Forensic botany, a division of forensic science, utilizes plant science to solve criminal cases. It involves applying botanical knowledge and techniques to aid in the investigation of crimes, particularly those involving biological evidence such as plants, pollen, seeds, and other plant materials.

Use of Forensic Botany in Police Investigation:

The expertise of forensic botanists can be utilized in various aspects of criminal investigations, including:

Crime Scene Analysis: By examining plant materials found at crime scenes, such as leaves, seeds, and pollen, forensic botanists can provide valuable information about the location, time, and circumstances of a crime. This can assist investigators in reconstructing events and identifying potential suspects.

Plant Identification: Trained in identifying plant species and distinguishing between different plant materials, forensic botanists can analyse botanical evidence collected from crime scenes or from the clothing and belongings of victims or suspects. This can provide crucial information to aid in solving the case.

Environmental Reconstruction: As plants are affected by their environment, forensic botanists can use this information to reconstruct the environmental conditions at a crime scene or to track the movement of individuals or objects.

Time of Death Estimation: In cases where human remains are decomposed, forensic botanists can analyse the growth and succession patterns of plants associated with the remains to estimate the time of death or duration since death occurred.

Geolocation: Different plant species have specific geographic distributions, and their presence or absence can serve as clues about the geographic origin of evidence or individuals. Forensic botanists can utilize this information to narrow down potential locations associated with a crime.

In general, forensic botany is essential for offering scientific proof and specialized knowledge to assist with criminal inquiries, specifically in situations where botanical evidence is available or when conventional forensic methods are inadequate.

Is it possible to match plant material discovered on the shoes or vehicles of suspects with the actual plants present at the location of a crime?
Yes, it is possible to match plant material discovered on the shoes or vehicles of suspects with the actual plants present at the location of a crime by utilizing forensic botany. This field involves the examination of plant materials to provide evidence in criminal investigations.

When plant material is transferred from a crime scene to a suspect's shoes or car, it can potentially offer valuable insights for forensic investigators. These may include identifying matching pollen grains, plant fibres, or even specific types of leaves to those found at the scene.

The study of the morphology, genetics, or other characteristics of the plant material can assist in establishing connections between the suspect and the crime scene. However, the success of such analysis is dependent on various factors, such as the condition of the plant material, the expertise of the forensic botanist, and the availability of reference samples from the crime scene.

The study of organisms and their parts' form and structure is known as morphology. In relation to plants, morphology involves the examination of characteristics like leaf, flower, stem, root shape, size, colour, and arrangement. This allows botanists to classify and recognize various species, as well as comprehend their growth habits and adaptations to their surroundings. In the field of forensic botany, morphology is utilized to compare plant samples discovered at a crime scene with those gathered from suspects or other sites in order to establish a match.

Examples of Application of Forensic Botany:

The utilization of plant evidence in solving crimes is the focus of forensic botany, a branch of forensic science. This discipline has numerous applications, three of which are described below:

Investigating Crime Scenes: Plant material discovered at crime scenes can be analysed using forensic botany. For example, if a corpse is found in a forested area, the victim's clothing or the surrounding environment may contain plant material such as pollen, seeds, or leaves. Through the examination of these plant components, forensic botanists can determine crucial information such as the location of the crime, the time of death, and whether the victim was moved post-mortem.

Poisoning Cases: In cases of suspected poisoning, forensic botany can be employed to identify toxic compounds in plant material. For instance, if a person is suspected of ingesting a plant-based poison, forensic botanists can analyse the individual's stomach contents or other bodily tissues for traces of the toxin. Furthermore, they can investigate the suspect plant material to verify its toxicity and establish a connection between the plant and the victim.

Environmental Crimes: The application of forensic botany extends to the investigation of environmental crimes, such as illegal logging and poaching. By studying plant material found at the site of the crime, forensic botanists can determine the species of plants involved and trace their origin. This information can facilitate the identification and prosecution of those responsible for environmental offenses, as well as inform conservation efforts by assessing the ecological impact of the crime.

Limitations of Forensic Botany:
The limitations and challenges of forensic botany are often a subject of criticism, particularly in specific contexts. A major concern is the subjective nature of plant identification, especially when dealing with intricate ecosystems or poorly preserved plant material. Unlike DNA analysis, which offers a high level of precision and objectivity, plant identification heavily relies on the expertise and experience of the forensic botanist. Errors in identification can result in erroneous conclusions, undermining the credibility of forensic botany evidence in legal proceedings.

In addition, practical limitations may also hinder the effectiveness of forensic botany. One such constraint is the lack of comprehensive reference databases for plant species, particularly in areas with a diverse range of flora. Without these databases, forensic botanists may struggle to accurately pinpoint plant material collected from crime scenes. Furthermore, plant evidence is susceptible to contamination and degradation, making it difficult to obtain reliable information. Critics argue that these challenges impede the widespread use of forensic botany and emphasize the need for further research and standardization efforts to enhance its reliability and value in forensic investigations

Further, many forensic laboratories in India are not equipped with the equipment required for forensic botany and there is a lack of awareness amongst the investigating officers regarding the use of forensic botany in police investigations.

Written By: Md.Imran Wahab, IPS, IGP, Provisioning, West Bengal
Email: [email protected], Ph no: 9836576565