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By:

Abhijit Joshi

31 August 2024 at 10:09:24 am

Sunetra Pawar’s Trial by Fire

The greatest challenge before Maharashtra’s first Deputy CM is not merely to govern, but to forge a political identity that is unmistakably her own. Politics often rewards the loudest voice. The modern political arena thrives on sharp sound bites, relentless television appearances and instant responses on social media. Yet, some leaders begin their journey not with thunder but with quiet resolve. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar finds herself at precisely such a moment. In...

Sunetra Pawar’s Trial by Fire

The greatest challenge before Maharashtra’s first Deputy CM is not merely to govern, but to forge a political identity that is unmistakably her own. Politics often rewards the loudest voice. The modern political arena thrives on sharp sound bites, relentless television appearances and instant responses on social media. Yet, some leaders begin their journey not with thunder but with quiet resolve. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar finds herself at precisely such a moment. In recent days, she has been drawn into an avoidable political controversy after the Maharashtra Congress dubbed her as “Gungi Gudiya” (“mute doll”) following a media interaction in which she chose not to answer journalists' questions. The remark quickly snowballed into a wider debate about the language used against women occupying high constitutional office. It also revived memories of the same epithet once directed at late Congress Prime Minister Indira Gandhi before she went on to become one of India’s most formidable political figures. Until recently, Sunetra Pawar remained largely outside the glare of frontline politics. She was better known in Baramati for her work in education, healthcare and social welfare than for fiery speeches or electoral campaigns. Her public image was that of a composed, private individual who preferred institution-building to political theatre. Political Limelight That changed in 2024 when she entered electoral politics, contesting the Lok Sabha election from Baramati against her sister-in-law, Supriya Sule. Though unsuccessful, she later entered Parliament through the Rajya Sabha, where she quietly focused on organisational responsibilities and social initiatives rather than cultivating a high-profile parliamentary persona. The defining moment came in January this year with the tragic death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, one of the state’s most experienced and influential political leaders. His passing created a political vacuum within the Nationalist Congress Party. At a moment of uncertainty, Sunetra Pawar stepped forward to shoulder responsibilities that few had imagined she would inherit so soon. Within days, she became Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister - a milestone in the state’s political history. But such transitions are rarely straightforward. Political parties often struggle when towering personalities disappear, and observers had predicted that the NCP might witness internal divisions. Maintaining organisational cohesion during a leadership transition is itself a considerable achievement, particularly in a state where political loyalties are often fluid and intensely personalised. However, much of the public conversation around Sunetra Pawar continues to be framed through comparisons with Ajit Pawar. The contrast is obvious. Ajit Pawar was known for his decisiveness, administrative grip and unmistakable public presence. Sunetra Pawar, by contrast, has generally remained soft-spoken, measured and reluctant to engage in unnecessary confrontation. Her supporters see restraint, dignity and maturity but critics see hesitation and insufficient public engagement. Neither assessment is entirely unfair. That is why the recent Beed incident acquired significance beyond a routine press interaction. When reporters sought her comments on law and order and she chose to leave without responding, the political vacuum was quickly filled by her opponents. The Congress’s “Gungi Gudiya” remark predictably provoked protests from the NCP and criticism from leaders across the ruling alliance, many of whom argued that such language diminished the dignity of a woman holding one of the state’s highest offices. Sunetra Pawar’s own response was notably restrained. She said she would offer a “fitting reply at the appropriate time.” The remark was consistent with the temperament she has displayed since entering public life. Leadership is ultimately judged not only by composure but also by visibility. Every major political figure eventually reaches a point where inherited legitimacy must give way to earned authority. Indira Gandhi had to step beyond Jawaharlal Nehru's towering legacy before she was recognised in her own right. Rajiv Gandhi, too, had to emerge from the shadow of Indira Gandhi while navigating extraordinary political circumstances. Their journeys were shaped by vastly different contexts, but they illustrate a universal truth: every successor must eventually become an original. Sunetra Pawar now confronts a similar, though far more modest, challenge. She must cease to be viewed primarily as “Ajit Pawar's wife” and come into her own. Distinct Identity That transformation cannot be achieved through symbolism alone. After all, lasting political stature is built through decisions, administrative outcomes and public confidence. To her credit, she has remained engaged with governance, regularly attending official programmes, reviewing development projects and interacting with citizens instead of chasing daily headlines. Yet the next stage of leadership demands something more. She will need to engage more confidently with the media, articulate her government's priorities in her own voice, and establish an administrative record that reflects independent judgement rather than inherited expectations. These are demanding tasks, but they are neither unusual nor unattainable. It is still too soon to measure Sunetra Pawar’s political legacy. She assumed responsibility at a moment when both her party and the state were adjusting to an unexpected transition, and has so far navigated that passage with composure. Yet political inheritance has a limited shelf life. While quietness, in itself, is neither a virtue nor a weakness, it acquires meaning only when it is accompanied by clarity and conviction. If Sunetra Pawar is to leave an enduring imprint on Maharashtra's politics, it will not be by echoing the style of Ajit Pawar or by answering every taunt from her opponents. It will be by developing a public voice that reflects her own instincts, her own priorities and, ultimately, her own leadership. (The writer is a political observer. Views personal.)

Forensic Pathology: A Critical Link Between Death and the Legal System

From ancient Ayurvedic texts to AI-powered autopsies, forensic pathology has evolved into a cornerstone of criminal investigation, decoding the silent testimony of the dead to uphold justice.

Forensic pathology is a specialist medical discipline that investigates the cause and manner of death via the examination of deceased individuals. It is essential to criminal investigations, particularly regarding suspicious or inexplicable deaths. By analysing the body and associated evidence precisely, forensic pathologists provide crucial insights that help law enforcement agencies solve crimes and deliver justice.


Forensic pathology in India has deep historical roots, tracing back to ancient Ayurvedic writings that touched upon post-mortem examinations and bodily injuries. The discipline was formalised during the British colonial era, when structured medicolegal autopsies and documentation practices were introduced. These developments also contributed to modern dactylography (fingerprint analysis), laying the foundation for contemporary forensic science in India. Globally, forensic pathology emerged as a formal discipline in the 19th century. Jean Lobstein, considered one of the pioneers, became the first professor of pathology at the University of Strassburg. Its roots, however, lie farther back in Renaissance Europe, when Antonio Benivieni invented systematic autopsies as a means of comprehending illness and death. The Constitutio Criminalis Carolina, which required autopsy for suspicious deaths, strengthened the legal recognition of forensic pathology.


In India, forensic pathology has played a pivotal role in several high-profile criminal cases. The Jessica Lal murder case of 1999, the Sheena Bora murder in 2012, and the Aarushi Talwar-Hemraj Banjade double murder in 2008 are notable examples where forensic pathology was crucial. Despite post-mortem reports indicating fatal blunt-force trauma and throat slitting, some of these cases remain unresolved due to investigative shortcomings. More recently, in the 2023 Shraddha Walkar case, forensic experts used DNA profiling and tool-mark analysis to identify dismembered remains and confirm it was a case of homicide. Similarly, in the Priyadarshini Mattoo murder case of 1996, forensic evidence such as striation marks on a helmet became conclusive after being investigated by the Delhi High Court.


In recent years, technological advancements have revolutionised forensic pathology. Postmortem Imaging, also known as Virtopsy, uses 3D virtual autopsies to examine bodies in a noninvasive way. Advanced histopathology and immunohistochemistry techniques allow detailed cellular and molecular analysis of tissues to detect subtle pathological changes. Digital autopsy platforms integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) streamline workflows, reduce human error, and accelerate report generation. Recent advancements in forensic pathology include the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of autopsy analyses. AI models are being developed to assist in age estimation, gender determination, and identification of injury patterns, thereby augmenting the capabilities of forensic pathologists.


Artificial intelligence, like ForensixTM and other tools, uses biochemical and environmental factors to estimate time-of-death intervals. Automation of workflow in digital autopsy platforms reduces human error by streamlining the creation of reports.


Several prominent Indian forensic pathologists have contributed significantly to the field. Dr. Sudhir Gupta of AIIMS led the forensic investigation in the Sheena Bora case, while Dr. R.K. Sharma (Retired, AIIMS) played a major role in the Jessica Lal case. Experts like Dr. V.V. Pillay from the Toxicology Research Centre, Mumbai, and Dr. R. Badhe from the Chennai Forensic Lab are renowned for their expert testimony in narcotics and sexual assault cases, respectively.


Forensic pathology remains an indispensable pillar of criminal investigation in India and worldwide. Its evolution from ancient Ayurvedic texts to cutting-edge AI-powered digital autopsies highlights the dynamic nature of this field. By combining scientific rigour with technological innovation, forensic pathology continues to advance the cause of justice, ensuring that truth prevails even in the most complex cases. "When applied with integrity, science is the ally of justice," the Supreme Court noted.


(Dr. Kumar is a retired IPS officer and forensic advisor to the Assam government. Phukan is a student of National University of Forensic Science, Guwahati.)

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