Now a day’s forensic entomology is considered as important tool in medico-legal cases

Authors

  • Ahmad Sadek Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Army medical college, Chittagong, Bangladesh.
  • Nashid Tabassum Khan Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Z H Sikder womens Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30574/gscbps.2018.5.1.0074

Keywords:

Forensic entomology, Post mortem interval, Legal medicine, Homicide, Arthropods

Abstract

Forensic entomology is the use of arthropod evidence in legal investigations is becoming increasingly more important in such investigations. Most often, forensic entomologists assist homicide investigations by estimating the time of death using information on the biology and ecology of arthropods. In murder investigations it deals with which insect’s eggs appear, their location on the body and in what order they appear. In medico-legal death investigations one of the most critical question is, ‘‘When did the death take place?’’ An accurate estimation of the post mortem interval has special relevance in a homicide case because this information can narrow the field of possible suspects in a crime. Forensic entomology helpful in determining a post mortem interval (PMI) and location of a death in question. Since many insects exhibit a degree of endemism (occurring only in certain places), or have a well-defined phenology (active only at a certain season, or time of day), their presence in association with other evidence can demonstrate potential links to times and locations where other events may have occurred. Another area covered by medico legal forensic entomology is the relatively new field of entomotoxicology. This particular branch involves the utilization of entomological specimens found at a scene in order to test for different drugs that may have possibly played a role in the death of the victim. Forensic entomology is recognized in many countries as an important tool for legal investigations. Unfortunately, it has not received much attention in Bangladesh as an important investigative tool. This paper reviews the various types of insect’s behavior on corpse also important information we will find from them. This is helpful for the investigators, law personnel and researchers aware of the importance of entomology in criminal investigations. Correct estimation of the post mortem interval is one of the most important aspects of legal medicine.

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Published

2018-10-30

How to Cite

Sadek, A., & Khan, N. T. (2018). Now a day’s forensic entomology is considered as important tool in medico-legal cases. GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 5(1), 043–049. https://doi.org/10.30574/gscbps.2018.5.1.0074

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Original Article