This research paper delves into the critical role of forensic science, with an emphasis on biometric and ballistic methodologies, in the combat against terrorism within India’s legal framework. This highlights how forensic tools like DNA profiling, fingerprint analysis, and ballistic forensics provide huge support to terrorism investigations by connecting the suspects to a particular criminal act, which leads to effective prosecution. The paper examines how the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, two key Indian legislation, provide support to the collection, handling and admissibility of forensic evidence in cases of terrorism.Case studies, such as the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, are used further in the study to bring out the great contribution made by forensic science in identifying the perpetrators and securing their convictions. The paper shows how examination of these incidents demonstrates the importance of forensic analysis in providing evidentiary basis for prosecuting terrorism related offences in India. Furthermore, the research identifies a number of very important obstacles that impede the successful application of forensic science in terrorism cases. Second, there are privacy and protection of data, maintaining evidence integrity, as well as the limited resources and infrastructure of the forensic environment. In this context, the study highlights the necessity to address these challenges as it relates to the strengthening of the ability of forensic science to contribute to India’s counter terrorism objectives, and to the reliability, accuracy and ethical management of forensic evidence in accordance with international best practices.
Keywords: Forensic Science, Terrorism, Ballistics, Forensic Technology, Forensic Evidence
Forensic science deals with the use of scientific method in the application to criminal investigation in order to assist with identification of the perpetrators, reconstructing and linking the incident to crime scenes, based on the evidence found. It encompasses a number of specializations in DNA analysis, toxicology, digital forensics, trace evidence examination, among others. Forensic science has helped the criminal justice to an extent where it has been providing objective and reliable evidence to both the prosecution and the defence in recent years.
The threat of terrorism is a serious problem to the national and international security and has a broad impact on society and governance. The term deals with unlawful violence or intimidation of the civilians for political, ideological or religious purposes. Terrorism has had multiple impact on different regions in India and law enforcement agencies have referred it as a priority. Terrorism needs and deserves all of our combined efforts, and all of our innovative strategies, and if you will, forensic science contributes by being able to help track and identify terrorists.
The application of forensic science in terrorism investigations is vital as forensic science proves to be vital tool and method of gathering valuable information and link suspected from terrorist activities. Facial recognition, DNA profiling, fingerprint analysis, and other biometrics; ballistic analysis of firearms and ammunition, to name a few, are used for determining perpetrators and reconstructing the details of terrorist attacks. Forensic tools used by these investigators include identifying and tracking identity, identifying patterns of violence.
Research Question: How does forensic science contribute to terrorism investigations in India under the current legal and policy frameworks?
Significance: Integrating forensic science into India’s response to terrorism enhances investigative capabilities and supports the criminal justice system by providing reliable, science-based evidence. Forensic science not only aids in capturing perpetrators but also strengthens the prosecutorial process, ensuring that justice is served while upholding legal and ethical standards.