International Journal of Forensic Medicine

Author(s): Surender Pratap Singh

Abstract: It is always challenging to recognize cadavers (dead-bodies) that have been decapitated or mutilated in the face, using traditional techniques that rely on visual inspection of distinguishing features. Cadaver fingerprinting or post-mortem fingerprinting is the practice of obtaining and comparing a deceased person’s fingerprints to help with identification. Fingerprints play a significant role in identifying bodies found at the scenes of crime, mass fatality incidents (MFIs), caused by various factors, including natural calamities, accidents, or acts of violence, and in the scenarios where other methods of identification are found infeasible or inaccessible. In June 2013, cloudbursts in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand resulted in devastating floods and landslides, making it the greatest natural disaster to hit the nation since the 2004 tsunami and killing a large number of people. The Central Finger Frint Bureau (CFPB) identified a deceased individual from the fingerprints of the bodies sent to the Bureau after the disaster. In comparison to DNA analysis and forensic odontology, use of post-mortem fingerprinting is far easier, quicker, and economical method for disaster victim identification (DVI), particularly in countries that maintain large AFIS based data of citizens, residents and visitors. Fingerprints also play a significant role in identifying unidentified dead bodies (UDBs). However, the process of obtaining impressions from a deceased individual may not always be the same as the one we use to collect fingerprints from a living person. Recording a cadaver's fingerprints require not only specialized knowledge and skills, but also the appropriate tools, equipment, and chemicals. And the technique applied is mainly influenced by the corpse’s condition and/or the time elapsed after death. Therefore, this article would also go into detail on the various post-mortem changes that occur in the human body, as well as the variables that may influence these changes. But the article’s core purpose is to critically review the techniques and challenges involved in cadaver fingerprinting, and suggest practically applicable ways or options to address the difficulties and obtain better post-mortem finger impressions.

DOI: 10.33545/27074447.2025.v7.i2a.101

Pages: 01-15 | Views: 1388 | Downloads: 886

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