Dr. Rajinder Singh Chandel is a distinguished scholar and researcher in the field of forensic science, with expertise in wildlife forensics. As a professor and former Head of the Department of Forensic Science at Punjabi University, Patiala, Dr. Chandel has dedicated his career to advancing the study and application of forensic science in both academia and law enforcement.
He has been awarded the Forensic Leadership Excellence Award at the 15th IASR International Conference on Forensic Science for his innovative research and outstanding contributions to the forensic identification of wildlife species, forensic biology, and forensic chemistry.
Pioneering Research in Wildlife Forensics
Dr. Chandel conducted his Ph.D. research on the hair characterization of Schedule-1 Felids under the Wildlife (Protection) Act-1972 in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, which laid the foundation of a glorious career in forensic science. He acquired a Ph.D. in 2008 for his work from Punjabi University, which focused on the identification and forensic characterization of protected wildlife species using advanced morphological and DNA-based techniques. This research helped in laying the foundation for the identification and conservation efforts for highly endangered species such as tigers, leopards, and other felids protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Dr. Chandel has also made significant contributions to wildlife forensics, particularly in the area of illegal wildlife trade. He has conducted extensive research on forensic characterization of body fluids, trace evidence, diatoms, grasses, poisonous plants, and various species’ hair that enhanced forensic experts’ ability to solve crimes against wildlife. He got international recognition for his work and continues to be the driving force in the field.
Contributions to Forensic Science Research
In addition to his wildlife forensics expertise, Dr. Chandel has made several contributions to other areas of forensic science, including forensic biology and forensic chemistry. Since 2003, he has been actively involved in teaching and research at Punjabi University, Patiala, focusing on the analysis of various evidentiary materials using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, and DNA analysis. His research covers a broad range of forensic topics, including the forensic examination of inks, paints, trace cosmetics, and biological evidence.
Dr. Chandel has published 86 research papers in both national and international journals, which highlights his authority in the field. Through his research, he also contributed to the development of reference mtDNA sequences for identifying endangered and protected felid species in India, which are now available in the NCBI GenBank, a globally recognized database.
Mentorship and Teaching
His contributions to the field of forensic science are not limited to his research only. He mentored the future generations of forensic experts, where he supervised the research work of 11 Ph.D. scholars and 87 M.Sc. students. Under his guidance and mentorship, several aspiring forensic experts got an opportunity to get skilled and have now created a mark for themselves in academia, research, and law enforcement.
Dr. Chandel has been a passionate educator and is involved in numerous training programs that focus on wildlife forensics and illegal wildlife trade. He has trained judges, magistrates, prosecution officers, law enforcement officials, and forensic experts from across India by sharing his expertise to enhance the country's abilities to combat wildlife crime. These training programs have been conducted at prestigious institutions such as LNJN NICFS, CDTI Jaipur, CDTI Chandigarh, and CAPT Bhopal, under the aegis of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Global Recognition and International Collaborations
Dr. Chandel’s contributions to forensic science have been recognized globally. He has served as a Visiting Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University in Shaanxi, China, and as Chair Professor at the East China University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai, from 2017 to 2020. These positions highlight his influence on the global stage and his role as a thought leader in forensic science.
He got recognized for his vision and contributions to forensic science by being appointed as an expert consultant at the Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), Government of Tamil Nadu, in Vandalur, Chennai. In this role, he continues to play a crucial part in wildlife conservation efforts, particularly in the forensic analysis of wildlife-related crimes.
Leadership in Forensic Science Conferences and Workshops
Dr. Chandel has always been a sought-after resource person. He has the privilege to be a part of over 65 national and international conferences, symposia, and workshops, where he shared his expertise on various aspects of forensic science. His active participation in such events has helped in spreading awareness about the innovative research in the field and helped in nurturing collaborations among forensic scientists, conservationists, and law enforcement agencies.
A Legacy in Forensic Science and Wildlife Protection
Dr. Rajinder Singh Chandel’s remarkable career in forensic science, particularly his contributions to wildlife forensics, has left a permanent mark on the field. His research, teaching, and leadership qualities have not only helped in the advancement of forensic science but have also played a critical role in the protection and conservation of endangered wildlife species.
Dr. Ranjeet Singh, along with IASR, Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science, Clue4Evidence Forensic Lab, and the entire organizing committee, acknowledges Dr. Rajinder Singh Chandel's efforts in the field of wildlife forensics in the country and wishes his ongoing work as a professor, researcher, and consultant will continue to leave an impact and shape the future of forensic science in India and beyond.