Forensic Investigation After Blasts

Source: The Hindu 

Introduction 

On November 10, 2025, New Delhi witnessed a massive car explosion near the Red Fort complex. An LPG car parked at the signal exploded, destroying several nearby cars, buses, and the people inside them. As of now, 13 people have been confirmed dead. 

• This incident highlights the critical role forensic experts play in investigating such tragedies using scientific methods 

What do Forensic Experts Do? 

Initial Response: 

• Experts from the Explosives Department of the Delhi Forensic Laboratory visited the scene within half an hour. 
• Accompanied by police personnel to secure and analyze the site. 
• Primary job: observe and analyse the cause from a scientific perspective. 

Evidence Collection: 

• Collect necessary samples for laboratory testing. 
• Arrange for quick laboratory tests to determine the cause of accident. 
• Verify identities of people involved in the crime through science-based methods. 
• Media reports of "collecting samples" are partly accurate—the site provides wealth of information for skilled forensic experts. 

Unique Challenges of Explosions: 

• Unlike other crimes, explosions shatter everything instantly. 
• Generate intense pressure and heat, burning everything to ashes. 
• Despite challenges, experts persist following Locard's principle: "a criminal will leave something at the scene and bring something when he arrives". 
• Both aspects are equally important as evidence in forensics. 

On-Site Documentation: 

• Photographers take pictures from different angles. 
• Experts create sketches serving as guidelines for various analysis stages. 
• Collect various materials:  
  • Burnt pieces (debris) 
  • Broken parts of cars 
  • Carbon powder 
  • Other residual materials 

Remote-Controlled Explosion Investigation: 

• During on-site inspection, experts look for electronic gadgets. 
• Check for auto-timers (best activation technique in remote-controlled explosions). 
• In the current incident, no timer or electronic circuit was found. 

What Kind of Tests are Done? 

Crime Scene Reconstruction: 

• After gathering and analysing initial data, experts reconstruct the crime scene. 
• Better understand the explosion's timing. 
• Use specialized techniques for comprehensive analysis. 

Spectroscopic Analysis: 

• Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR): Analyses spectrum of absorbed light to determine how collected samples interact with infrared light. 
• Attenuated Total Reflectance-FTIR (ATR-FTIR): Provides detailed chemical interaction analysis. 
• Purpose: Identify types of chemicals used. 

Morphological Analysis: 

• Field-specific Raman spectroscopy: Detects chemical composition of explosives. 
• Advanced Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): Analyses morphology of fragments found after explosion. 
• Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques: Used for fundamental analysis of residues. 

Thermal Analysis: 

• Determines information about explosives. 
• Identifies chemical activity and stability of materials used. 

Fire Pattern Analysis: 

• Fire is an important factor in any explosion. 
• Statistical data determines:  
  • How fire spreads 
  • How far it spreads 
  • Total loss caused by fire 
• Techniques employed:  
  • Laser-based scene mapping 
  • Flashpoint testing 
• Purpose: Determine source of fire and presence of combustible materials. 
• Helps decide whether incident was accident or intentional explosion.

DNA Analysis: 

• Analysis of body parts found at crime scene is mandatory. 
• Families are waiting for identification. 
• Provides crucial evidence for victim identification.

Are Only Explosives Experts Involved? 

Cyber-Forensic Experts: 

• Role of vehicle is crucial in current incident. 
• CCTV footage of the car needs thorough examination. 
• Determine if anyone got in or got down to form idea about attacker. 
• Cyber-forensic expert necessary to achieve this analysis. 

Vehicle Forensics: 

• In organised heinous crimes like explosions:  
  • Engine number and chassis (metal frame) are changed before vehicles are used. 
  • Necessary to find actual engine number and chassis number. 
• Thermochemical examination (popularly known as etching):  
  • Agency employs forensic physicist for this task. 
  • Reveals original vehicle identification details. 

Collaboration Requirements 

• In event of explosion, multiple divisions of forensic science laboratory must collaborate. 
• Assists investigators in solving the crime. 
• Ensures scientific analysis of various evidence is presented before court of law. 
• Collaboration between different experts is essential for comprehensive investigation. 

Conclusion 

Forensic investigation of blast sites represents complex interplay of multiple scientific disciplines. November 10 New Delhi explosion demonstrates systematic approach to piece together evidence. Advanced techniques employed: spectroscopy, thermal analysis, DNA profiling, cyber-forensics. Forensic scientists provide crucial scientific foundation transforming crime scene observations into courtroom evidence. 

As technology advances, forensic science continues to evolve with increasingly sophisticated tools. Field continues to develop better methods for solving even the most challenging cases.