MANGALORE: The fast track court verdict on September 13, 2013, imposing the death penalty on the Delhi gang rape convicts, was a moment of relief for the nation. Dakshina Kannada, through its experts, contributed significantly to ensuring justice.
Dr Ashith B Acharya, a dental forensic specialist from Puttur, who heads the Department of Forensic Odontology at SDM College, Dharwad, assisted the investigating agencies in conclusively linking the culprits to the crime. The college in Dharwad is the only institution in India with a dedicated Department of Forensic Odontology and a state-of-the-art dental forensic laboratory.
Role in investigation
Dr Acharya’s lab conducted detailed forensic tests that linked bite marks found on the victim’s body to the dental models of the accused, Ram Singh and Akshay Thakur. The 12-page report submitted by the laboratory formed an integral part of the court’s evidence and was explicitly referred to during the judgment.
Secrecy and precision
To maintain confidentiality, the authorities restricted knowledge of the tests to the Principal of SDM College and Dr Acharya. Even the visiting Special Investigation Officer from Delhi kept the purpose of the visit strictly under wraps from other staff members. This ensured that the investigation proceeded without leaks or interference.
Dr Acharya’s work highlights the critical role of dental forensics in criminal investigations and demonstrates how specialized expertise from Karnataka contributed to the national fight against violent crime.