2. DERMAL NITRATE TEST ( PARAFFIN TEST )
METHOD:
Molten paraffin wax is brushed on the suspect’s hand
After hardening it is peeled off.
The inner surface of the wax cast is then treated with diphenylamine or diphenylbenzidine reagent.
‘ Blue colour ’ develops wherever the powder residue is present.

3. DERMAL NITRATE TEST ( PARAFFIN TEST )
DRAWBACKS:
FALSE NEGATIVE RESULT
Washed hand
Delay in doing the test.
Weapon is well constructed.
FALSE POSITIVE RESULT
Hand contaminated with nitrogenous compounds – Tobacco, leguminous plants, soil, cosmetics, fertilizers etc.

4. Other tests
OTHER TESTS (To find out whether a suspect discharged a firearm recently, or not) are:
The Harrison & Gilroy test
TLC, HPLC, GC.
Atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Neutron activation analysis.

5. BALLISTICS - SPECIAL ASPECTS
Balling of shots
Bullet embolism
Billiard ball effect
Ricochet bullet

7. Various types of bullets
Tandem bullet
Tandem cartridge
Souvenir bullet
Frangible bullet
Yawing bullet
Tumbling bullet

8. Dum dum bullet
Explosive bullet
Incendiary bullet
Plastic bullet

9. Single entry, multiple exits
Entrance wound present, bullet not found
Unexplained bullets in body
Atypical wound of entrance
Multiple entry/exits (single shot)

11. Kennedy Phenomenon
Medico-legal evaluation of firearm injury made difficult by surgical suturing or alteration.
Rayalaseema Phenomenon
Medico-legal evaluation of a firearm injury made difficult by deliberate mutilation. Eg. Cutting or stabbing through it.

12. Autopsy procedures Crime scene Clothing Firearm injuries Precautions
Cause of death
Chemical analysis

13. (inaccessible areas & non-vital areas).
SUICIDE
More common in males
Usually single wound
Injury in one of the sites- temple, centre of forehead, roof of mouth, left side chest.
HOMICIDE
Can involve either sex
Usually multiple.
Can be anywhere
(inaccessible areas & non-vital areas).

14. SUICIDE
Usually contact wound.
Weapon near the body
Scene – victim’s home
Suicide note may be present
HOMICIDE
Close or distant shot
Weapon absent
Anywhere
Absent

15. THANK YOU