Current Status of Forensic Entomology in India with Special Reference to Andaman & Nicobar Islands: A Review

The field of forensic entomology (FE), is still in its infancy in India and requires data from all the regions of the country. Precise knowledge regarding the distribution of forensically important insects, their life tables at varying temperatures, etc. is a prerequisite for applying this knowledge in solving homicidal cases. In India, much work on FE has been done in Northern India but there is a dearth of knowledge regarding FE insects and their life cycle in Southern India, especially in Andaman and Nicobar Islands which being a group of islands are expected to encompass rare and endemic species, a result of isolation which is a key factor for specialization on islands. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review on forensic entomology and the current status of this field in India, and a need of similar work in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

The data in this review has been collected from various published papers, well recognized reference books, journals electronic database, government publication and other papers. The information related to review the article collected from above mentioned references was carefully read, analyzed, and abstracted as per the need of all in context of A&N Islands and need of forensic entomology in India. Finally, the information is summarized in view to explore the way for next research steps in A&N Islands, to create awareness on forensic entomology and suggestions to establish a ‘National Body Farm’ in India.