'What Would A Lady Do In Forensics?': Dr Rukmani Krishnamurthy Reshaped India's Crime Labs

Dr Rukmani Krishnamurthy is a trailblazing and revolutionary figure in the field of forensic science in India. Born in 1949 in Nagpur, she shattered stereotypes to become the country's first female forensic investigator. Throughout her career, she has been a powerful and progressive example of what women can achieve, rising to the highest levels of her profession despite facing questions about her abilities.

Background & Career Pathway

Dr Krishnamurthy was born as the sixth child to a government official and a homemaker. Her parents had always encouraged her to pursue her dreams and do something for society without any expectation. After completing an MSc in analytical chemistry, she joined the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories in 1974.

Early in her career, Dr Krishnamurthy was the only woman in the DFSL lab and faced many biases. On the very first day, some colleagues questioned, "What would a lady do in FSL?" However, her work and determination spoke for themselves. In 2002, Dr Krishnamurthy became the Director of DFSL Maharashtra. During her tenure, she guided officers on significant national cases, such as counterfeit currency investigations. 

Dr Krishnamurthy handled many high-profile cases, including the Joshi-Abhyankar serial killings in the 1970s, the 1976 train fire in Maharashtra, the 1993 Mumbai blasts and more. Following her outstanding work in investigating the Mumbai blasts, she was invited by Interpol Lyon for a discussion of the report, which drew praise from global forensic scientists. 

Dr Krishnamurthy's presence in FSL helped pave the way for a more diverse team, with women making up 20% of the staff when she left in 2008. From 2009 to 2012, Dr Krishnamurthy served as the Technical Advisor to the Institute of Forensic Science in Maharashtra and helped establish three new institutes in Mumbai, Nagpur, and Aurangabad, expanding access to forensic science education.

Dr Krishnamurthy has been instrumental in establishing six world-class forensic labs for the Maharashtra government. These facilities covered a wide range of specialities, including lie detection, tape authentication, cyber forensics, brain-fingerprinting, and DNA analysis.

In 2011, Dr Krishnamurthy established a forensic laboratory called Helik Advisory, and is currently serving as its Chairperson and CEO. She also serves as an Academic Council Member at the National Forensic Science University and regularly consults with senior judges of the Session Court, High Court and Supreme Court to provide forensic expertise on critical legal matters.

Publications and Recognition

An accomplished author and researcher, Dr Krishnamurthy has written two notable books, Introduction to Forensic Science in Crime Investigation and Forensic Biology. She has also published more than 140 research papers in national and international journals, solidifying her reputation as a leading authority in the field. She has received eight national awards, including "The Best Director and Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, for her outstanding work in forensic science.

Dr. Krishnamurthy is truly an exceptional and one-of-a-kind woman. At 77, she continues to be an inspiration by serving her community while defying expectations of what women can achieve. Her ongoing contributions to her field are a testament to her unyielding passion. Her remarkable journey and significant contributions have made her one of the most respected senior forensic scientists in the country.