Published On: 2017-10-05

Gandhinagar, Gujarat, October 5, 2017

Forensic Science play a vital role in the criminal justice system by providing investigators with scientifically proven information through the analysis of physical and virtual evidence. Since forensic scientists work behind the scenes though the entire case gets solved on the basis of investigation, credit normally goes to the investigating officers. The media and general public are not aware of the exemplary contribution made by forensic scientists in solving cases.

Speaking on the occasion, Director General, Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GFSU),  Dr. J.N.Vyas said, “We are thankful to New Media, and are delighted to host the first-ever awards for Excellence in Forensic Sciences & Cyber Security at Gandhinagar. India has made quantum leap in the field of Forensics Sciences & Cyber Security. As Protector Magazine covers the knowledge and research work, recognition by way of awards, shall go a long way in celebrating the enormous efforts put in by our distinguished scholars and professionals.

The ‘1st Protector International Awards for Excellence in Forensic Science’ was held today in a glittering ceremony at the sprawling campus of the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University at Gandhinagar, Gujarat in the presence of Justice M.R. Shah of Gujarat High Court who presided over the ceremony; Chief Guest - Shri. J.N Singh, IAS, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Gujarat; Guest of Honour - Shri. M.S. Dagur, IAS, ACS Home Department, Govt. of Gujarat; Smt. S. Sundari Nanda, IPS, IG, Training, BPR&D; Director General, GFSU - Dr. J.N.Vyas; Director, IFS, GFSU - Dr. M.S. Dahiya; Mr. Satya Swaroop, MD - New Media Group, and many more.

Mr. Satya Swaroop Prasad, MD, New Media Group says, “In order to recognise, honour the meritorious service and contribution of forensic scientists in solving complicated crimes and bringing justice, we as The PROTECTOR magazine, felt the need to institute the first of its kind ‘Protector International Awards for Excellence in Forensic Science', an award for forensic scientists. Though it is a small step, we are confident that this will grow bigger in the years to come.”

The Awards, in four categories, was bestowed to four deserving individuals who have made a big impact in the field of forensics in the country. Receiving The Protector Lifetime Achievement Award were two stalwarts in forensic science - Dr. Mohinder Singh Dahiya and Dr. (Mrs) Rukhmini Krishnamurthy. The recipient of the Special Recognition Award in the Field of Medical Forensic Science was Dr. Dhanraj Kothari. The Special Recognition Award in Wildlife Forensics went to Mr. Keshav Kumar, IPS, Special Director, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Gujarat.

About the Winners:

Dr. M. S. Dahiya is the Founder-Director, Institute of Forensic Science at GFSU. He has to his credit, developed innovative courses in forensic science. Under his leadership, the Institute has held more than 80 various training programmes that imparted in-depth knowledge to various national as well as international professionals and officers of different public and private sectors. He has authored two books - "Crime Scene Management - A Scientific Approach" and "Contemporary Forensic Science in Crime Scene Management".

Dr. (Mrs) Rukmani Krishnamurthy is a name to be reckoned with in the field of Forensic Science. A brilliant, extremely committed and tireless worker, she has dedicated over forty five years of her life to every aspect of forensic science, thus bringing radical changes in forensic policy matters. She has set up six world class forensic science laboratories in Maharashtra to counter high-tech crimes as well as established three institutes of Forensic Science at Mumbai, Nagpur and Aurangabad. Dr. Rukmani has published and presented 114 research papers and has written two books for forensic students, namely, “Introduction to Forensic Science in Crime Investigation”, and “Forensic Biology”.

Dr. Dhanraj Kothari has rendered over 45 years of distinguished service in the field of medical forensics. He has over 50 years of teaching experience in the medical field as well as in forensics. He has lent his expertise and contribution to many textbooks, journals and papers.

Mr. Keshav Kumar is a 1986 IPS batch officer of Gujarat is currently the Special Director, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Gujarat. He was instrumental in establishing the Cyber Crime Cell in Ahmedabad as well as framing the cyber cafe regulations and rules. He created the Wildlife Crime Cell in CID Crime and supervised wildlife crime cases. During his tenure in Crime Investigation Department (CID) in Gujarat, Mr. Kumar played a pivotal role in the arrest of Circus Lal, a poacher who had killed more than five Gir lions.

About Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GFSU):

The Gujarat Forensic Sciences University is the world’s first and only University dedicated to Forensic and Allied Sciences. It was established on 30th September, 2008 with an objective of fulfilling the acute shortage against increasing demand of forensic experts in the country and around the world.

About New Media and The PROTECTOR:

New Media is India’s largest community and bilateral trade magazine publishing house. Headquartered in Mumbai, it is also dedicated to the promotion of community magazines that serve the society at large. Under its Community Publications is The PROTECTOR, a brand of magazines that promote peace and connect cops with communities, besides strongly stressing the issues of national safety and security.