The Rajiv Gandhi assassination presented investigators with an exceptionally difficult forensic scene. The explosion caused extensive fragmentation of bodies, including the suspected suicide bomber. Traditional identification methods such as visual recognition were therefore of limited value.
Forensic investigators examined biological material recovered from the scene and subjected suitable samples to DNA analysis. The genetic profiles obtained from the remains were compared with reference material from relatives and other relevant sources. This enabled investigators to establish identities despite the severe physical destruction caused by the blast.
One of the particularly significant aspects of the case was that DNA analysis was not restricted to victim identification. The forensic investigation also helped establish the identity of the female suicide bomber, Thenmozhi Rajaratnam, popularly known as Dhanu. This made the case particularly significant in India because DNA profiling was used to identify both victims and the person believed to have carried out the attack.
The case demonstrated how molecular identification can become critical following terrorist attacks and other mass-casualty incidents. It also highlighted the importance of reference samples, proper recovery of biological material and comparative genetic analysis.