Another significant expansion of this technology beyond the conventional is in the field of

sports, where several high level sports bodies employ the science of toxicology to detect doping
instances. One of the most high profile being the international case of Argentine Footballer
Diego Maradona, who was expelled from the 1994 World Cup, for being tested positive for
cocaine.

DNA
DNA profiling provides a modern and potent method for determining the guilty on the basis of
unique biological evidence provided by the very genetic make-up of the individual. DNA is a
universal presence in every living organism. An organism is composed of thousands of tiny
cells, most of which contain long, string-like DNA tightly folded into chromosomes within a
nucleus. Forensic investigators commonly look for DNA in specimens of blood, semen, body
tissues, hair (especially roots), and saliva (for example, envelope flaps, stamps, cigarette butts,
cups, telephones, bite marks).
DNA is present in nearly every cell of our bodies, and we leave cells behind everywhere we go
without even realizing it. Flakes of skin, drops of blood, hair, and saliva all contain DNA that can
be used to identify us. In fact, the study of forensics, commonly used by police departments and
prosecutors around the world, frequently relies upon these small bits of shed DNA to link
criminals to the crimes they commit. This fascinating science is often portrayed on popular
television shows as a simple, exact, and infallible method of finding a perpetrator and bringing
him or her to justice. In truth, however, teasing out a DNA fingerprint and determining the
likelihood of a match between a suspect and a crime scene is a complicated process that relies
upon probability to a greater extent than most people realize.

Biological Division
The division is equipped with the state-of-art technologies and expertise to carry out all types of
analytical works related to forensic biology. The biological analysis includes detection and
establishment of any biological fluids like blood, semen, saliva, urine, sweat and milk. Further,
the laboratory has been fabricated to carryout accurate microscopic examinations related to hair,
fibre, tissue and botanical exhibits. In addition to the above the DNA Profiling Laboratory is
being operated under the supervision of Biology Division. The Biology Unit is responsible for
the analyses of evidentiary material of biological origin, (e.g. body fluids, human tissue and hair)
with the aim of accomplishing the highest possible degree of human identification trough
forensic DNA analysis and microscopical comparison (the latter exclusively on hair.

The purpose of forensic biological analysis is to:

Implicate an individuals presence on a crime scene.

Link relevant items, containing genetic material, related to crime scene/other crimes.

Narcotics Division
This Unit provides one primary service: analysis of illegal or restricted drugs. Services for drug
testing in biological samples are performed by a contractor. Following important functions form
the essence of this division:

Analysing substances (e.g. powders, pills, liquids) suspected of containing controlled

pharmaceutical and / or illicit drugs. Analysis results are reported and expert testimony is
given when required.

Attending and investigate drug-related crime scenes, with special emphasis on illicit drug
manufacturing laboratories. A complete pre-and post raid forensic support services is
rendered with regard to illicit laboratory investigations. Trained staff are available to
reconstruct such illicit laboratories, give an opinion on the activities thereof, and make
production estimates.

Compiling physical and chemical profiles on drugs for intelligence and operational
purposes (selected cases only)Data generated is compiled in a National Forensic Drug
Intelligence Database.

Providing technical assistance to relevant legislative bodies regarding the classification.

And prohibition of dependence-forming substances.

Cyber forensics

Cyber forensics may be defined as the process of extracting and analyzing information and data
from computers, network and storage medias and guaranteeing its accuracy and reliability or the
process of investigating what has occurred in a computer system, networks etc, how to prevent it
from recurring, and establishing the extent of the damage. With the rapid development of
electronic commerce and Internet technology, cyber-crimes have become more common and
sophisticated. Incident Response for the purpose of this paper may be defined as structured
approach to addressing and managing the aftermath of a security breach or attack and the
countermeasures.
Traditionally Cyber forensics involves the
preservation,
collection,
validation,
identification,
analysis,
interpretation,
documentation and
presentation of computer evidence stored on a computer.
Forensics is the application of science to the legal process.
Jim Christy

Tape Authentication & Speaker Identification Division

Tape Authentication & Speaker Identification Division has an important role in the modern
forensic science. Tape Authentication Division provides some investigation services like:

Identification of edited tapes or audio clips

Identification of altered tapes of audio clips
Examination of additions and deletions in an audio clip
Aural examination of video tapes
Identification of a speaker on the basis of his/her voice characteristics
Verification of a person from the sound of his/her voice

Summary of the Visit

As per the curriculum of our subject of Forensic Science, to gain a practical knowledge and
know-how of the actual workings of the process of the forensic analysis, we were taken on a

study visit to the Regional Forensic Lab, Pune. Here we were able to keenly observe the various
departments of the lab, working on varied forms of possible biological evidences. Our guiding
teachers-in-charge were Prof. Dr. Lambat and Prof. Garima Pal. We started from our college at
11 am, reaching the lab by 11:30. After several formalities, we were let through to the lab.
Our first lesson was an orientation session, this gave us a brief but adequate overview of what to
expect from the various departments of the lab, as well as their differing aspects. The first
department that we visited was the toxicology division. Here we were shown various samples of
possible toxins that are often detected in the body, and influence the nature of events, as well as
the behavior of the personnel in question. Alcohol samples, several legal and illegal toxins and a
few drug substances were kept as samples. Thereafter, we were taken to the cyber forensics
division, here we were explained by the experts as to how, the cyber evidence is analyzed,
appreciated and tracked, in order to apprehend the source. The technicalities of computer system,
and its subsequent processes involved in the conduct of a crime or a related activity was
explained to us. Next we went to the narcotics section, this was one of the most important, as
well as most comprehensively covered areas of our tour. The varied varieties of drugs and other
severe intoxicants were kept on display, with a brief note as to their effects and origins. The
expert explained in detail the instruments and the experiments used to determine their effects on
the human anatomy. Blood samples too were on display. Lastly, we visited the DNA section
where we were given a detailed lecture as to the wide applicability of DNA in criminal
investigation. Often considered having the widest latitude of all divisions, the DNA division
(under biology section) was filled with sample residuals such as blood, hair strands, skin prints,
semen and others. We were able to observe these and were acquainted with their utilities and
reliabilities in application.
This concluded our very informative, if rather steep, study tour of the lab. Our understanding was
enhanced by this practical outlook provided, and the visual live experience gained from this trip.
This I am sure will compliment well the theoretical understanding of the subject.