Skeletons, when intact and well-preserved, offer vital leads in medico-legal investigations, such as age, gender, stature, and cause of death, say forensic anthropologists. In light of the alleged mass burial case in Dharmasthala, The New Indian Express (TNIE) spoke with leading forensic medicine experts on the role of forensic anthropology.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) recently recovered skeletal remains from a sixth burial site, guided by a witness-complainant. These remains have been sent for forensic analysis, including DNA profiling, which could take days to weeks, depending on the skeleton’s condition and age, explained Dr Verghese PS, chief medical officer at St John’s Medical College Hospital.
Dr Verghese highlighted that complete skeletons can reveal the individual’s gender, approximate age, height, and often the likely cause of death. However, to link a skeleton to a missing person, DNA samples from biological relatives are required for matching, along with skull-photo superimposition techniques.
The skull, pelvic, and long bones are crucial in determining identity and trauma. If the remains are from individuals under 22 years of age, assessments are more precise. In older individuals, findings are approximate. Bone fractures may point to blunt force injuries, and poison deposits in bones may help establish toxic exposure as a cause of death.
Forensic anthropology, in such cases, provides a scientific foundation for legal investigations, offering closure in missing persons or suspected criminal cases.