Zeitschrift für forensische Forschung

Detection of Semen Stains in Rape Cases by a Very High Powered UV-VIS Light Source, Facilitated Conviction of Accused Person

Abstract

Harel VS, Khairkar SR, Kulkarni KV and Malve MK

Detection of semen in forensic cases mostly sexual assault or abuse is critical for evidence collection. A portable forensic light source, which emits wavelength from 430 nm to 700 nm (UV to VIS) and filters were used. The very high intensity light source detected semen in darkness and daylight using wavelength between 415 nm to 490 nm. ABO blood grouping method is an oldest method used in forensic biology for grouping purpose. But now a days, DNA fingerprinting is an advanced technique used to solve crimes like gang rape. Even though in this case, simplest and oldest ABO blood grouping method helped to solve gang rape case. In present case, victim was 5 years old girl who was raped by a person. Screening the semen stains using portable forensic light source and primary testing of semen stains from different places on victim’s undergarments was done. ABO blood grouping of each selected semen stains were done by absorption-elution method. Those selected stains showed blood group which matched with the accused person’s blood group. Thus the accused person was convicted in this heinous crime.