What happens when a crime takes place? The perpetrator most likely destroys the evidence. Let’s assume he has got rid of his finger prints. The advancement in forensic technology makes it possible to recover circumstantial evidence. Forensic science has become an important area of study in order to bust crimes and frauds. The faculty of forensic science in S.G.T.B. Khalsa College, University of Delhi, have devised a technique to lift fingerprints from the crime scene even if the criminal sets the site on fire or sprays water.
S.G.T.B. Khalsa College which already has a PG Diploma in Forensic Science since 2009 is all set to kick off a bachelor’s programme for the academic year 2016-17. B.Sc. (Hons) Forensic Science is aimed at helping students understand the nuances of the field and at generating skilled human resource at the end of three years. There will be 30 seats based on merit covering the following topics: criminology, crime scene management, busting financial frauds, DNA typing, forensic ballistics, forensic documentation, cyber forensics, forensic chemistry and forensic biology. Forensic medicine which actually falls under the gamut of medicine will be part of the curriculum too.
Hemant Pandey who is pursuing his PG Diploma in Forensic Science, S.G.T.B. Khalsa College, says, “The bachelor’s programme and practical exposure over three years will provide the students with clarity and deeper insights to help them choose their area of specialisation.” It will be mandatory for the students to undertake training by managing crime scenes under the supervision of mobile crime laboratories for a maximum of 15 days during their three year stint. In addition, they will assist the police in developing scientific methods to solve criminal cases. It is seen in the developed nations that the police carry a check list which aids in probing the crime scene in a systematic manner. Similarly, the forensic science students will get in touch with the police and work in a similar fashion for varied crimes.
Dr. Jaswinder Singh, principal, S.G.T.B. Khalsa College, says, “There are a lot of financial frauds these days, hence training will be provided to the students to help them bust the scams.”
The students will receive more hands-on experience during summer internships. They will be attached to the State and central forensic science laboratories, prisons, hospitals, drug de-addiction centres and crime record offices.
Dr. G. S. Sodhi, associate professor and coordinator, forensic science, S.G.T.B. Khalsa College, says, “To hone the students’ skills further, we will invite forensic scientists to deliver guest lectures.” Besides, seminars and symposia will help the students to enhance their knowledge. As part of the curriculum, they will visit hospitals and view post-mortem examinations. In the third and final year, a dissertation needs to be submitted to the University of Delhi.
On completing the degree, the students will have enough theoretical as well as practical experience to work with the state and central forensic science laboratories with a starting salary of Rs.25, 000, or with NIA (National Investigation Agency), CBI as well as with bomb disposal squads. If they wish to study further, they can pursue their postgraduation in forensic science offered by the University of Delhi under the Department of Anthropology.
Like men, women too are taking up this course with a lot of enthusiasm. “Despite the odd timings, all it takes is strength and confidence to work in this area,” says Anjali Aggarwal who is also pursuing her postgraduate diploma from the same college.
