Journal of Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology

Background: Opioids, cannabis and nicotine are the oldest and highly abused substances globally. The detection and identification of these drugs is a major challenge for the law enforcement agencies as well as forensic chemists, especially when the cases pertain to sexual assaults/drug-facilitated sexual assaults. Aim: To develop a determination method which can quantify opioids, cannabinol and nicotine simultaneously in whole blood. Objective: This paper presents a validated method for the identification and quantitation of Morphine (MOR), Codeine (COD), Thebaine (THB), Papaverine (PAPA), Cannabinol (CBN) & nicotine (NIC) using High performance thin layer chromatography- Mass spectrometry HPTLC-MS, from whole blood at postmortem. Material & Method: Quantitative analysis of MOR, COD, THB, PAPA, CBN and NIC were done using HPTLC and MS was operating in selective ion-monitoring mode for accurate identification of the drugs under study. Small Volume Liquid extraction (SVLE) technique using ethyl acetate-hexane (80:20) were used for the extraction of blood. Pre-coated HPTLC (silica gel G 60 F254) plates were developed using mobile phase ethyl acetate: methanol: ammonia (8.5:1:0.5). Result: The screening of HPTLC plates was done by UV light and the m/z ratio of drugs was obtained by lifting spots from plates using the HPTLC-MS interface. Method validation was done according to the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) guidelines. The technique will encourage forensic chemists to embrace the validated HPTLC-MS method. Conclusion: The developed HPTLC-MS method is simple, sensitive, precise, accurate, economic and can be used for quantitative analysis of MOR, COD, THB, PAPA, NIC and CBN in blood.

In offences involving the human body, Laboratory analysis of material obtained from the victim or the accused can prove vital to proper investigation of the case. In case of poisoning, Viscera and Biological Sample are the main physical evidences which play very important role to solve the crime. Unfortunately, Medical Officers are often not aware as to the exact nature or quantity of samples to be taken, nor the correct manner of preservation or packing that should be followed. Collection and preservation of viscera for chemical analysis, it is a duty of doctor to collect and preserve the viscera and other exhibits property. The aim of this literature is to be helpful to medical officers & police personals in Collection and Preservation of Viscera and Biological Sample in Poisoning cases to solve crime.

The success of green revolution not only backs on the uses of high yielding variety of crops but also on the pest control methods all over the world. A new epoch of pest control begins with the discovery of pesticide like DDT and Lindane in 1940, it takes almost three decades for us to realize the deleterious effect of these compound on flora and fauna on earth, but by that time a flush of new synthetic pesticide comes in use with very few long-term studies on their impact of nature. The main problem of use of pesticide is that a very few are there to be specific for a selected pest, and in consequences many other forms of life frequently fall victim of their action. Pesticide use not only affects the biodiversity of fields but severely change the nature of our aquatic life. Fish engage in recreation an imperative job in nutrient cycles because they store a large percentage of ecosystem nutrients in their tissues (Approx. 15-40%) (Kotillaetall 2012), transport nutrients farther than other aquatic animals and excrete nutrients in dissolved forms that are willingly available to chief producers. Although the influence of fish populations on food web structures, nutrient recycling, and productivity is well documented, little is known about the effects on the ecosystem of a reduction in the fish species richness. It is consequently of significant importance to evaluate the possible impacts of ongoing decreases in fish variety. Aquatic life is very sensitive to a wide variety of pesticide, chemical and toxic conditions may arise, not only from the spillage or deliberate discharge of these chemicals into rivers and lakes, but also from many applications outside agriculture, such as silviculture (the growing and cultivation of trees), horticulture or public health, can also lead to a detrimental influence on fish populations. The current review will focus on the routes of contamination of pesticides in aquatic systems. Pesticides can create a great economic loss by fish deathrate on one hand and on the other hand add them unfit for human and animal consumption. These contaminated fish are very harmful for those who consume these infected fishes.

Blood, a vital biological fluid, plays an essential role in sustaining life by transporting oxygen and nutrients, eliminating waste, regulating body temperature, and defending against infections. Blood, which is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma, is extremely important for forensic purposes because of its DNA content and capacity to provide information about crimes. Blood at a crime scene can disclose information about the nature of the crime, identity of individuals involved, weapon used, and the sequence of events. Bloodstain patterns, trails, and smears assist in reconstructing the crime scene and determining positions and movements of both victim and perpetrator. In forensic science, blood detection begins with presumptive tests such as the Benzidine, Phenolphthalein (Kastle-Meyer), Leucomalachite Green, and Fluorescence tests. These rapid and sensitive methods rely on the peroxidase activity of hemoglobin to indicate possible blood presence, although they may yield false positives. The Teichmann and Takayama tests, which react with the heme components in blood to generate characteristic crystals, are used as confirmatory tests to verify the existence of blood.Advanced identification methods include Raman spectroscopy, which offers molecular-level insights due to its non-destructive and highly specific nature. Immunoassays, including ELISA and RSID kits, detect blood through antibody-antigen interactions and are increasingly being adapted for field use. Additionally, spectrographic techniques like FTIR and NIR hyperspectral imaging aid in blood stain detection and differentiation from other substances. While blood evidence may not always hold direct legal weight in court, it plays a crucial role in corroborating or challenging testimonies, establishing crime timelines, and linking suspects to crime scenes. Its scientific reliability and interpretive power make it a “silent witness” that significantly contributes to crime investigation and justice delivery.

Background: Iatrogenic fentanyl overdose highlights the critical need for meticulous oversight in medication administration. The principle of vicarious liability in healthcare amplifies institutional accountability, particularly in cases alleging criminal negligence resulting in patient deaths. Recent Indian criminal laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), have introduced frameworks that influence these liability considerations. Objective: To analyze the legal and medical aspects of fentanyl poisoning under the lens of vicarious liability, using the reported case as a focal point, and propose preventative measures to mitigate such incidents. Methods: A detailed case analysis was conducted alongside a review of legislative changes and best practices for medication safety. The study integrates statistical trends and judicial outcomes to formulate actionable recommendations. Results: The malpractice lawsuit underscores systemic issues, including delayed care, excessive medication dosages, and procedural lapses. While judicial outcomes favored good faith protections, the case underscores the importance of institutional vigilance. Conclusion: Strengthening institutional protocols, legislative clarity, and professional training are vital to prevent medication-related iatrogenic injuries and to balance accountability with fair treatment in healthcare.

The evolution of sensor technologies has significantly impacted forensic toxicology, offers more efficient, sensitive, and precise means of detecting toxic substances in biological samples. This review critically examines the recent advancements in sensor techniques employed in forensic toxicology, focusing on their potential to improve the detection and identification of toxins, drugs, poisons, and other harmful substances in forensic investigations. From electrochemical sensors and biosensors to optical and mass spectrometric techniques, sensor-based technologies are enhancing the speed, accuracy, and accessibility of toxicological testing. This critical review paper explores the benefits, limitations, and future directions of these advanced sensor systems, highlighting their role in simplifying and accelerating toxicological analyses in both clinical and criminal investigations.

Positional asphyxia may be defined as fatal ventilatory and circulatory failure caused by the fixation of the body in an abnormal position, which mechanically interferes with ventilation and venous return. This report describes a 30-yearold male who was found in a head-down position on a staircase. A thorough history and crime scene analysis unveiled that the deceased had fallen down the stairs and subsequently became unconscious. Autopsy revealed classical signs of asphyxia, and the injuries found were corroborated with crime scene evidence. The findings of the case were discussed by assessing Bell’s criteria for positional asphyxia. Improvisations of Bell’s criteria were suggested based on the case findings. Such cases present to forensic pathologists as sudden death, where crime scene examination, detailed history, and meticulous autopsy reveal evidence on the cause and manner of death.