Investigation of Unnatural Death Cases under Section 174 CrPC / 194 BNSS

Objective

To ensure:

1. Speedy disposal of cases.

2. Eliciting the truth and cause of death.

3. Qualitative and professional investigation.

I. Registration and Initial Action

1. Register a case under Section 174 CrPC immediately upon receipt of information regarding an unnatural death.

2. Send copies of the FIR/Case Registration details to all concerned officers without delay.

3. Examine the complainant and record a detailed statement with full particulars.

4. Proceed to the scene of occurrence immediately.

II. Scene of Occurrence Management

1. Visit the scene of occurrence personally.

2. Secure and protect the scene from contamination.

3. Conduct photography and videography of the scene and the dead body.

4. Prepare a detailed Scene Observation Panchanama.

5. Draw a Rough Sketch of the scene.

6. Examine eye-witnesses and circumstantial witnesses at the scene itself.

7. Collect and preserve all material and physical evidence.

Material Evidence to be Seized

• Poison containers/substances.

• Burnt cloth pieces.

• Match sticks.

• Suicide notes.

• Medicines.

• Weapons or instruments involved.

• Any other relevant articles connected with the death.

III. Examination of Witnesses

1. Record statements of:

   • Blood relatives.

   • Eye-witnesses.

   • Circumstantial witnesses.

   • Neighbours and other relevant persons.

2. Incorporate details of important witnesses in the Inquest Report.

IV. Conduct of Inquest

1. Conduct an inquest over the dead body in the presence of local Panchayatdars.

2. Record observations carefully regarding:

   • Identity of deceased.

   • Apparent cause of death.

   • Injuries, if any.

   • Circumstances surrounding death.

3. Ensure blood relatives and witnesses participate in the inquest proceedings.

Special Cases – Married Woman Death

1. If the deceased woman died within seven years of marriage:

   • Inform the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO)/Tahsildar immediately.

   • Send a requisition for conducting the inquest.

   • Ensure the inquest is conducted by the Executive Magistrate as per law.

V. Post-Mortem Examination (PME)

1. Send the dead body to the Government Hospital for Post-Mortem Examination with a proper requisition.

2. Request a panel/team of doctors for:

   • Suspicious deaths.

   • Deaths of women within seven years of marriage.

3. Ensure all relevant case facts are furnished to the Medical Officer.

Seizure During Inquest

• Clothes worn by the deceased.

• Ornaments.

• Personal belongings.

• Other relevant articles.

All seizures shall be made under proper Panchanama.

VI. Forensic Examination

1. Send Viscera and other material objects to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).

2. Obtain:

   • PME Report.

   • Chemical Analysis Report.

   • DNA Report.

   • Expert Opinion.

   • Other Scientific Reports.

3. Analyze forensic findings in conjunction with witness statements and scene evidence.

VII. Procedure in Unknown Dead Body Cases

1. Flash VHF message to all concerned police units.

2. Issue Look Out Notice.

3. Publish photograph and identifying particulars through:

   • Electronic media.

   • Print media.

   • Social media platforms.

   • Police WhatsApp groups.

4. Upload details in the Criminal Intelligence System and other prescribed databases.

5. Collect DNA profile and fingerprint data wherever required.

6. Preserve the dead body for identification for a minimum of 72 hours.

7. If unclaimed after 72 hours, arrange disposal of the body as per prescribed procedure.

VIII. Investigation Review

The Investigating Officer shall focus on:

• Statements of blood relatives.

• Eye-witness accounts.

• Medical evidence.

• PME findings.

• FSL reports.

• Expert opinions.

• Motive and surrounding circumstances.

The investigation shall determine:

1. Exact cause of death.

2. Manner of death.

3. Whether any cognizable offence is disclosed.

IX. Closure Procedure

1. Serve notice to the complainant before closure.

2. Submit a detailed closure proposal to the ACP/Competent Authority.

3. Obtain necessary permission for closure.

4. Prepare and submit the Final Report within the stipulated time.

5. Ensure all records, reports and material evidence details are properly filed.

Responsibility of Investigating Officer

The Investigating Officer shall ensure:

• Prompt action.

• Fair and impartial investigation.

• Scientific collection of evidence.

• Timely submission of reports.

• Compliance with all legal provisions and departmental instructions.

Goal: To ascertain the true cause of death through lawful, scientific, and professional investigation while ensuring speedy disposal of cases under Section 174 CrPC.