser mapping and flashpoint tests to determine how the fire started and spread.

Multidisciplinary Approach in Forensic Investigation

Explosion investigations require expertise beyond explosives. Cyber-forensics experts review CCTV footage to identify suspects or suspicious activity near the vehicle. Forensic physicists perform thermochemical etching to recover altered vehicle engine and chassis numbers. DNA analysts work to identify victims from recovered body parts. Collaboration among various forensic divisions ensures comprehensive evidence collection and accurate scientific interpretation for legal proceedings.

Challenges in Explosion Forensics

Explosions cause instant destruction, complicating evidence recovery. High heat and pressure can obliterate key clues. Remote-controlled devices or timers may be used, but none were found in this case. Experts must piece together fragmented evidence to reconstruct the event timeline. The need for rapid yet precise analysis adds pressure. Despite these challenges, forensic science remains essential in uncovering facts and delivering justice.

Importance of Locard’s Exchange Principle

Locard’s principle states that criminals leave traces at crime scenes and carry evidence away. In explosions, this principle guides experts to find material linking suspects to the blast. Even tiny particles or chemical residues can be crucial. This principle underpins the entire forensic approach, ensuring every detail is examined for clues.

Use of Technology in Modern Forensics

Advanced instruments and digital tools enhance evidence analysis. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy provide molecular-level data. Electron microscopy offers detailed imagery of fragments. Laser scanning maps the scene in 3D for better reconstruction. Digital forensics helps monitor electronic data and footage. These technologies improve accuracy and speed in investigations.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Point out the significance of Locard’s Exchange Principle in modern forensic investigations with suitable examples.
2. Critically analyse the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in forensic science during complex crime investigations.
3. Estimate the impact of technological advancements like Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy on forensic evidence analysis.
4. Underline the challenges faced by forensic experts in investigating explosion-related crimes and suggest measures to overcome them.

Answer Hints:

1. Point out the significance of Locard’s Exchange Principle in modern forensic investigations with suitable examples.

1. Locard’s Principle states every contact leaves a trace, linking suspects to crime scenes.
2. In explosions, tiny residues or chemical particles can connect perpetrators to the blast.
3. Even microscopic evidence like burnt fragments or carbon powder serve as crucial proof.
4. Example – Traces of explosives on a suspect’s belongings confirm involvement.
5. Principle ensures thorough evidence search, preventing overlooked clues.
6. It underpins forensic methodology, ensuring scientific rigor in investigations.

2. Critically analyse the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in forensic science during complex crime investigations.

1. Complex crimes require expertise from explosives, cyber-forensics, DNA analysis, and forensic physics.
2. Explosives experts identify chemical composition and blast dynamics.
3. Cyber-forensics analyze CCTV and electronic data for suspect identification.
4. Forensic physicists recover altered vehicle details through thermochemical etching.
5. DNA analysts identify victims from fragmented remains, aiding victim identification and closure.
6. Collaboration ensures comprehensive evidence collection and strengthens legal cases.

3. Estimate the impact of technological advancements like Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy on forensic evidence analysis.

1. Raman spectroscopy enables precise chemical identification of explosive residues.
2. Electron microscopy (SEM) provides detailed imagery of fragment morphology and structure.
3. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) complements elemental analysis of residues.
4. Advanced techniques increase accuracy, sensitivity, and speed of forensic analysis.
5. Technology aids reconstruction of crime scenes and determination of explosion sources.
6. Improves reliability of evidence presented in courts, strengthening prosecution.

4. Underline the challenges faced by forensic experts in investigating explosion-related crimes and suggest measures to overcome them.

1. Explosions cause instant destruction, burning and shattering evidence.
2. High heat and pressure obliterate physical clues and complicate sample collection.
3. Remote-controlled devices or timers may be hidden or destroyed, hindering investigation.
4. Experts must reconstruct fragmented evidence to establish timeline and cause.
5. Measures – Use advanced scientific techniques (FTIR, SEM, Raman) for residue detection.
6. Collaboration among multidisciplinary teams and rapid on-site response improve outcomes.