Role of Autopsy Surgeons in Determining Firearm Types in Fatal Shootings: Insights from the Sambhal Firing Case

This paper investigates the essential role that forensic pathologist, commonly known as autopsy surgeon, plays in identifying the type of firearm involved in fatal shooting incidents. Although their main focus is on determining the cause and manner of death, these specialists can offer valuable information regarding the firearm's characteristics based on their detailed assessments of injuries, projectile analyses, and other findings from the autopsy. It is essential to acknowledge, however, that their capacity to definitively identify the specific make and model of a weapon is constrained. Consequently, further evaluation by specialized ballistics experts is frequently necessary to clarify these details. This study explores how forensic pathologists can develop informed opinions about the firearm used in a fatal incident, assesses the reliability of these opinions in the absence of a ballistics expert report, and underscores the inherent limitations of their conclusions. Ultimately, the partnership between forensic pathologists and ballistics experts is vital for achieving a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding shooting fatalities, as an autopsy surgeon alone cannot determine the nature of the firearm involved in a death related to gunfire without assistance from a ballistics expert.