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VOL. 6, ISSUE 4 (2021)
Forensic anthropology in human identification and disaster victim recovery: Techniques, applications, challenges, and future directions
Authors
Sadhna Verma
Abstract
Forensic anthropology, a vital subfield of
physical anthropology, combines biological science with legal investigation to
facilitate human identification in diverse contexts. From criminal
investigations to disaster victim identification (DVI) and human rights
inquiries, forensic anthropologists reconstruct biological profiles, interpret
trauma, and integrate DNA evidence to restore identity and dignity to the
deceased. This paper explores the evolution, methodologies, applications,
challenges, and ethical dilemmas of forensic anthropology, with particular
emphasis on disaster victim recovery in global and Indian contexts. Techniques
such as age, sex, ancestry, and stature estimation, trauma and pathology
analysis, facial reconstruction, odontology, and DNA integration are discussed.
Case studies from the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, the 2004 Indian Ocean
tsunami, the Rwanda genocide, the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, the 2013 Uttarakhand
floods, and the 2023 Odisha train collision illustrate its significance.
Challenges including preservation issues, commingling, lack of ante-mortem
data, and cultural sensitivities are examined, along with ethical obligations.
Future directions such as 3D imaging, isotopic analysis, next-generation
sequencing, AI-assisted identification, and digital forensic anthropology are
highlighted as transformative forces. By situating forensic anthropology at the
intersection of law, medicine, and humanitarian science, this study underscores
its indispensable role in ensuring justice, closure, and respect for human
dignity.
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Pages:22-29
How to cite this article:
Sadhna Verma "Forensic anthropology in human identification and disaster victim recovery: Techniques, applications, challenges, and future directions". International Journal of Advanced Research and Development, Vol 6, Issue 4, 2021, Pages 22-29
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