In a groundbreaking achievement, the Kannur police have successfully employed forensic gait analysis to identify a suspect involved in a bomb hurling incident, demonstrating the method’s effectiveness in modern criminal investigations. This pioneering use of gait analysis marks a significant advancement in forensic techniques within Kerala and sets a promising precedent for future cases.
Introduction of Forensic Gait Analysis
The Kannur police turned to forensic gait analysis to crack the Chalakkara house bombing case. This advanced technique focuses on analyzing walking patterns to establish identities, particularly useful when traditional visual evidence, such as CCTV footage, falls short. In this instance, the gait analysis method became a crucial tool in the investigative process.

Incident Details
The incident occurred on June 9 when an individual, concealed by a raincoat and facemask, hurled a bomb at Sanoop’s house. Although CCTV cameras captured the event, the obscured face of the suspect made identification challenging. This scenario underscored the need for an alternative approach to identifying the culprit.
Role of Forensic Gait Analysis
Faced with the challenge of identifying the suspect, the Kannur police sent the available data to a forensic lab in Ahmedabad due to the absence of requisite facilities in Kerala. The forensic gait analysis confirmed the suspect’s identity as Arun, using the distinctive walking patterns observed in the CCTV footage. This successful identification highlighted the precision and reliability of gait analysis in forensic investigations.
Historical Context and Legal Precedence
Forensic gait analysis is not a new concept. It has historical roots dating back to 1839 in London and has seen application in various criminal cases worldwide. However, its use in the Chalakkara house bombing case represents a significant milestone for Kerala, illustrating the evolving landscape of forensic science in the region.
Impact and Future Implications
The successful application of forensic gait analysis by the Kannur police underscores its potential to address the limitations of traditional identification methods, particularly when suspects conceal their faces. This innovative approach not only resolved a challenging case but also paved the way for future use of gait analysis in criminal investigations across Kerala. By setting a new standard, it promises to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies, ensuring more accurate and reliable identification processes in complex cases.
This report highlights the pioneering efforts of the Kannur police in utilizing forensic gait analysis, emphasizing its pivotal role in modern criminal investigations and its potential implications for the future of law enforcement practices.
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