Legal Basis:
* IPC Section 436 (Mischief by Fire) – Now BNS Section 239
* IPC Section 307 (Attempt to murder)
* Punishment: 3-7 years depending on severity
* Category: Cognizable
* Mandatory Forensic: YES (death or major injury involved)
INVESTIGATION CHECKLIST:
STEP 1: RECEIVE COMPLAINT & INITIAL ACTION (BNSS Section 173)
* Register FIR immediately
* Record date, time, and location of fire
* Record names of people present at fire
* Record names of people injured/killed
* Record estimated property loss
* Note if fire brigade called promptly
* Document how fire discovered
* Note current state of building/property
STEP 2: SECURE THE FIRE SCENE
* Prevent unauthorized entry to burned building
* Post police guard around perimeter
* Do NOT allow anyone to enter or remove items
* Prevent evidence contamination
* Photograph entire scene before disturbing
* Document all visible damage
* Note burn patterns and direction
STEP 3: MEDICAL TREATMENT OF INJURED
* Ensure fire brigade treats injured persons
* Transport injured to hospital
* Document names and details of injured
* Record statements of injured persons
* Obtain medical examination reports
* Keep track of all injuries
* Record if any person died
STEP 4: CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY (Before Forensic Exam)
* Photograph entire burned structure from all angles
* Photograph burned area close-ups
* Document position of items
* Photograph burn patterns on floor/walls/ceiling
* Take wide-angle shots showing entire scene
* Photograph entry and exit points
* Record all visible evidence
* Take photographs with scale markers
STEP 5: CALL FORENSIC EXPERT (BNSS Section 176)
MANDATORY for arson cases:
* Call fire forensics expert
* Call forensic science expert
* Video record entire scene examination
* Expert examines for:
* Burn patterns (show fire spread direction)
* Hot spots (where fire started)
* Evidence of accelerants (petrol, kerosene, diesel, etc.)
* Point of origin of fire
* Whether fire accidental or intentional
* Evidence of deliberate setting
STEP 6: COLLECT FORENSIC EVIDENCE
Collect samples from:
* Burned materials
* Ash and residue
* Charred wood pieces
* Any fabric or materials that didn’t fully burn
* Items indicating accelerant use
* Anything with unusual odors
* Materials from point of fire origin
* All items must be sealed in separate evidence bags
STEP 7: EVIDENCE BAGS FOR FIRE INVESTIGATION
Proper sealing procedure:
* Put samples in clean glass jar or metal can
* Close container tightly
* Seal with evidence tape
* Label with case number, date, time
* Sign and date by collecting officer
* Store in safe place away from contamination
* Do NOT store in plastic bags (can cause chemical reactions)
STEP 8: IDENTIFY POINT OF ORIGIN
Forensic expert determines:
* Where fire started
* How fire started
* What started fire (match, lighter, electrical, etc.)
* Evidence of accelerant use
* Pattern of fire spread
* Time fire started (estimate)
* If fire accidental or intentional
STEP 9: WITNESS STATEMENTS (BNSS Section 180)
Record statements of:
* Person who discovered fire
* People present when fire started
* Fire brigade personnel at scene
* Neighbors who saw fire
* Anyone who saw suspicious persons
* Building owner/occupant
* Security guard (if any)
* Medical personnel treating injured
STEP 10: QUESTION SUSPECTS
If arsonist identified:
* Record statement of suspect
* Question about motive for arson
* Question about access to building
* Question about accelerants used
* Question about where accelerant obtained
* Question about time of incident
* Question about who benefited from fire
* Record all responses carefully
STEP 11: MOTIVE INVESTIGATION
Check possible motives:
* Insurance fraud: Is building insured? Check policy.
* Property dispute: Any disputes with owner?
* Revenge: Any enemies or conflicts?
* Business rivalry: Any commercial competitors?
* Financial problems: Was owner in debt?
* Romantic motive: Any love affairs or betrayals?
* Mental illness: Any history of mental issues?
STEP 12: INVESTIGATION ITEMS
* Check insurance policy documents
* Get bank statements of property owner
* Check criminal record of suspects
* Check for previous fire incidents
* Interview neighbors about owner
* Check property records and deeds
* Investigate financial status of owner
* Check for threats received
STEP 13: ARREST OF ARSONIST
When suspect identified:
* Obtain arrest warrant
* Arrest suspect
* Search suspect’s home
* Look for accelerants
* Look for chemicals/materials used
* Seize any incriminating evidence
* Medical examination of suspect (for burns)
* Take photographs and samples
STEP 14: INVESTIGATION DIARY (BNSS Section 192)
Maintain detailed record:
* Date/time of fire incident
* All evidence collected
* All statements recorded
* All forensic findings
* All suspicions and reasons
* Timeline of events
* Forensic expert findings
* Suspect identification
STEP 15: CHARGESHEET (BNSS Section 193)
* Complete investigation
* Prepare detailed chargesheet
* Include all photographs
* Include forensic expert report
* Include witness statements
* Include financial motive evidence
* Include all evidence collected
* Submit within 60 days
TYPES OF ARSON:
* Intentional Arson: Deliberately set fire
* Insurance Fraud: Fire set for insurance money
* Revenge Arson: Fire set out of revenge
* Vandalism: Fire set to damage property
* Attempted Murder: Fire set to harm someone
ACCELERANTS COMMONLY USED:
* Petrol
* Kerosene
* Diesel
* Thinner/paint solvent
* Camphor/naphthalene
* Alcohol
* LPG/natural gas
CRITICAL PROCEDURES:
✓ Secure scene IMMEDIATELY
✓ Prevent evidence disturbance
✓ Call forensic expert (MANDATORY)
✓ Video record scene examination
✓ Collect samples in glass/metal containers
✓ Do NOT use plastic bags
✓ Check insurance policy
✓ Investigate financial motive
✓ Interview all witnesses
