Overview
The Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at ANIIMS, established in 2015, serves as a vital medico-legal hub supporting the health-care, academic, and law-enforcement systems of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. With a team of five dedicated medico-legal experts, the department is committed to training, educating, and assisting in the delivery of justice through accurate and evidence-based forensic opinions.
Over the years, the department has evolved into a dynamic centre for academic excellence, research, and clinical forensic services. During the academic year 2025–26, it significantly strengthened its teaching programs, autopsy services, toxicology integration, and research initiatives. The department actively collaborates with the police, judiciary, district hospitals, and public health authorities, ensuring timely expert opinions, high-quality postmortem examinations, and capacity-building initiatives for students and professionals
As the nodal centre for MedLePR, the department fosters a supportive and innovative environment, equipping students, researchers, and staff with the tools they need to succeed in the pursuit of justice. With a strong commitment to scientific accuracy, ethical practice, and student-centred learning, the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology remains a cornerstone of ANIIMS and a leading force in medico-legal services in the region.
Department of Forensic Medicine
| S.no | Name | Designation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. U Jagdish Kamal Chander | Professor and Head |
| 2 | Dr. J. Visnu Raj Kumar | Associate Professor |
| 3 | Dr. Ashwini Kumar Malle | Assistant Professor |
| 4 | Dr. Vikram S | Senior Resident |
| 5 | Dr. Akansha David | Senior Resident |
| 6 | Dr. Muhammed Arafat | Junior Resident |
| 7 | Dr. Arshad Wahab | Junior Resident |
Vision of the Department
Training and Education
- To train undergraduate medical students in all medico-legal aspects relevant locally, nationally, and globally.
- The department aims to equip students with essential knowledge and practical skills in forensic medicine.
- Faculty members also provide training and guidance to Medical Officers at Primary Health Centres, mentoring them on conducting autopsies and handling medico-legal cases.
High-Profile Case Resolution
- To provide evidence-based, scientific medico-legal services to the criminal justice system through meticulous gross examinations, tissue and organ analysis, and comprehensive investigative procedures.
- The department handles a broad spectrum of cases including homicide, suicide, age determination, sexual assault, and POCSO cases, delivering accurate final opinions and expert testimonies to ensure justice is served.
Public Awareness Campaigns
- To conduct community outreach programs focused on mass disaster preparedness, victim identification in multiple fatalities, and proper procedures for handing over remains to relatives or authorities, thereby promoting public awareness and safety.
Techniques & Technological Advancement
- To embrace the advancements in forensic medicine as reflected in the 2019 curriculum, elevating the subject to its rightful position as a clinical discipline.
- The department emphasizes a meticulous, disciplined, and methodical approach to clinical cases, instilling safe practices and critical thinking skills in future medical professionals.
- Plans are underway to promote organ donation awareness, facilitate donor registrations, and establish a cadaveric training wing to enhance hands-on learning.
Infrastructure & Services Provided
- Dedicated Autopsy Complex – Equipped with a dissection hall, cold storage facility, waiting area, and documentation room.
- Forensic Radiology Tie-Up – For age estimation and medico-legal injury imaging.
- Medico-Legal Documentation & Record Room – Secure storage and systematic maintenance of medico-legal case records.
- Teaching Museum – Collection of specimens, models, and charts supporting academic learning.
- Demonstration & Practical Hall – Dedicated space for undergraduate clinical demonstrations and practical training.
- Department Library – Equipped with reference books, journals, and academic resources for students and faculty.
Programs Offered
-
Undergraduate MBBS Teaching Programme
- Theory and practical sessions for 2nd and 3rd year students
- Integrated teaching with Pathology, ENT, Radiology, and Community Medicine
- Simulation-based skill training on medico-legal documentation, evidence collection, and injury drawing
- Hands-on autopsy demonstrations and practical exposure to medico-legal work
- 2-week posting for 3rd-year students to gain practical, field-oriented experience, including visits to crime scenes and observation of real cases
-
Internship Posting
- Interns are posted for 1 week to gain hands-on experience in medico-legal work, case documentation, and postmortem procedures
Activities Conducted During the Year
The Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at ANIIMS actively promotes innovative academic, research, and extracurricular initiatives to enhance student engagement, practical learning, and professional development in forensic sciences. Through hands-on training, interactive quizzes, and creative competitions, the department encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world medico-legal scenarios.
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Toxicology-Based Short Film Competition – “Lights, Camera, Poison” (December 2024)
Conducted under the guidance of Dr. U. Jagdish Kamal Chander (HOD & Professor), this competition encouraged students to creatively depict forensic toxicology scenarios through short films. Participants explored identification, investigation, and medico-legal implications of poisoning cases while developing scripting, acting, and production skills. The event enhanced toxicology understanding and promoted teamwork, innovation, and communication skills. -
Forensic Medicine Quiz – “Sherlocks 2.0” (September 2025)
Organized by HOD Dr. U. Jagdish Kamal Chander and Senior Resident Dr. Vikram S, this quiz tested students on medico-legal principles, autopsy procedures, toxicology, age estimation, and case-based problem-solving. The competition included preliminary and final rounds and was appreciated for its interactive format and analytical focus. -
Toxicology Quiz (December 2025)
Conducted online via Quizzizz by HOD Dr. U. Jagdish Kamal Chander, Associate Professor Dr. J. Visnu Rajkumar, and Senior Resident Dr. Vikram S. The quiz focused on common and rare poisons, mechanisms of toxicity, forensic investigation procedures, and landmark cases. The virtual platform enabled broad participation and enhanced interactive learning. -
Innovative Learning Approaches
The department integrates simulation-based training, interactive quizzes, and digital platforms such as Quizzizz to complement classroom teaching. These methods strengthen analytical skills, clinical decision-making, and hands-on proficiency in forensic medicine and toxicology. -
Mock Court Sessions for Undergraduate Students
Regular mock court sessions are organized to provide MBBS students with practical exposure to the legal aspects of medical practice. Students learn courtroom procedures, the roles of judges, lawyers, witnesses, and expert medical witnesses. They are trained to present forensic evidence, give expert opinions, and handle cross-examination with clarity and professionalism. Cases include assaults, sexual offenses, poisoning, accidental deaths, and negligence claims. -
Toxicology-Based Short Film Competition – “Lights, Camera, Poison” (December 15, 2025)
Organized under the guidance of HOD Dr. U. Jagdish Kamal Chander, Associate Professor Dr. J. Visnu Rajkumar, and Senior Resident Dr. Vikram S. Students creatively portrayed forensic toxicology scenarios through short films, deepening understanding of toxicology and investigative processes while fostering creativity, teamwork, and communication skills.
Dr. U. Jagdish Kamal Chander
Professor & Head, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Professor & Head | Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
About
Dr. U. Jagdish Kamal Chander is a Forensic Medicine Specialist (Gold Medalist) currently serving as Professor and Head, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology. He has demonstrated strong leadership in academic administration, curriculum governance, and medico-legal services.
He serves as Chairman of the Recruitment Committee for Senior Residents and Non-Teaching Staff, ensuring transparent and merit-based appointments. He was also a member of the MBBS Admission Selection Committee (2025–26), contributing to fair and efficient student selection.
As the designated Link Officer for the Boys’ Hostel, he oversaw student welfare and hostel management. He actively participated as a member of the DNB Selection Committee, evaluating and selecting postgraduate candidates.
He conducted and supervised Sherlocks 2.0 – Forensic Medicine Quiz and the toxicology-based short film competition “Lights, Camera, Poison”, promoting interactive and case-based learning among undergraduate students.
Academic Contributions
- Judge for Reels Competition organized by Department of Microbiology, ANIIMS during WARA Week (18–24 November 2025).
- Guest Lecture: “Unnatural deaths in Tribal population” – 10 June 2025, Saveetha Medical College & Hospital, Chennai.
- Life Member – Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine (IAFM).
- Life Member – South Indian Medico-Legal Association (SIMLA).
- Life Member – Tamil Nadu Medico-Legal Society.
Teaching Experience
- UG Teaching Experience: 11 Years
- PG Teaching Experience: 7 Years
Ongoing Research Projects
| S. No. | Project Title | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Retrospective Analysis of Suicidal Deaths in a Tertiary Care Center in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
Principal Investigator: Dr. Muhammed Arafat Guide: HOD Dr. U. Jagdish Kamal Chander |
Publications
| S. No. | Publication Details | Journal / Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Can Vascular Channels in Bone Determine the Age of a Human Being? |
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology First Author | 2015 | Vol. 13(3), pp. 389–392 Indexed in: Scopus |
| 2 | A Prospective Study of Poisoning Cases due to Paraquat at a Tertiary Care Centre – Chennai |
Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine Corresponding Author | Oct–Dec 2016 | Vol. 38(4), pp. 397–399 Indexed in: Scopus |
| 3 | A Specialist is a Specialist After All |
Journal of Research in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Third Author | Dec 2017 | Vol. 2(2), pp. 20–21 Indexed in: Embase |
| 4 | A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Suicides in Females |
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Second & Corresponding Author | Jul–Sep 2018 | Vol. 12(3), pp. 156–160 Indexed in: Scopus |
| 5 | Perspective on the Immorality of Honor Killings – A Review Article |
Medico-Legal Update Fifth Author | Jan–Jun 2020 | Vol. 20(1), pp. 71–75 Indexed in: Scopus |
| 6 | A Study on the Pattern of Intracranial Injuries in Cases of Fatal Head Injury |
Medico-Legal Update Second & Corresponding Author | Jan–Jun 2020 | Vol. 20(1), pp. 86–90 Indexed in: Scopus |
| 7 | Assessment of Antisocial Behaviour in Juveniles |
International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Forensic Medicine Fifth Author | 2020 | Vol. 5(1), pp. 12–16 Indexed in: Scopus |
| 8 | Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Females in Fatal Road Traffic Deaths |
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Third Author | Apr–Jun 2021 | Vol. 15(2), pp. 2758–2761 Indexed in: Scopus |
| 9 | Oral and Virtual Autopsy in Forensic Dentistry |
International Journal of Clinicopathological Correlation Second Author | 2021 | Vol. 5, pp. 35–39 Indexed in: EBSCO, Google Scholar |
| 10 | Age Estimation Using Third Molar Eruption Stages and Its Maturation – A Retrospective Study among South Indian Population |
Journal of Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Third Author | 2022 | Vol. 22(1), pp. 106–111 Indexed in: Scopus |
| 11 | Pattern of Lip Prints among Undergraduate Students of a Tertiary Care Centre in South India – An Observational Study |
Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Third Author | 2022 | Vol. 39(2), pp. 40–44 Indexed in: Scopus |
Dr. J. Visnu Rajkumar
Associate Professor
Associate Professor | Forensic Medicine
About
Dr. J. Visnu Rajkumar is an academic forensic medicine specialist with a strong focus on professional development, curriculum planning, and institutional administration.
He completed a Fellowship in Virtual Autopsy Training (UK), accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) as CPD. He also attended a Master Class in Hospital Administration organized by the National Health Authority (NHA) in collaboration with BAC and AHERF, reflecting his dedication to forensic innovation and healthcare management.
In his administrative capacity, he serves as:
- Procurement Officer
- Member – Grievance Redressal Committee
- Member – Medical Education Unit (MEU)
- Co-ordinator – Curriculum Subcommittee (Phase III Part I)
He actively coordinated and contributed to Sherlocks 2.0 – Forensic Medicine Quiz and the toxicology-based short film competition “Lights, Camera, Poison”, facilitating student engagement and academic creativity in forensic medicine.
Academic Contributions
- 3DCon 2025 – Diabetic Education & Research Foundation
- Forentix Medilexa 2025 – Organized and served as Organizing Secretary, Kilpauk Medical College
- Res Cerebrosus 2.0 (2025) – IGMC, Pondicherry
- Forensic Providentia 2025 – Medicolegal Updates: Need of the Hour 2.0 (Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College, Salem)
- Hybrid CME on Common Poisons: Its Management – Current Scenario (Sri Balaji Medical College, Chennai)
- Indicia – 3rd State Forensic Medicine Conference: Evolving Frontiers in Forensic Medicine – Bridging Science, Law, AI & Innovations (Autopsy Workshop included), Tamil Nadu Service Forensic Medicine Expert Committee, Thanjavur Medical College
Teaching Experience
- UG Teaching Experience: 10 Years
- PG Teaching Experience: 9 Years
Ongoing Publications
| S. No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cases of Sudden Death Below 18 Years – An Autopsy Based Retrospective Study |
| 2 | A Case Series of Fatal Tiger Attacks |
Publications
| S. No. | Publication Details | Journal / Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Age Estimation from Pulp Chamber Dimensions from Second and Third Molar Tooth |
Medpulse International Journal of Forensic Medicine Print ISSN: 2579-0935 Vol. 5, Issue 1, January 2018, pp. 01–05 |
| 2 | Profiling of Medico Legal Cases Attending Casualty – Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College, Puducherry |
International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology ISSN: 2278-2812 | E-ISSN: 2249-8109 Vol. 18, Issue 2, 2016, pp. 303–305 |
| 3 | Pattern of Deaths Due to Fall from Height – A Prospective Study |
European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine ISSN: 2525-8260 Vol. 09, Issue 07, 2022 |
| 4 | Profile of Deaths Due to Rupture of Heart – A Critical Analysis |
Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research ISSN: 0975-3583 | 0976-2833 Vol. 13, Issue 07, 2022 |
| 5 | Profile of Deaths Due to Poisoning, Autopsied in Chennai – A Cross Sectional Study |
Journal of Forensic Medicine, Science & Law 2025; 34(1):10–15 |
Dr. Ashwini Kumar Malle
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor | Forensic Medicine
About
Dr. Ashwini Kumar Malle has contributed significantly to medico-legal services by acting as an Expert Witness for the Public Prosecution in the courts of the Union Territory. He has also chaired medical boards for high-profile cases, demonstrating professional integrity and medico-legal expertise.
Academic Contributions
- Presented the paper “Common and Expert Witness: A Raw Constitution of Dual Roles Played by a Forensic Medicine Specialist in Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands” at the South Indian Medico-Legal Association (SIMLA) Conference 2024.
- Presented the paper “Use of E-Portfolio as an Effective Formative Assessment Tool for Phase III Students in Forensic Medicine & Toxicology” at ACME 2024, held at SRM Medical College, Chennai, February 2025.
- Presented the paper “Use of E-Portfolios as an Effective Formative Assessment Tool for Phase III Students in Forensic Medicine & Toxicology” at SRMC, Chennai, February 2025.
Teaching Experience
- UG Teaching Experience: 11 Years
Publications
| S. No. | Publication Details | Journal / Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tourist Fatalities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India: A Retrospective Study |
Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 40, Issue 2 July–December 2023 |
| 2 | Profile of Fatal Poisoning in Autopsy Cases at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Port Blair |
Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Vol. 41, Issue 2 Pages 177–183 July–December 2024 |
| 3 | An Autopsy-Based Study of Brought Dead Cases at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
Medico-Legal Update 2020; 20(4): 1386–1391 |
Dr. Vikram S
Senior Resident
Senior Resident | Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
About
Dr. Vikram S is a Forensic Medicine and Toxicology specialist (Gold Medalist) trained at JIPMER, Puducherry. His professional interests encompass the scientific, legal, and ethical dimensions of death investigation and medico-legal practice.
His work focuses on medico-legal autopsies, forensic pathology, and toxicology, with experience in complex and unnatural deaths including custodial deaths, occupational fatalities, and poisoning cases. He is trained in meticulous evidence handling, sample preservation, and maintenance of chain of custody to ensure medico-legal accuracy.
Dr. Vikram S is actively involved in undergraduate teaching and forensic education, with strong research interests in fatal poisonings, occupational hazards, and postmortem interpretation. He has published in peer-reviewed forensic journals and regularly participates in conferences, CMEs, and academic discussions.
Academic Contributions
- Resource Faculty and Quiz Master – Connaissance 7 (2025).
- Co-organized Sherlocks 2.0 – Forensic Medicine Quiz with HOD Dr. U. Jagdish Kamal Chander.
- Co-conducted Toxicology Quiz (December 2025) via Quizzizz with Dr. U. Jagdish Kamal Chander and Dr. J. Visnu Rajkumar.
National-Level Academic Participation:
- Forentix Medilexa 2025 – Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai
- Res Cerebrosus 2.0 – Indira Gandhi Medical College, Puducherry
- Forensic Spectra 2.0 Training – K.A.P. Viswanathan Government Medical College, Trichy
- Forensic Convergence 1.0 – Forensic Toxicology (AIIMS Madurai) – Presented Poster: Autoimmune Cholestatic Hepatitis (AIH–PBC Overlap) Presenting as Acute Liver Failure: A Clinicopathological and Forensic Correlation
He is an active member of:
- Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine (IAFM)
- Indian Society of Toxicology (IST)
- Global Academy of Forensic and Investigative Medicine and Sciences (GLAFIMS)
Teaching Experience
- UG Teaching Experience: 6 Months
Ongoing Research Projects
| S. No. | Project Title | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Profile of Drowning Deaths in a Tertiary Care Center in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands: A Retrospective Postmortem Study |
Principal Investigator: Dr. Arshad Wahab Guide: Dr. Vikram S |
Publications
| S. No. | Publication Details | Journal / Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
A Rare Case of Fatal Emamectin Poisoning Vikram S, Sathish KS |
Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine, Science & Law 2024; 15(1):24–28 |
| 2 |
Fatal Cattle Attacks – An Occupational Hazard Among Cattle Rearers Pan A, Subramani V, Chaudhari V, Patra A, Priyadharsan S |
Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology 2025; 41(2):251–255 |
| 3 |
Botanical Elixirs: A Rare Case of Suicidal Poisoning with a Flower Stimulant Das S, Arya A, Badhe B, Devarajan S, Subramani V |
Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology 2025; 42(1):159–163 |
Dr. Akansha David
Senior Resident
Senior Resident | Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
About
Dr. Akansha David is a forensic medicine specialist with postgraduate training in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology from RNT Medical College. She completed her undergraduate medical education at Crimean Federal University and has been trained in high-volume government hospital settings.
Her professional experience includes medico-legal case management, autopsy procedures, injury pattern analysis, trauma documentation, forensic toxicology interpretation, and evidence-based medico-legal reporting. She is well versed in handling complex medico-legal responsibilities in accordance with government protocols and legal requirements.
She is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) and has completed the Basic Course in Biomedical Research (ICMR). Her academic and clinical interests focus on forensic pathology, trauma analysis, medicolegal documentation, and research-oriented forensic practice.
Academic Contributions
- VERITACON 2025 – Annual Conference on Law, Ethics & Identity (Theme: “Gender Identity in Medicolegal Practice”), VMCH – 30 August 2025.
- CME at AIIMS Bathinda – “Crime, Code & Clues: A Journey Through Forensic Genetics” – 23 August 2025.
- Forensic Blitz 2.0 at MAPIMS – “Forensic Perspectives on Organ Donation: Challenges and Advances” – 7 August 2025.
- National CME – “Medicolegal Documentation: Key Strategies for Health Care Professionals” – 21 February 2025, Datta Meghe Medical College & SMHRC, Nagpur.
Publications
| S. No. | Publication Details | Journal / Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Demographic and Injury Distribution Patterns in Fatal Falls From Height |
International Journal of Scientific Research (IJSR) Volume 14, Issue 11, November 2025 DOI: 10.36106/ijsr |
Junior Residents
Dr. Muhammed Arafat
Dr. Muhammed Arafat actively contributed to departmental academic activities and professional development. He participated as a delegate in the hybrid conference “Gynaecological Challenges” organized by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ANIIMS, on 30–31 July 2025.
He assisted in conducting Sherlocks 2.0 – Forensic Medicine Quiz and the toxicology-based short film competition “Lights, Camera, Poison” (December 2025), supporting coordination, supervision, and evaluation of student projects.
He is currently undertaking a research project titled:
Retrospective Analysis of Suicidal Deaths in a Tertiary Care Center in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Principal Investigator: Dr. Muhammed Arafat
- Guide: Dr. U. Jagdish Kamal Chander (HOD)
- Objective: To analyze epidemiological patterns, risk factors, and medico-legal aspects of suicide in the island population.
Dr. Arshad Wahab
Dr. Arshad Wahab actively participated in departmental academic initiatives, supporting student learning and engagement.
He assisted in organizing and conducting Sherlocks 2.0 – Forensic Medicine Quiz and the toxicology-based short film competition “Lights, Camera, Poison” (December 2025), contributing to coordination, supervision, and evaluation of student projects.
He is conducting a research study titled:
Profile of Drowning Deaths in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands – A Retrospective Postmortem Study
- Principal Investigator: Dr. Arshad Wahab
- Guide: Dr. Vikram S
- Focus: Autopsy findings, demographic trends, and forensic interpretation of drowning-related fatalities.
Departmental Intern Publications
| S. No. | Publication Details | Journal / Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
A Natural Death Mimicking Custodial Death – A Forensic Insight M. Pooja, H. Harish, D. Nandhini, G. Vinitha & A. Harshath Kumar |
International Journal of Clinicopathological Correlation 2025; 9(1):1–5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.56501/intjclinicopatholcorrel.v9i1.1256 (Department Publication) |
| 2 |
A Natural Death Mimicking Custodial Death – A Forensic Insight Harshath |
International Journal of Clinicopathological Correlation DOI: https://doi.org/10.56501/intjclinicopatholcorrel.v8i2.1250 (Department Publication) |
Forensic Medicine Department Gallery
