Dr. Rukmani Krishnamurthy: India’s First Lady Forensic Scientist Who Redefined Crime Investigation

At a time when the concept of forensic science was only beginning to be known in Indian shores and, in fact, most laboratories remained dominated by men, Dr. Rukmani Krishnamurthy softly initiated a revolution. Today, she is remembered as a pioneer, known far and wide in Indian annals as the first lady forensic scientist of India.

Born in the year 1949 in the city of Nagpur, Dr. Krishnamurthy took up a career that few women knew even existed. Dr. Krishnamurthy joined the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories (DFSL), Mumbai in the year 1974, a period when the subject of forensic science was not widely known outside the police departments—and even more so when it came to a woman handling the job

Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Field

Dr. Krishnamurthy started with the same laboratory as the lone female in the forensic science laboratory. “What would the lady do in FSL?” was the sort of question she regularly encountered. Instead of backing away, she let science be the evidence.

She not only demonstrated her merit but even transformed the organizational culture with her dedication and leadership qualities. When she retired as Director of DFSL Maharashtra in 2008, nearly 20% of those in the forensic department were female—a radical turnaround for a sector otherwise closed to women.

Leading High-Profile Forensic Cases Across India

Over a distinguished career spanning three decades, Dr. Rukmani Krishnamurthy led and supervised forensic analysis in some of India’s most complex and sensitive criminal cases, including:

• The 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts, where her team’s forensic report was later praised by Interpol Lyon for its precision and scientific rigor
• The Matunga train fire (1976)
• The Joshi–Abhyankar serial murder case
• Numerous dowry death investigations
• The Neeraj Grover murder case, among others

Her work reinforced the idea that forensic evidence—not confessions or assumptions—must guide justice.

Transforming Forensic Science in India

Dr. Krishnamurthy is credited with modernizing Indian forensic science and aligning it with global best practices. Under her leadership, DFSL Maharashtra adopted cutting-edge investigative techniques, including:

• DNA profiling and testing
• Cyber forensics
• Brain fingerprinting
• Narco-analysis and lie detector tests
• Advanced document, voice, and video analysis

She was instrumental in establishing six world-class forensic laboratories in Maharashtra and played a key role in expanding forensic education and training in cities such as Mumbai, Nagpur, and Aurangabad—ensuring that the next generation of forensic scientists was both skilled and ethically grounded.

Transitioning from Public Service to Private Expertise: Helik Advisory Ltd

After retirement, Dr. Krishnamurthy continued her mission by founding Helik Advisory Ltd, an ISO-certified forensic and allied sciences organisation based in Mumbai. As Chairperson and CEO, she now provides expert forensic services to:

• Law enforcement agencies
• Judiciary and legal professionals
• Banks and financial institutions
• IT firms and corporates
• Educational institutions and the general public

Services Offered by Helik Advisory Ltd

Helik Advisory delivers comprehensive forensic solutions, including:

Forensic Laboratory Services

• Questioned document and handwriting examination
• Fingerprint analysis
• Digital and cyber forensics
• Voice and speaker identification
• Forensic video analysis

Allied Forensic Services

• Forensic psychology
• Social and preventive forensics (cyber safety, mental health awareness)
• Crime scene examination and evidence collection

Training, Research & Consulting

• Internships and professional training programs
• Research and technical advisory
• Corporate investigations and expert witness services

The organisation’s laboratories and methodologies are designed to match international standards comparable to the FBI, reinforcing India’s forensic credibility on a global stage.

Recognition, Research, and Lasting Legacy

Dr. Rukmani Krishnamurthy’s contributions have earned her more than 10 national and international awards, including Lifetime Achievement honours from the Government of India. She is also:

• A member of the Academic Council, National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Gujarat
• A PhD guide for forensic research scholars
• Author of two authoritative books on forensic science
• Contributor of 140+ research papers in national and international journals

A biopic currently in production, focusing on landmark cases such as the Mumbai blasts and the Telgi scam, further underscores her influence on India’s justice system.

Inspiring Women, Strengthening Justice Apart from being an accomplished scientist, the true legacy of Dr. Rukmani Krishnamurthy lies in the area of mentorship and advocacy. Renowned for having the keen scientific temperament and the strong conviction of the equality of all persons, she has motivated many women to take up the fields of forensic science, criminology, or law enforcement. “Today, when science and its applications in the administration of justice are being hotly debated in India, the life of this woman provides irrefutable proof that truth, when it sets about discovering the truth, has the power to change the system, as well as the individual herself.”