Kasturba Medical College Develops Tool to Identify Menstrual Blood in Crime Scenes

Quick Summary

• A research team from Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Mangaluru, has developed a new imaging technique to distinguish menstrual blood from non-menstrual blood.
• The team includes Dr. Mayur Sudhir Balbudhe, Dr. B. Suresh Kumar Shetty, Dr. Adithi Shetty, and dr. Nayantara Arun Kumar.
• Their research paper has been shared on Research Square as a pre-print.
• The technique analyzes surface-specific characteristics of stains to enhance accuracy in crime investigations involving sexual assault and domestic violence cases.
• This patented method aims to improve crime scene reconstructions and reduce wrongful prosecutions or suspicions by differentiating blood types found on materials like clothing or bedding.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The development of this imaging technique by the KMC Mangaluru researchers represents notable progress in forensic science with direct implications for justice systems in India. By providing clarity in distinguishing menstrual from non-menstrual blood stains during investigations, the tool addresses an often-overlooked gray area that can perhaps lead to misinterpretations affecting court outcomes.

Considering India’s frequency of cases involving sexual violence and domestic abuse, such innovations could strengthen evidence-based prosecution while protecting individuals against wrongful accusations-a balance critical for ensuring justice delivery. While promising at the theoretical level based on its publication as a pre-print, widespread adoption will depend upon rigorous peer reviews validating its accuracy and applicability across diverse real-world scenarios.

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