Hyderabad: The Telangana Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) played a crucial role in solving a chilling murder case in Kukatpally, where a 14-year-old boy allegedly killed a 10-year-old girl over a cricket bat. The case, which shook the local community, highlights the decisive role of forensic science in criminal investigations.
Crime and investigation
The incident occurred on 18 August, when the girl was found dead at her home. Her mother filed a complaint, prompting a swift police investigation. The accused, a Class 10 student reportedly in conflict with the law, was arrested on 23 August.
Investigators sent the boy’s belongings, including the knife allegedly used in the crime, to the FSL. Despite attempts to clean the knife’s wooden handle, forensic experts discovered a tiny bloodstain, which DNA fingerprinting confirmed belonged to the victim.
Blood traces on clothing
Further examination revealed traces of the victim’s blood on the boy’s trousers and shirt, even after he had washed them in a washing machine. A senior official from Cyberabad police noted:
“Even though the boy washed his clothes, FSL experts were able to recover the DNA from the remaining stains.”
The FSL report linked blood samples from the crime scene, the knife, the boy’s clothing, and the victim’s garments, establishing a definitive connection. The DNA fingerprinting, conducted by FSL scientist G Pandu, proved decisive in court, particularly because there were no direct witnesses.
Crime details
Police revealed that the boy had planned to steal a cricket bat belonging to the victim’s brother. When the girl confronted him, he allegedly stabbed her more than 20 times. Investigators also recovered a handwritten note detailing his plan and strategies to avoid detection. CCTV footage from the area offered limited insight, and without witnesses, the forensic evidence became the most reliable link to the crime.
Role of forensic science
Legal experts emphasized that in cases involving minors and no direct witnesses, scientific evidence such as DNA fingerprinting becomes pivotal. The FSL’s meticulous work ensured the investigation could move forward and established irrefutable evidence connecting the accused to the crime.