SIT Chief Advocates Forensic Primacy in High-Profile Investigations, Citing Gauri Lankesh and Kalburgi Cases

In a significant disclosure, the head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Prajwal Revanna case has outlined a strategic pivot towards forensic and scientific evidence, diminishing reliance on human testimony in complex investigations. This operational philosophy, articulated during a review of high-profile cases, underscores a methodological evolution in India's investigative apparatus. The SIT chief, drawing from direct experience with the assassinations of journalist Gauri Lankesh and scholar M.M. Kalburgi, emphasized the inherent vulnerabilities of witness-based accounts—including intimidation, inconsistency, and memory decay—which can compromise judicial outcomes. The advocacy for a science-centric model highlights an intent to bolster evidentiary robustness, thereby enhancing prosecutorial integrity and public confidence in sensitive inquiries. This approach aligns with global best practices in criminalistics, aiming to establish incontrovertible chains of evidence. The statement signals a potential paradigm shift in how Indian agencies handle politically and socially charged cases, where witness reliability is often contested. The emphasis on forensic primacy is poised to influence procedural standards and training protocols across investigative bodies, marking a critical development in the nation's law enforcement methodology.