Mangaluru: The Forensic Anthropology Unit of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, and Centre for Ethics, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore were instrumental in organising a first-of-its-kind, practice-oriented refresher program titled “One-day Refresher program on Forensic Investigation for Police personnel” on 8 March 2022, at the University campus at Deralakatte. 38 police officers from various police stations of Dakshina Kannada attended the course and participated in this hands-on training program. All staff of forensic medicine and centre for ethics.
The Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology has started its first-ever Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Anthropology and Odontology (PGDFAO) in collaboration with the Equipo Argentino de Antropologia Forense (EAAF) since 2015 and more than 70 medicolegal and dental professionals have been trained under renowned national and international experts. The Forensic Anthropology Unit was formally inaugurated in 2017 and is the first of its kind in India, dedicated towards research, training and capacity building in forensic anthropology.
The resource persons Dr V G Nayak, Dy Director (Retd), Forensic Science Laboratory, Bangalore and Dr BC Ravindra, Asst Director (Retd), Forensic Science Laboratory, Bangalore both of them have assisted in the delivery of justice to more than six thousand cases.
At the inaugural program, Dr Vina Vaswani, Director Centre for Ethics and Professor of Forensic Medicine, welcomed the participants, the resource persons and the chief guest of the program. Dr M Vijayakumar Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor was the Chief Guest who explained the concept of lifelong learning and the upgradation of life skills. Dr Kishor Kumar proposed the vote of thanks. Dr Nasir Ahmad, Organising Secretary from the Forensic Anthropology Unit, anchored the program.
The topics covered included techniques of crime scene investigations, DNA fingerprinting, and ballistics in crime scene investigations. The hands-on session was conducted on simulation of two crime scenes i.e. a gunshot case and a sexual assault case. With full enthusiasm, the delegates participated in the hands-on session and learned the crime scene documentation under the guidance and supervision of the resource persons.
The police officers became familiar with the common pitfalls of crime scene investigations. The experts demonstrated the forensic techniques to be followed and shared their vast knowledge and experiences with some complex cases they had solved with their scientific approach.
The event came to a close with a valedictory function at 4:30 pm. Rishikesh B Sonawane (IPS), Superintendent of Police, Dakshina Kannada was the chief guest. He emphasised the need and use of refresher programs in police and congratulated the organisers for conducting such programs.
The guest of honour, Dr BT Nandish, Controller of Examinations, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) appreciated the efforts of resource persons, the Forensic Anthropology unit and the Centre for Ethics for organising and conducting the program. Dr Nandish lauded the efforts of Sonawane (IPS), for motivating so many police officers for the program. Certificates were distributed and the valedictory program ended with a vote of thanks.
