Establishing Forensic Anthropology Units in Indian Medical Colleges: From Theory to Praxis

Forensic anthropology is integral to medico-legal investigations involving skeletal, decomposed, and fragmentary human remains. In India, despite increasing case requirements, forensic anthropology largely functions without dedicated institutional units. This article reviews the status of forensic anthropology practice in India and proposes a feasible implementation framework for establishing forensic anthropology units within Indian medical colleges. This article discusses the challenges in the establishment of a forensic anthropology unit in Indian medical colleges. Dedicated forensic anthropology units can be established within existing forensic medicine departments using modest infrastructure, basic anthropometric instruments, trained faculty, and interdepartmental collaboration. Institution-based forensic anthropology units are feasible, cost-effective, and essential for strengthening medico-legal services, training, and research in India.