Case Study- THE CONVICTION OF SUKANTA MALLIK - DOMESTIC MURDER CASE

THE CONVICTION OF SUKANTA MALLIK - DOMESTIC MURDER CASE

Context

In June 2021, residents of Jatni, a town in Odisha, were shaken by the news of a domestic tragedy. Sukanta Mallik was accused of murdering his wife inside their home. The crime occurred without any eyewitnesses, making the investigation particularly challenging for local law enforcement.

Police Investigation

Upon discovering the victim's body, the Jatni police initiated a thorough investigation. Given the absence of direct witnesses, they relied heavily on forensic evidence to piece together the events leading to the woman's death. The Bhubaneswar District Forensic Science Laboratory (DFSL) played a pivotal role in this process.

Potential Forensic Evidence

A team led by scientific officer Sushree Sabinaya from the Bhubaneswar DFSL meticulously examined the crime scene. They detected blood traces on Mallik's nails, suggesting a physical struggle between him and the victim. These samples, along with the victim's blood, were sent to the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL) for DNA profiling. Additionally, a blood-stained knife, presumed to be the murder weapon, was recovered from the scene. Fingerprint analysis confirmed that the prints on the knife matched those of Mallik. The conclusive DNA and fingerprint evidence established a direct link between Mallik and the crime.

Motive behind the Crime

While the exact motive remains unclear, domestic disputes are often complex and multifaceted. In this case, the forensic evidence pointed towards a violent altercation between Mallik and his wife, culminating in her tragic death.

Trial & Verdict

The compelling forensic evidence presented during the trial led to Mallik's conviction. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment, underscoring the significance of scientific investigation methods in achieving justice, especially in cases lacking eyewitness testimony. This case exemplifies how meticulous forensic analysis can be instrumental in solving crimes and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.

Author:- Srishti Dutta