Red Fort Blast: What Forensic Teams Do First After An Explosion Like This | Explained

Forensic experts are at the heart of the investigation into the car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on November 10, which claimed at least 12 lives. As police sealed off the area to preserve evidence

of the suspected terror attack, teams of forensic scientists began collecting samples and analysing clues to determine what caused the blast and how it was triggered.

News18 takes a closer look at the types of samples forensic experts collect in such situations, the tests they conduct, and how they draw conclusions about the explosion.

What Do Forensic Investigators Do?

Within half an hour of the incident, experts from the Delhi Forensic Lab’s explosives department, accompanied by police officers, arrived at the scene. The primary job of forensic experts in such situations is to determine the cause of the explosion from a scientific perspective and analyse the evidence. They collect necessary samples and promptly arrange for their testing in the lab, which helps identify the cause of the accident or those involved in the crime based on scientific evidence.

Why Is The Work Of Forensic Experts So Challenging?

Media reports often mention forensic experts collecting samples from the scene. At any explosion site, the expertise of forensic experts is crucial as their investigation can reveal critical details for the case.

Unlike other crimes, explosions scatter everything in a moment, creating high pressure and heat that burns everything at the scene to ashes, complicating the investigators’ job. Despite these challenges, they persist in their efforts. Through their tests, they can estimate the intensity, source, and type of explosion, which simplifies the investigators’ task.

What Kind Of Experts Are In A Good Forensic Team?

A proficient forensic team comprises photographers, explosive experts, debris experts, and metal experts. They take photographs of the scene from different angles and create sketches. They collect various burnt pieces, broken car parts, carbon powder, etc., which are then thoroughly tested in the lab by explosive experts. Techniques such as spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis are employed to determine the chemicals used, their intensity, and quantity.

The forensic team includes different types of experts who work collaboratively to gather and examine evidence from the blast site, including:

• Forensic explosives expert: Examines explosive residues to determine the nature and strength of the explosive used.
• Blast Site Investigator: They examine the site and collect evidence, including debris, gunpowder, metal fragments, and circuit boards, while securing the area to prevent any tampering that could compromise the investigation.
• Blast Pattern Analyst: Studies the pattern, direction, and method of the explosion to ascertain if it was planned or accidental.
• Forensic Chemist: Conducts chemical analysis of samples to accurately identify explosive residues.
• Forensic Fire and Explosion Expert: Investigates the origin and cause of fire and explosion, with knowledge of fire science and engineering.
• Electronic Forensic and Technical Support: Examines and analyses electronic devices like circuit boards found at the scene.
• Forensic Physical Experts and Micro-analysts: Examine tiny residues and metal fragments related to the explosion.

The team’s goal is to determine the circumstances of the explosion and prepare a detailed report outlining when and how it occurred, the type of blast, and the explosives involved.

Do Forensic Experts Also Find Out How The Explosion Was Triggered?

During the inspection, it is crucial to check for any electronic devices, as remote-controlled explosions typically use auto-timers, which are advanced technology. However, in the Delhi incident, no timer or electronic circuit was found, so experts will also investigate how the explosion was triggered.

What Types Of Tests Are Done?

After collecting and analysing initial data, experts attempt to recreate the crime scene to better understand the timing of the explosion. They use Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Attenuated Total Reflectance-FTIR (ATR-FTIR), analysing the spectrum of absorbed light to observe how the collected samples react with infrared light.

The chemical structure of explosives is identified using area-specific Raman spectroscopy. Advanced Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is employed to analyse the shape of fragments found after the explosion, while Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques are used for elemental analysis of the remains. Scientists also employ thermal analysis to study the explosives, revealing details about their chemical activity and stability.

Fire is also a key factor in any explosion; experts investigate how it spreads, how far it goes, and the extent of the damage to determine if the explosion was accidental or deliberate.

Will Forensic Evidence From The Red Fort Blast Be Sent Abroad?

In serious cases like the Delhi blast, forensic samples are primarily tested in Indian forensic labs. India has numerous modern forensic science labs capable of testing explosives, DNA, gunpowder residues, metal fragments, and other forensic samples.

The samples are being thoroughly tested at the Rohini Forensic Science Laboratory and other related Indian labs. If highly specialised or advanced technology is required, or if some equipment is unavailable in India, some samples may be sent to foreign labs. However, Indian labs are generally capable of handling these tests.

How Long Will The Final Forensic Report Take?

In cases like the Delhi blast, forensic reports typically come within a few days to a week. Once the samples are received, the forensic team starts testing them promptly. It usually takes three to seven days to examine and analyse explosion residues, metal fragments, DNA samples, etc., but this time may vary depending on the complexity of the investigation and available resources.

In the Red Fort blast case, agencies have already started examining 42 pieces of evidence found near the scene, and forensic reports are expected within three to seven days.