Legal Basis:
* IPC Section 336-337 (Act endangering life)
* IPC Section 338-339 (Hurt) – Now BNS Section 115-116
* IPC Section 325 (Grievous Hurt) – Now BNS Section 118
* IPC Section 326 (Hurt by acid, etc.) – Now BNS Section 120
* Punishment: 3 months to 7 years depending on severity
* Category: Mostly bailable, Cognizable
* Mandatory Forensic: YES (for grievous hurt)
INVESTIGATION CHECKLIST:
STEP 1: RECEIVE COMPLAINT (BNSS Section 173)
* Register FIR immediately
* Record exact date, time, and location of assault
* Record name and description of victim
* Record names of assaulter(s) if known
* Record detailed description of injuries
* Note if weapon used
* Note if pre-planned or spontaneous
STEP 2: PROTECT THE VICTIM
* Ensure victim’s immediate safety
* Provide first aid if needed
* Arrange medical treatment
* Provide police protection if threatened
* Inform victim of their rights
* Ensure victim’s statement recorded privately
STEP 3: MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF VICTIM
* Arrange immediate medical examination
* Doctor must prepare injury report with:
* Detailed description of all injuries
* Location and size of each injury
* Type of injury (cut, bruise, burn, bite, etc.)
* Photographs of all injuries
* Estimated time of injuries
* Probable cause of injury (weapon used?)
* Doctor’s opinion on severity
* Obtain medical certificate
* Collect evidence if sexual assault involved
STEP 4: CRIME SCENE EXAMINATION (BNSS Section 176)
For serious assault:
* Call forensic expert if available
* Video record crime scene
* Collect evidence:
* Blood samples from scene
* Weapon used (if found at scene)
* Any torn clothing
* Hair samples
* Fingerprints from objects touched
* Any other trace evidence
* Take photographs from all angles
* Prepare crime scene sketch
STEP 5: WITNESS STATEMENTS (BNSS Section 180)
Record statements of:
* Victim of assault
* Eyewitnesses to assault
* People present at location
* Medical officer who examined victim
* Anyone who heard about incident
* Police who first arrived at scene
STEP 6: IDENTIFY AND ARREST SUSPECT
* Use witness descriptions
* Check known criminals in area
* Review CCTV footage (if available)
* Prepare sketch if suspect not identified
* Issue lookout notice
* Arrest suspect when identified
STEP 7: MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF SUSPECT
When suspect arrested:
* Medical examination within 24 hours
* Examine for injuries caused during struggle
* Collect DNA samples if victim’s blood on suspect
* Collect clothing samples
* Take photographs of suspect
* Blood/saliva samples collection (BNSS Section 54)
STEP 8: SUSPECT QUESTIONING
* Record motive for assault
* Record whether weapon was used
* Record where weapon obtained
* Record if assault pre-planned
* Record if part of group or individual act
* Record if victim provoked or not
STEP 9: EVIDENCE COLLECTION
Collect and seal:
* Weapon used (if recovered)
* Victim’s torn/stained clothing
* Medical report
* Photographs of injuries and scene
* Weapon used must be preserved carefully
* Any other items at crime scene
STEP 10: INVESTIGATION DIARY (BNSS Section 192)
Maintain detailed diary including:
* All actions taken
* All statements recorded
* All evidence collected
* All visits to location
* All developments
* Timeline of events
STEP 11: EVIDENCE SUBMISSION
Submit to FSL if needed:
* Weapon (for forensic examination)
* Clothing samples
* Blood samples
* Photographs and videos
STEP 12: CHARGESHEET (BNSS Section 193)
* Complete investigation
* Prepare chargesheet
* Include all medical evidence
* Include witness statements
* Include all photographs
* Submit within 60 days
TYPES OF HURT INJURIES TO DOCUMENT:
* Simple Hurt: Minor injuries (scratches, small bruises)
* Grievous Hurt: Serious injuries (deep cuts, bone fracture, loss of tooth/eye)
* Burns: Document percentage of body affected
* Poisoning: Document substance used
* Acid Attacks: Document chemical used and extent of burns
* Bite Marks: Photograph and collect for DNA
IMPORTANT PROCEDURES:
✓ Medical examination must be thorough and documented
✓ Photographs of injuries are critical evidence
✓ Weapon preservation is important for forensics
✓ Witness statements must be detailed
✓ Timeline of events must be clear
