ASI suicide case: Forensic lab to examine samples for webbing

A three-member panel of doctors at the PGIMS Rohtak, which conducted the post-mortem of ASI Sandeep Kumar Lather, has sent skin samples to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to examine webbing between the fingers — an important forensic marker in firearm-related deaths.

“The decision to send the samples was taken to scientifically ascertain whether the skin between the fingers was fused due to close-range firing or as a result of other external factors such as fire or chemical exposure. The report is expected next week,” said a PGIMS official, requesting anonymity.

The official said given the high-profile nature of the case, every possible forensic step was taken to eliminate any doubt. The ASI's body was scanned during the post-mortem, but no bullet was found inside the skull. The presence of two holes in the skull indicated that the bullet had pierced through — entering from one side and exiting from the other, the official said.

The post-mortem was conducted on October 16, and the procedure was videographed as per protocol.

According to a forensic expert, “When a person fires a weapon at close range, particularly with their own hand, the intense heat and gases emitted from the muzzle can cause adjacent fingers to burn and fuse together. This phenomenon, known as ‘webbing’, helps forensic experts determine the position of the firearm and whether the wound was self-inflicted.”