Legal Basis:
* IPC Section 302 (Murder) – Now BNS Section 103
* Punishment: Death or Life Imprisonment
* Category: Non-bailable, Cognizable
* Mandatory Forensic: YES (7+ years punishment)
INVESTIGATION CHECKLIST:
STEP 1: RECEIVE INFORMATION (BNSS Section 173)
* Record First Information Report (FIR) immediately.
* Note exact time and date of information received.
* Record name and address of informant.
* Write information in informant’s own words.
STEP 2: REACH CRIME SCENE
* Inform senior officers immediately.
* Call forensic science team (MANDATORY under BNSS Section 176).
* Preserve crime scene – do not allow anyone to enter.
* Post guard at entry/exit points.
STEP 3: MANDATORY FORENSIC INVESTIGATION (BNSS Section 176)
For murder cases, you MUST:
* Call forensic expert to visit crime scene.
* Record entire scene examination on VIDEO (mandatory).
* Forensic expert must collect evidence.
* Submit video recording with case documents.
STEP 4: CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION (BNSS Section 105)
* Take photographs from all angles.
* Make sketch/map of crime scene with measurements.
* Record audio-video of entire scene (BNSS Section 105).
* Note position of body and all objects.
* Record weather conditions, lighting.
STEP 5: COLLECT PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
Collect and properly seal:
* Blood samples from scene.
* Hair and fiber samples.
* Weapon used (if present).
* Clothing of victim.
* Fingerprints from objects touched.
* Soil samples from footprints.
* Any other trace evidence.
STEP 6: BODY EXAMINATION
* Do not move body until photographed.
* Call medical officer for preliminary examination.
* Arrange post-mortem examination.
* Collect victim’s clothing separately.
* Preserve all items found on body.
STEP 7: WITNESS STATEMENTS (BNSS Section 180)
* Separate all witnesses immediately.
* Record statement of first informant.
* Record statements of eyewitnesses.
* Record statements of neighbors.
* Note exact words of witnesses.
STEP 8: SUSPECT EXAMINATION (BNSS Section 51)
When suspect is arrested:
* Medical examination within 24 hours.
* Collect blood samples (with consent or court order).
* Collect fingernail scrapings.
* Collect clothing.
* Take photographs of injuries (if any).
* Fingerprints collection (BNSS Section 54).
STEP 9: EVIDENCE SUBMISSION TO FSL
* Seal all evidence properly.
* Maintain chain of custody form.
* Submit to Forensic Science Laboratory with covering letter.
* Keep receipt of submission.
STEP 10: COMPLETE DOCUMENTATION
* Prepare panchnama of scene (BNSS Section 105).
* Prepare list of all evidence collected.
* Record all statements in writing.
* Prepare investigation diary (BNSS Section 192).
* Submit report within required time (BNSS Section 193).
EVIDENCE PACKAGING GUIDELINES:
* Blood samples: Dry on clean cloth, seal in paper envelope.
* Weapons: Do not clean, seal in box with label.
* Clothing: Dry if wet, seal separately in paper bags.
* Hair/fibers: Place in paper envelope with label.
* Photographs: Take close-up and wide-angle shots with scale marker.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
✓ Video recording of crime scene is MANDATORY (BNSS Section 176).
✓ Forensic expert visit is MANDATORY for murder cases.
✓ Maintain chain of custody for all evidence.
✓ Complete investigation within 90 days (BNSS Section 193).
