Thanuja Durgam*, Anjali and Dr. Ravinder Chauhan
The increasing prevalence of firearm-related crimes in India, particularly those involving country-made and improvised weapons, presents significant challenges for forensic investigations. Traditional firearm identification methods based on comparison microscopy are effective but often labor-intensive, time-consuming, and inadequate for large-scale inter-jurisdictional crime linkage. Ballistic Imaging Systems (BIS), including the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS), offer a modern solution through automated acquisition, analysis, and comparison of ballistic evidence such as bullets and cartridge cases. This paper reviews the evolution of firearm tool mark identification, the principles and operation of ballistic imaging systems, and recent technological advances including three-dimensional imaging, machine learning, and automated correlation algorithms. Particular emphasis is placed on the Indian context, where the widespread use of country-made firearms, absence of a centralized ballistic repository, and forensic laboratory backlogs limit investigative effectiveness. The study also examines validation standards, legal admissibility, and the impact of recent criminal justice reforms on forensic evidence. It concludes that establishing a national ballistic database, adopting standardized protocols, and expanding advanced imaging technologies are essential for improving crime linkage, enhancing forensic efficiency, and strengthening firearm-related investigations in India.
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