Broad-Daylight Gangland Killing in Rohini: Forensic Lens on the Murder of Sahil Solanki
In a sensational broad-daylight shooting that has once again drawn attention to Delhi’s entrenched gang rivalries, Sahil Solanki, a recently released prison inmate allegedly linked to the Gogi gang network, was shot dead in Rohini Sector-17.
Investigators suspect the murder to be a targeted retaliation linked to the Tillu gang rivalry. The assailant fled the scene immediately after the firing, triggering a multi-layered investigation involving local police and forensic experts.
Case Overview
The incident created panic in the locality due to its daylight execution, precision targeting, and organised crime angle. Such cases rely heavily on scientific reconstruction rather than eyewitness testimony, making forensic intervention crucial.
Forensic Significance of the Case
- Targeted firearm homicide
- Possible pre-incident surveillance
- Public crime scene with trace evidence potential
- Organised gang rivalry linkage
Crime Scene Examination
Ballistic Evidence Recovery
The forensic team will focus on:
- Fired cartridge cases
- Bullet/projectile fragments
- Impact marks on surrounding surfaces
This helps determine:
- Type and calibre of firearm
- Number of shots fired
- Shooter’s position
- Single vs multiple assailants
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
- Victim’s position at the time of shooting
- Movement after impact
- Nature of attack (sudden, distant, close range)
Gunshot Residue (GSR) Examination
- Firing distance estimation
- Possibility of close-contact shooting
- Confirmation of firearm discharge involvement
CCTV & Digital Forensic Reconstruction
In an urban environment like Rohini, CCTV analysis becomes the backbone of the investigation.
- Entry and escape route tracking
- Identification of vehicle used
- Detection of accomplices
- Pre-incident movement analysis
Advanced techniques may include facial recognition, gait analysis, and number-plate enhancement.
Forensic Pathology & Autopsy Role
- Exact cause of death
- Number of entry and exit wounds
- Range of fire
- Bullet trajectory
- Time since death
Recovered bullets can directly link the crime to a specific weapon through rifling characteristics.
Gang-Rivalry Forensic Linkage
Ballistic comparison with previous cases may establish:
- Use of the same weapon in earlier crimes
- Continuity of gang activity
- Organised crime pattern
Investigative Challenges
- Evidence contamination in public areas
- Professional execution with minimal trace evidence
- Use of unregistered or stolen firearm
Forensic Domains Involved
| Forensic Field | Role in Investigation |
|---|---|
| Ballistics | Weapon identification and linkage |
| Forensic Biology | Bloodstain interpretation |
| Forensic Chemistry | Gunshot residue and trace analysis |
| Digital Forensics | CCTV timeline reconstruction |
| Forensic Pathology | Cause and manner of death |
Why This Case Matters for Forensic Students
This case demonstrates how modern investigations are driven by scientific evidence. From ballistic matching to digital reconstruction, it is a practical example of forensic-led policing in organised crime.
Conclusion
The killing of Sahil Solanki is not just another gangland murder — it is a forensically rich investigation that will depend on scientific crime scene management, ballistic intelligence, medico-legal precision, and digital reconstruction.
Forensic science will play the central role in transforming scattered physical clues into a legally admissible narrative of the crime.
