Cypermethrin insecticide in viscera of suspected snake bite case: A Forensic case study

Abstract

The present paper reports the use of analytical techniques in identifying the reason of the death of a suspect. After the death of an individual, a post-mortem examination was conducted. As part of the investigation, the viscera (I) and (II) were sent to the Mini Forensic Science Laboratory in Solapur. The Medical Officer, in their report, mentioned that no injuries or defensive marks were found on the body, except for a small prick mark or bite mark with clotted blood observed on the right foot, between the small toe and adjacent fingers. Upon cleaning the area, it was noticed that one spot was more prominent, while the other spot was faint. Since there were no eyewitnesses present at the crime scene, the police recorded in their inquest that the death might be a result of a snake bite. No formal complaint was registered at that time. However, the viscera samples were preserved for further examination and a final opinion. In the analysis of the viscera, techniques such as Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) were employed. The results of the analysis revealed that the cause of death was cypermethrin poisoning, as indicated by the presence of cypermethrin in the viscera samples