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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Four MLAs miss Thackeray’s meeting

Mumbai: As the rebel six MPs were proudly showcased before the media in a grand event by Shiv Sena President and Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, ex-CM and Shiv Sena (UBT) supremo Uddhav Thackeray summoned his entire flock of lawmakers for a headcount – and discovered that four were allegedly ‘missing’, on Monday. The development came after a similar meeting last week of its nine Lok Sabha MPs saw only three in attendance and the six prospective turncoats proclaimed loyalty in the...

Four MLAs miss Thackeray’s meeting

Mumbai: As the rebel six MPs were proudly showcased before the media in a grand event by Shiv Sena President and Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, ex-CM and Shiv Sena (UBT) supremo Uddhav Thackeray summoned his entire flock of lawmakers for a headcount – and discovered that four were allegedly ‘missing’, on Monday. The development came after a similar meeting last week of its nine Lok Sabha MPs saw only three in attendance and the six prospective turncoats proclaimed loyalty in the names of their parents and children or Shirdi Saibaba and Goddess Tulja Bhavani – all came to nought as the subsequent dramatic events that unfolded confirmed. Against the backdrop of that ugly butcher-cut, Thackeray had convened a meeting of all SS (UBT) MLAs and MLCs this afternoon. Out of 20 MLAs, 16 were present on Monday, besides five MLCs, as the party fortified itself to keep the hunting wolf away from its pen. A senior party leader assured that the four MLAs who stayed away had given valid reasons for their absence to the top SS (UBT) brass, which is strategising on how to prevent another assault on its strength – the second brazen one in four years. This time, the SS (UBT) leaders are even more nervous as Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam claimed today that “another MP” is veering towards them. Earlier, other Shiv Sena leaders made the SS (UBT) even more jumpy with dark predictions that “at least 14-15 MLAs” would soon join their camp. In Monday’s meeting, Thackeray and other leaders urged the remaining MLAs and MLCs to put up a united show of strength, fan out into their respective constituencies, connect with their party cadres and public outreach, remain aggressive and try to put the government on the mat with burning issues like farmers distress, unemployment, inflation, water scarcity, etc. While reiterating that those who wanted to leave would not be stopped, the Thackeray father-son duo alleged that the Mahayuti was diverting public funds to ‘buy MPs’ while discarding actual governance or implementing public oriented schemes. SS(UBT) lawmakers’ roll-call The MLAs present at meeting: Aaditya Thackeray, Ajay Chaudhari, Bhaskar Jadhav, Babaji Kale, Bala Nar, Dilip Sopal, Gajanan Lavte, Harun Khan, Kailas Patil, Manoj Jamsutkar, Nitin Deshmukh, Pravin Swami, Sunil Raut, Siddharth Kharat, Sunil Prabhu and Varun Sardesai. The MLCs who attended: Anil Parab, Sachin Ahir, Milind Narvekar, Ambadas Danve and Jagannath Abhyankar. The legislators conspicuous by their absence: Rahul Patil (tied up in the Legislative Council counting); Sanjay Derkar and Sunil Shinde (both in their native places); and Sanjay Potnis whose reasons for keeping away were not immediately clear.

Forensic Entomology: Role of Insects in Estimating Time of Death

Updated: Jan 2, 2025

Forensic Entomology

Forensic entomology is the branch of forensic science that deals with the study of arthropods, particularly insects, which are linked to crime and other areas of the legal system. It plays a crucial role in estimating the time of death, also known as the postmortem interval (PMI). This field combines entomology and forensic science to provide valuable evidence in criminal cases. Through the examination of insect life cycles and their colonisation patterns on decomposing remains, forensic entomologists can assist law enforcement in determining when a person died.


The roots of forensic entomology trace back to the 13th century in China, where insects were used to solve murder cases. The first recorded use of forensic entomology can be found in a book authored by Sung Tzu, titled ‘The Washing Away of Wrongs’. In the said book, there is a case illustrated, wherein, to find the murderer of a farmer, all the suspects were asked to lay their sickles on the ground, and only one sickle attracted blowflies and this led to the confession of the murderer. In Europe, significant advancements occurred during the 19th century. In India, forensic entomology gained recognition much later. The first systematic application occurred in the late 20th century, with experts like Dr. K.K. Sharma advocating for its use in criminal investigations. With increasing awareness and training among law enforcement officials, forensic entomology began to be integrated into Indian legal systems.


One landmark case demonstrating the efficacy of forensic entomology in India is the notable case in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (2012), where a murder victim was found with insect evidence that indicated the time of death was consistent with the suspect's timeline. Dr. Meenakshi Bharti, a scientist from the Department of Zoology at Punjabi University, Patiala, collaborated with the police to estimate the PMI using maggots found on the victim's body. By analysing the developmental stages of these insects, Dr. Bharti provided crucial information regarding the time since death, which was instrumental in the investigation.


The Indian judiciary has increasingly recognised the importance of scientific evidence, including forensic entomology. In several rulings, the Supreme Court has emphasised that such evidence can significantly contribute to establishing facts in cases involving suspicious deaths. The court has noted that while traditional forms of evidence are essential, modern forensic techniques enhance the reliability and accuracy of investigations. In the 2016 case of M. Sakthivel vs. The State before the Madras High Court, the court noted the potential of forensic entomology in determining the time of death. The judgement referenced a study highlighting methods to estimate the post-mortem interval based on insect activity.


Recent advancements in forensic entomology focus on improving accuracy in estimating PMI through various scientific techniques. Research has explored methods such as Accumulated Degree Hours (ADH), which considers temperature variations affecting insect development rates. This approach allows for more precise estimations based on local environmental conditions. Moreover, scientists are investigating genetic markers within insect populations to differentiate between species and understand their life cycles better. Techniques like hyperspectral imaging are being developed to analyse decomposition stages non-invasively, providing additional data for forensic investigations. Recent studies have also highlighted the role of microbial communities associated with decomposing bodies and their interaction with insects. Understanding these relationships can further refine PMI estimates and enhance the overall reliability of forensic conclusions.


Forensic entomology is an invaluable tool in modern criminal investigations, particularly in estimating the time of death. Its historical roots and evolving methodologies underscore its significance within legal frameworks globally and in India specifically. As research continues to advance in this field, its integration into forensic science promises to enhance investigative accuracy and justice delivery.


(Dr. Kumar is a retired IPS officer and forensic advisor of Government of Assam. Bora is a student of MSc Forensic Science at National Forensic Sciences University, Guwahati.)

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